Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Remembering musicians of the recent past
rshankar
Posts: 13754
Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 22:26

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by rshankar »

Ramesh, I wondered about that, because, isn't there a biographical sketch elsewhere in this thread that indicates that following his father and guru's advice, he did not accompany women artists?

mahavishnu
Posts: 3341
Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 21:56

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by mahavishnu »

Yes, Ravi. I believe that is accurate.

Rsachi
Posts: 5039
Joined: 31 Aug 2009, 13:54

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by Rsachi »

Mahavishnu,
The moment I saw that pic, I flicked an email to my expert friend saying it didn't look like LGJ and I thought it was actually VVS.
He confirmed that LGJ didn't accompany women.

cmlover
Posts: 11498
Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 22:36

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by cmlover »

That makes him yet another with PMI who would not accompany women..
PMI made an exception to DKP, his sambandhi..

mahavishnu
Posts: 3341
Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 21:56

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by mahavishnu »

PMI accompanied MLV also. They were both also on the faculty together at Rishi Valley (KFI).

vasanthakokilam
Posts: 10956
Joined: 03 Feb 2010, 00:01

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by vasanthakokilam »

rajeshnat wrote:varadu's tribute of LGJ
http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday ... 698832.ece
I found this quite a noteworthy angle that varadu speaks of: "He inspired them ( the vocalists ), gave them comfort and was with them in every moment".

Ramasubramanian M.K
Posts: 1226
Joined: 05 May 2009, 08:33

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by Ramasubramanian M.K »

Re: PMI not accompanying women till he started playing for DKP(Sambandhi as CML points out!!) and for MLV when they were both on the faculty of Rishi Valley.

The interesting fact was in 1952 when Semmangudi celebrated his daughter's wedding in Courtallam, attempts were made by common friends of SSI/TS and SSI to "coax" PMI to accompany MSS(MSS sang at the reception).PMI was resolute and politely said NO! The excuse in those days was the high sruthi of female vocalists and his "discomfort" with the mridangam at high sruthis(Caveat: I am not a Mridangam player so that I cannot vouch for the veracity of this "theory"!!) How the likes of Kalpathi Ramanathan,T.K.Murthy et al managed to accompany MSS I wonder!!!

As recently as in the seventies,when CMANA in NJ made a request to Trichy Sankaran to accompany MLV(because there was a problem with the regular accompanist--I forget who)-TS turned the request down with a similar reason!!

mahavishnu
Posts: 3341
Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 21:56

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by mahavishnu »

Interesting as always, MKR. I appreciate your personal and historic insights. Perhaps this could be the topic of another thread... I do have a good bit to say on this topic.

However, we should respectfully try and keep this thread as closely related to LGJ reminiscences and tributes. My apologies for contributing to the digression.

Back on topic, here is a wonderful example of the LGJ's brilliance of return that Varadu talks about. Here is a grahabedham in response to BMK's Kalyani (clip courtesy Cool-ji). https://archive.org/details/LalgudiBMKKalyani

Music does not get better than this!

semmu86
Posts: 960
Joined: 03 Feb 2010, 09:39

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by semmu86 »

vasanthakokilam wrote:I found this quite a noteworthy angle that varadu speaks of: "He inspired them ( the vocalists ), gave them comfort and was with them in every moment".
You can testify to those above words, when you see the video of Alathur Srinivasa Iyer accompanied by LGJ. There was so much of synergy between them. Uday described that beautifully in an earlier post. The way ASI & Vairamangalam enjoyed every bit of LGJ's accompaniment, esp the way ASI nodded his head in appreciation of LGJ's thodi opening, the way LGJ forgoes the final round of madhyamakAla niraval and eggs on ASI to sing the swarams :: Priceless moments, worth watching again & again......

Aditto
Posts: 323
Joined: 20 May 2008, 20:31

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by Aditto »

Please watch this :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr34UG1nDEc

Regards,
Aditya.

mahavishnu
Posts: 3341
Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 21:56

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by mahavishnu »

Thanks for sharing this, Aditya.
Sri Ramani playing tanpura for LGJ, with so much reverence is a sight to behold!

And it is great to see Sri LGJ, Ramani, UKS and Vikku together.

Ramasubramanian M.K
Posts: 1226
Joined: 05 May 2009, 08:33

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by Ramasubramanian M.K »

Mahavishnu: YOU are right that the discussion belongs in another thread--sometimes when one sees a comment,,I fly off in a tangent in Mudikondan style because it "triggers" an anecdote--.

YES--there is so much to write about LGJ--I plan to write a coherent narrative ASAP.

Personally it is a great loss to me and my family because he was one of us--I spent almost 3 hours with him when I was in Chennai two months back-- despite the fact that he was severely incapacitated

he still managed to correct our reminiscences and when my wife asked him what he was working on he said with glee in Tamil--Saraswathiyile oru varnam pannirukken--I do not know whether it has been played in concert by Krishnan and Viji yet. Till his last breath the musical mind was a s fertile as ever!!


mahavishnu
Posts: 3341
Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 21:56

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by mahavishnu »

Thank you, Dr. Pasupathy.
MKR, Looking forward to your detailed recollections.

Pasupathy
Posts: 7868
Joined: 26 Jan 2013, 19:01

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by Pasupathy »

LALGUDI'S NECTAR DROPS - PART 4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5A53KXnh38Y

cmlover
Posts: 11498
Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 22:36

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by cmlover »

These are Nectar indeed !

Pasupathy
Posts: 7868
Joined: 26 Jan 2013, 19:01

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by Pasupathy »

Lalgudi Jayaraman - Adamodi galade - Charukesi - Thyagaraja

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aM8N7lMnbk

Ramasubramanian M.K
Posts: 1226
Joined: 05 May 2009, 08:33

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by Ramasubramanian M.K »

Dr.Pasupathy:Cannot thank you enough for literally extracting the nectars --the quality of the expressions of the students speaks volumes for the Maestro's genius---beautifully edited and crisply rendered.
YOU HAVE LITERALLY STOLEN THE THUNDER OUT OF THE NARRATIVE THAT I AM PLANNING TO WRITE!!

Having been a witness countless #of times during his teaching sessions,I visualize the "arc" of the disciples--6 or 7 or 8 with the maestro seated in a chair and "coaxing" the nuances out of every note,krithi with a mixture of playfulness/taunting and serious advice. No time wasted on his experiences or exploits(I have seen some teachers getting lost in reverie over their "feats".

What is amazing and noteworthy is the fact that despite the fact that he grew up under a strict regimen from his father,he never resorted to those methods when he taught students--same thing when talking to his children--lot of latitude given but seldom abused by his students or children.Even when he gets upset by small things,his chiding would be gentle but none-the-less "stinging"(I have been at the receiving end in public@ Cleveland !!).Will cover this in the narrative later.

Pasupathy
Posts: 7868
Joined: 26 Jan 2013, 19:01

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by Pasupathy »

YOU HAVE LITERALLY STOLEN THE THUNDER OUT OF THE NARRATIVE THAT I AM PLANNING TO WRITE!!
:) The credit/blame goes to S B Khanthan!


Please go ahead with your narrative ! ; looking forward to it. I'm sure you will pack it with fresh insights!

PUNARVASU
Posts: 2498
Joined: 06 Feb 2010, 05:42

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by PUNARVASU »

pORRuvAr pORRalum tURRuvAr tURRalum pOgaTtum KAnthanukkE! :)

cmlover
Posts: 11498
Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 22:36

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by cmlover »

MKR
Looking forward to your illuminating episodes with SwargIya LGJ !

hnbhagavan
Posts: 1655
Joined: 21 Jun 2008, 22:06

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by hnbhagavan »

Dear Sri MKR,

Please continue : Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

regards,
HNBhagavan

Pasupathy
Posts: 7868
Joined: 26 Jan 2013, 19:01

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by Pasupathy »

LALGUDI'S NECTAR DROPS - PART 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEJ9TjdA2bc

LALGUDI'S NECTAR DROPS - PART 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEZxgJd8mwk

Ramasubramanian M.K
Posts: 1226
Joined: 05 May 2009, 08:33

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by Ramasubramanian M.K »

Forumites: Thanks for encouraging(!!) me to write on LGJ's reminiscences. You will be amply 'punished" for your indiscretion in suggesting!!
Seriously though,I am planning to start next week. I intend posting atleast twice/week with intervals inviting other forumites to pitch in.While immediate constraints on my time have hampered my efforts, I must confess my ambivalence on the subject. While I had no such qualms in my chronicles on MS Amma and SSI,LGJ was an extremely private man who did not wish any attention being drawn to him other than his music. I had several times suggested to him to follow the forum and offer comments he always smilingly dismissed my suggestion.Neverthless I am undertaking this if only to remove some of the mystique that surrounded him.

Hopefully my narrative will be enhanced/corraborated/refuted by rasikas.

cmlover
Posts: 11498
Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 22:36

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by cmlover »

It will be nice to view LGJ through the MKR glasses!
Any distortions may be attributed to the glasses than to LGJ himself :D

arasi
Posts: 16774
Joined: 22 Jun 2006, 09:30

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by arasi »

CML,
We are all remembering Lalgudi fondly and are listening to his musical ambrosia. MKR too will view him through rose-colored glasses without doubt...

MKR,
With all that occupies you now, rest a bit and when you find a little time, write down your memories. Hold on to them until you have three or four segments and then post them together.

Sivaramakrishnan
Posts: 1582
Joined: 02 Jan 2010, 08:29

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by Sivaramakrishnan »

I have had the privilege of listening to Sri Lalgudi on the violin for some great Vidwans at the Trivandrum Navaratri Mandapam concerts during 1965-1985 and to me that was the golden period of 'my Lalgudi music'. To be very frank, I admired him more as an accompanist. His own as well supportive roles alternated during the concerts and what marvelous music was that! He was the permanent support for Alathur Srinivasa Iyer at the Mandapam. Palght Mani Iyer was on Mridanga on most occasions. And how they enriched the scholarly music of Alathur! Their association for the Vidwan's niraval and swara prastaara @ Kamaneeyatamaroopey Kanyaakubjavaasini for the Naatakurinji song 'Paahi Janani' was mesmeric and this is just an example.

Lalgudi/PMI support for Palghat KVN's rendering of Sumasaayaka were real treats!

Old timers of Trivandrum used to remember Lalgudi's accompaniment for Musiri's 'Smarahari paadaaravindam' (Saama) at the mandapam. (This gem of a Swati tirunal kriti seems to be largely neglected !!). Surprisingly, while reporting the news of the demise of Lalgudi in their 'MAANILA SEIDIGAL' (Regional news), AIR Chennai aired a 20 second excerpt of his playing this song!!I was just moved. Will AIR broadcast the full compliment of this recording?

Pasupathy
Posts: 7868
Joined: 26 Jan 2013, 19:01

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by Pasupathy »


rajeshnat
Posts: 9907
Joined: 03 Feb 2010, 08:04

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by rajeshnat »

Lalgudi nectar drops in parts 1 to 5 - where his disciples share about LGJ(swati sanskriti)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItQsjMnq4PY

Pasupathy
Posts: 7868
Joined: 26 Jan 2013, 19:01

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by Pasupathy »

rajeshnat wrote:Lalgudi nectar drops in parts 1 to 5 - where his disciples share about LGJ(swati sanskriti)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItQsjMnq4PY
Part -6 is also there. Please see Post#148.

matterwaves
Posts: 130
Joined: 24 Aug 2007, 18:26

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by matterwaves »

Has sri Lalgudi accompanied Flute Mali? I have never come across any recordings of Mali with either LGJ or MSG.

cacm
Posts: 2212
Joined: 08 Apr 2010, 00:07

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by cacm »

matterwaves wrote:Has sri Lalgudi accompanied Flute Mali? I have never come across any recordings of Mali with either LGJ or MSG.
YES. BOTH LGJ& MSG HAVE ACCOMPANIED MALI. VKV

kvchellappa
Posts: 3598
Joined: 04 Aug 2011, 13:54

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by kvchellappa »

Today's Hindu carries Bombay Jayashri's reminiscences of Lalgudi Sir.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp ... 835303.ece

rshankar
Posts: 13754
Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 22:26

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by rshankar »

Beautiful!!

hnbhagavan
Posts: 1655
Joined: 21 Jun 2008, 22:06

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by hnbhagavan »

http://www.tapasstheertham.com is a new website on the music of Lalgudi sir.

Mrs. Lakshmi devnath has authored a book called "An Incurable Romantic" - a work on the life of Sri Lalgudi G Jayaraman.
I request interested rasikas to place order in the above website.

Pasupathy
Posts: 7868
Joined: 26 Jan 2013, 19:01

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by Pasupathy »

Pasupathy wrote: . . . // . . .
The next year or so ( 96?) GJR Krishnan and Vijayalakshmi gave a concert at Toronto. The concluding piece was a Thiruppugazh ( I think it was 'ERu mayilERi") in
the raga 'Jaideep'. Krishnan explained the raga; but now I don't remember it. I remember talking to him afterwards and he explained that the new raga's name was a tribute to his father ; hence the 'Jai' in the name.

Does anyone know the ArOhaNa and AvarohaNa of this raga and is there a recording of this Thiruppugazh available?
I wrote to Sri Lalgudi G J R Krishnan about this and he was kind enough to clarify :

Jaideep ( Vakulabaranam Janya)
The arohana SMPNS
Avarohanam SNDMPGS


My sincere thanks to Sri GJR Krishnan .

kvchellappa
Posts: 3598
Joined: 04 Aug 2011, 13:54

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by kvchellappa »


mahavishnu
Posts: 3341
Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 21:56

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by mahavishnu »

Pasupathy wrote:
I wrote to Sri Lalgudi G J R Krishnan about this and he was kind enough to clarify :

Jaideep ( Vakulabaranam Janya)
The arohana SMPNS
Avarohanam SNDMPGS


My sincere thanks to Sri GJR Krishnan .
Thanks Prof. Pasupathy. I was curious about this too. I am glad you were able to clarify.

kvchellappa
Posts: 3598
Joined: 04 Aug 2011, 13:54

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by kvchellappa »

From The Hindu (posted by Smt. Lata Ganapathy Ravikiran in FB):
http://www.thehindu.com/features/metrop ... 937422.ece

mahavishnu
Posts: 3341
Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 21:56

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by mahavishnu »

Thank you KVChellappa. A very touching reminiscence...
I can't believe a year has gone by since his passing.

varsha
Posts: 1978
Joined: 24 Aug 2011, 15:06

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by varsha »

Image

Image

Image

MV - Let us count our blessings while he is wowing another world !!!

https://www.mediafire.com/?kfaml55pqpw0myp

mahavishnu
Posts: 3341
Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 21:56

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by mahavishnu »

Thank you, Varsha.The BMK LGJ combo is indeed special.

rahm221
Posts: 73
Joined: 28 Sep 2006, 09:08

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by rahm221 »

Hi Varsha,

Is it possible to get the complete song (BMK LGJ) or is it available somewhere

varsha
Posts: 1978
Joined: 24 Aug 2011, 15:06

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by varsha »

am travelling.will look into these around the fifteenth

hnbhagavan
Posts: 1655
Joined: 21 Jun 2008, 22:06

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by hnbhagavan »


mahavishnu
Posts: 3341
Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 21:56

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by mahavishnu »

Remembering the maestro today. It has been exactly two years since his passing. His music lives with us every day!

cacm
Posts: 2212
Joined: 08 Apr 2010, 00:07

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by cacm »

It SADDENS me beyond my ability to express it the fact that a person like LGJ who REVOLUTIONIZED THE ROLE OF VIOLIN IN CM, WHOSE COMPOSITIONS ARE OF THE HIGHEST CLASS, WHO LITERALLY NOT ONLY CAUSED THE RENAISSANCE OF CM IN N.A. & INDIA is not being celebrated in the way it should.
Neverthless THE LALGUDI SAHAPTHAM cannot be stopped by the lack of CELEBRATIONS IT SHOULD TRIGGER....VERY VERY SAD V.K.V.

hnbhagavan
Posts: 1655
Joined: 21 Jun 2008, 22:06

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by hnbhagavan »

I would suggest as part of Cleveland festival,a tribute concert may be planned from next year as the festival is held in April.I did not read about any tribute concerts planned in Chennai even in Krishnaganasabha.Generally KGS schedules programs on his birthday.Tributes were paid by Mysuru Violin Bros and they played a Thillana in sindhubhairavi at Fort HS,Bangalore Ramanavami on April 21.
It is the case with many others including the great MDR.
MDR is not at all remembered in Chennai and an event is held in Trivandrum by retired school teacher Krishna murthy called MDR day.

cacm
Posts: 2212
Joined: 08 Apr 2010, 00:07

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by cacm »

I UNDERSTAND the sentiments behind you suggestion but the scope of CLEVELAND FESTIVAL is not conducive to happenings like the ones you are referring to. For example NEXT YEAR'S FESTIVAL WILL CONCENTRATE ON M.S. & her birth centenary. vkv

hnbhagavan
Posts: 1655
Joined: 21 Jun 2008, 22:06

Re: Lalgudi reminiscences and tributes

Post by hnbhagavan »

Dear CACM,

Lalgudi GJR Krishnan,Vijayalakshmi are doing excellent work to preserve the Lalgudi bani.Similarly as you mentioned,Narmada is the torch bearer for MSG bani and starting from Cleveland,there have been tribute concerts organised by you.I think in the previous year there was a tribute session for Lalgudi Jayaraman.Both Lalgudi sir and MSG are really violin gods and paved the way for many talented youngsters.You mentioned next year festival will concentrate om MSS.
We have Chembai festival to commemorate Chembai music.One music doyen who does not have any festival named after him is MDR.I think even Kalakshetra where MDR served does not have an annual tribute to him.Rasikas can correct me if i am wrong.

Post Reply