Veteran carnatic vocalist Semmangudi Srinivasaier passed away at 10.10 am on 31 October, 2003 in Madras. He was 96.
The funeral is scheduled for 1 November.
Born at Semmangudi in Tanjavur district in a musical family, Srinivasaier trained under stalwarts like his uncle Tirukkodikaval Krishna Iyer, Tiruvidaimarudur Sakharama Rao and Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer.
He had his debut at the Kumbakonam Nageswaraswami temple in 1926. It is said that his concert at the Congress session in Madras (the following year) brought him to centre-stage.
Acclaimed as the Sangeetha Pitamaha of carnatic music, he was known for his strong adherence to tradition.
Among the maestro's celebrated pupils are M. S. Subbulakshmi, T. N. Krishnan, T.M. Thyagarajan, P. S. Narayanaswami and Kadayanallur Venkatraman.
Till date, fit and sharp, Srinivasaier was known to attend the odd functions in Chennai and spoke clearly at every address he delivered.
Among the numerous awards he received are Padma Vibushan in 1990, Padma Bhushan in 1969 and Sangita Kalanidhi in 1947.
Contact: 43, Lloyds Lane, Royapettah, Chennai - 14. 28277554.
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Here are the responses received at KutcheriBuzz:
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The Kumbakonam Sri Ramanavami Trust and Kumbakonam Music and Dance Acadamy express their condolences to the family members of Sri Semmangudi Iyer. |
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Thiruvaiyaru Satguru Thiyagabrama Mahosthava Sabha President Sri G.R.Moopanar express his condolences to the family members of Sri Semmangudi Srinivasaiyer. |
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The grand old guardian of Carnatic music - Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer - is no more. He was an inspiration even to the new generation musicians. Is there anyone to take his place now?
Whenever I had an opportunity to meet him he always advised me to go back to my roots, music, instead of working as a bureaucrat. I have taken his advice after 14 years and started performing now.
Him not getting a Bharat Ratna is not a loss to him but to the award. The way the great M D Ramanathan was not given Sangeeta Kalanidhi by The Music Academy.
His contribution to the world of music will always be remembered.
- G S Rajan, New Delhi. |
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More links on the maestro:
rediff.com Special: Semmangudi Sreenivasa Iyer on Chennai's ...
" Those were the days when I was young and lived in my village... Semmangudi. ...
Books on Semmangudi
Sangeetham Store. There are two excellent books on Semmangudi. One is a character portrait ...
Semmangudi is 96
Isaignani Ilayaraja performed the Kanakabishekam, showering 96 gold coins on Semmangudi.
Semmangudi R Srinivasier
... Perhaps this is the secret to his success....
The Hindu : Why compose new songs, asks Semmangudi
Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer
Artistes' Panorama. THE PRESENT - VOCALISTS. Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer.