Posted on 27th November 2001
|
News - Views - Reviews |
|
MADRAS MUSIC MELA 2001 |
|
MEET SANGEETA KALA ACHARYA-TO-BE KUMBHAKONAM RAJAPPA IYER |
| His list of
disciples reads like a 'Who's who in Carnatic music'. He is the embodiment
of humility. A very low-profile personality, but a man of high
achievements. Yes, we are talking about Kumbhakonam Rajappa Iyer,
who is to be awarded the title of Sangeeta Kala Acharya by the
Music Academy this year. The unanimous opinion is that it couldn't have be
given to a more deserving acharya (teacher). It is also very
appropriate considering that one of his disciples, Umayalpuram Sivaraman
has been chosen for the highest honour that any Carnatic musician can get,
namely, the Sangeeta Kalanidhi. Need more be said about a Guru?
Rajappa Iyer was born in 1916 at Kumbhakonam, and is himself the product of excellent training under stalwarts like Azhaga Nambi Pillai and Kumbhakonam Rangu Iyengar. His Mridangam style is marked by soft but firm strokes with a good grip on laya aspects. He has had a concert career spanning several decades and has trained a number of worthy students. Carnatica congratulates him on being chosen for this honour. |
| Guru(s): | I have learnt from great vidwans like Azhaga Nambi Pillai (3 years) and Kumbhakonam Rangu Iyengar (4 years). I have learnt both Mridangam and Ghatam and have performed on both. |
| Favorite vocalist(s) from the past: | In the past anybody who performed was a professional musician. So everybody excelled in their own way. |
| Favorite instrumentalist(s) from the past: | Same with instrumentalists too. |
| Favorite vocalist(s) of the present day: | In the present generation people are so intelligent that they come up very well even if they do not take music as their only profession. There are so many shining stars; I cannot mention a few and leave out the others. |
| Favorite instrumentalist(s) of the present day: | Same with instrumentalists. |
| Favorite composer: | I have personally moved with Papanasam Sivan. I admire his compositions. |
| Favorite raga: | Any raga is fascinating for me. |
| Favorite venue: | Krishna Gana Sabha |
| Favorite hobby: | I practice Yoga for hours together. I also love reading books. |
|
Posted on 27th November 2001 |
|
|
|
|