Mumbai, September 16 (Daily Kiran) : Lalgudi Jayaraman is a revered name in the world of Carnatic music and violin. Born on September 17, 1930, he emerged from a family deeply rooted in musical tradition. His father, Lalgudi V.R. Gopala Ayyar, was a renowned musician and his first guru, introducing him to music at a very young age.
Growing up in the Tamil Nadu town of Lalgudi, Jayaraman faced challenges in accessing music. His family did not own a radio, but his passion for music drove him to seek out concerts. At just ten years old, he would travel alone by train to attend performances, immersing himself in the melodies that would shape his artistry.
In interviews, Jayaraman recounted how he would listen to music broadcasts from All India Radio at neighbors’ homes or public venues. He would memorize the tunes and practice them on his violin upon returning home. His dedication was evident; he would rush back after late-night concerts to replicate what he had heard.
Jayaraman’s early experiences allowed him to collaborate with prominent artists like Madurai Mani Iyer and G.N. Balasubramaniam. His unique approach to the violin, later known as the ‘Lalgudi Bani,’ infused vocal qualities into his performances, making the music resonate with storytelling.
Beyond performing, Jayaraman was a composer, creating significant works like ‘Suladi Sapta Tala Ramayana,’ and trained numerous students in the art of music. His legacy continues through his children, Lalgudi G.J.R. Krishnan and Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi, who uphold the family tradition.
Throughout his career, Jayaraman received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1972 and the Padma Bhushan in 2001. He was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1978 and became a fellow of the academy in 2009, a prestigious recognition in the field of Indian classical music. In 2008, the Music Academy in Madras awarded him a Lifetime Achievement Award.
After suffering a stroke in 2006, he stepped back from performing but remained active as a teacher and composer. Lalgudi Jayaraman passed away on April 22, 2013, at the age of 82, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire musicians worldwide.
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