A Tradition of Recognising Excellence - M. Balamuralikrishna - Parvathi Ramanavami Concert 1971

Parvathi felicitating Maestro M. BalamuraliKrishna 1971

Soon after starting the Ramanavami festival in the 60s, Mr. K. Srikantiah made a concerted effort to attract the best of musicians and felicitated them. Thus it was that in 1971, Vid. M. Balamuralikrishna was handsomely felicitated in the presence of several connoisseurs and musicians. 

We are sharing this concert recording from 1971 as our blog's penultimate tribute to Sri.K.Srikatiah's memory among rasikas and musicians world over for his immense service to the cause of art and Mysore rasikas.

Keenly aware of the occasion then, BMK also performed a stellar concert in the company of the best of artistes, viz. Vid. M. Chandrasekharan, Vid. Umalaypuram Sivaraman and Vid. Vikku Vinayakram. His Chandrika raga alapana, followed by his own composition, was received with many appreciative murmurs. His treatment of Devadi Deva had established his stardom already in Mysore, being applauded by the composer himself! Here, he rendered it with the same gusto. "Chandru" followed the mood and method assiduously. Kharaharapriya was a favourite of Sri. K. Srikantiah and the raga and song would have surely thrilled him. All in all, this concert has the stamp of BMK, full of melody and inventiveness. 

Vid. Umayalpuram Sivaraman,  recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Sangeeta Kalanidhi among several titles, celebrated completing 80 years of performing in concerts very recently, by playing in the Kalahasteeshvara Temple, Kumbhakonam, where he had his arangetram in 1935! Our felicitations to the doyen of percussion art. 

M.Balamuralikrishna --------------- Vocal 
M. Chandrasekharan---------------- Violin
Umayalpuram Sivaraman --------- Mridangam
T.H. Vinayakram ---------------------- Ghatam
Date: 7th April 1971 - held at the Parvathi Ramanavami Pandal

1. Endaro Mahanubhavulu - Sriraga - Thyagaraja
2. Enta Muddo - Bindumalini - Thyagaraja
3. Nee Sati Neeve Ranga - Chandrika - Balamuralikrishna
4. Peridi Ninnu - Kharaharapriya - Thyagaraja
5. Paramapavanamu - Kedaragaula - Balamuralikrishna
6. Devadi Deva - Sunada Vinodini - Mysore Vasudevacharya
7. Tani
8. Jagodaddharana - Kapi - Purandaradasa
9. Naapaali Sreerama - Shankarabharanam - Thyagaraja
10. Ya Ramita - Patdeep - Jayadeva
11. Sita Kalyana - Kurinji - Thyagaraja
12. Thillana - Kadanakuthuhalam - Balamuralikrishna
13. Mangalam - Madhyamavathi -Balamuralikrishna

 

Editor of "Star of Mysore" on Sri. K. Srikantiah

 https://epaper.starofmysore.com/imageprocessor?image=https%3A%2F%2Fepaper.starofmysore.com%2Fuploads%2Fepaper%2F2025-04%2F67f7bf14de93e.jpg&width=945

The Star of Mysore and ಮೈಸೂರುಮಿತ್ರ newspapers have more than 70% circulation in the city of culture and royalty. Sri. Ganapathy, its founder-editor, was a long-time friend and associate of Sri. K.  Srikantiah. He penned this tribute himself in April 2025, around the Ramanavami festival time.

We regret to report that Sri K. B. Ganapathy himself left us a couple of days back.  May his spirit, always ebullient, stay connected with us always!

The Unparalleled Maestro - Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna

Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna in the home of Parvathi - 1967

                

There has never been a more prolific and multifaceted musician in Indian music than Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna. As one who composed in all the 72 melakartas as a teenager, as one who conquered Madras audiences while still being an "Outsider",  as one who was the only classical male vocalist to make a mark in film music, in light music, as well as in devotional music across languages, and achieve fame and reverence as a vocalist among Hindustani music audiences, he did it all. His appeal to Hindustani audiences was such that he was featured alongside Bhimsen Joshi and Kishori Amonkar! No raga or composer escaped his masterly treatment. What appeared as an effortless ease on the stage was the product of a genius honed to perfection in Nature's bosom.

BMK, as he was affectionately called by Madras audiences, once proudly claimed that no award or honour due to a musician would ever be denied to him. He also claimed he enjoyed eating ice-cream just before a concert!

M. Balamuralikrishna rose meteorically to fame in the 1960s through his innovative approach to Carnatic music and his expanding influence beyond traditional concert settings. By the late 1960s, he was hailed as one of the most famous Carnatic singers, known for his brilliant voice, mastery over multiple instruments, and prolific compositions.

Balamuralikrishna successfully wielded administrative roles, notably as music producer and later programme director for All India Radio (AIR) in Vijayawada and Hyderabad. He launched the influential early morning devotional radio show "Bhakti Ranjani," which became widely popular and was later adopted by other stations. These roles helped him create new audiences for Carnatic music and brought his artistry to a broader public.

In this house concert, conducted at the residence of Sri. K.K. Murthy, the younger brother of Sri. K. Srikantiah, BMK's forte across all these dimensions, is on full display. His own compositions shine with his unique treatment. He sings the songs that he made famous - be it a song of Jayadeva or of any other composer, even in the film world! 

The way BMK sings Amrithavarshini, Shanmukhapriya, Kapi...they will linger long in our hearts and minds. 

We are posting the last few remaining archive recordings left behind by Sri. K. Srikantiah... with a sense of duty and fulfilment.

Concert Details: 

M. Balamuralikrishna - Vocal

M. Chandrasekharan - Violin

Vellore Ramabhadran - Mridangam

Ghatam - ?

Date: Sometime in 1967.

Song List

1. Samagana Sarvabhauma - Amrithavarshini - Balamuralikrishna
2. Ksheerasagarashayana - Devagandhari - Thyagaraja
3. Sada tava pada - Shanmukhapriya - Balamuralikrishna
4. Sharasharasamaraika Shura - Kunthalavarali - Thyagaraja (with BMK chitteswara)
5. Jagadoddharana - Kapi - Purandaradasa
6. Thangaratham - Abhogi - Viswanathan Ramamurthy/Kannadasan
7. Pravisha Radhe - Kosala - Jayadeva/Balamuralikrishna
8. Natavara Gangadhara - Abheri - Venkatrajau - Film Swarna Gowri
9. Orunaal Poduma - Ragamalika - Balamuralikrishna - Film Thrivilayadal
10. Ahir Bhairav Thillana - Balamuralikrishna
11. Mangalam

 

Vid. Sudha Raghunathan - 2007 Ramanavami Concert at Parvathi

Sangeetha Kalanidhi Vid. Sudha Raghunathan - Sri Ramanavami 2007

One of the favourites of the Parvathi audiences, and a celebrated concert artiste for over three decades, Vid. Sudha Raghunathan performed in 2007 at Parvathi to a full house. Unfortunately, the audio we can retrieve is a "hall recording" with significant sound degradation. However, the concert stands as a testament to Vid. Sudha's calibre and concert aesthetics. 

We decided to ask Perplexity.AI to list five notable facts about Vid. Sudha. Here is what it told us!!!

Here are the five best things one can say about Vid. Sudha Raghunathan:

One of India’s foremost Carnatic vocalists and a Padma Bhushan awardee: Sudha Raghunathan is widely recognized as one of the leading exponents of Carnatic music, having been honored with some of the country's highest civilian awards including the Padma Bhushan (2015) and Padma Shri (2004).

Recipient of the prestigious Sangeetha Kalanidhi: She was awarded the Sangeetha Kalanidhi by the Madras Music Academy, a distinction regarded as the highest honor in Carnatic music, and she was among the youngest to receive it, marking a generational transition in the field.

Innovator and global ambassador for Carnatic music: Sudha has evolved a distinctive style, blending tradition with innovation, and has performed at major venues worldwide, including being the only Carnatic musician after M.S. Subbulakshmi to sing at the United Nations. Her repertoire spans over 200 albums and includes forays into film and fusion music.

Dedicated disciple and torchbearer of a legendary lineage: She is a direct disciple of the legendary Dr. M.L. Vasanthakumari, and has carried forward her guru’s legacy, both musically and in her approach to professionalism, resilience, and stage presence.

Committed philanthropist and educator: Beyond music, Sudha Raghunathan has made significant contributions to society through her Samudhaaya Foundation, supporting numerous social causes including health, education, and disaster relief, and actively promoting music education and outreach.

These qualities underscore her artistic excellence, pioneering spirit, and social commitment, making her a role model in the world of Indian classical music and beyond.

Concert Details 

 Sudha Raghunathan - Vocal

 Mysore V. Srikanth - Violin 

 C. Cheluvaraj - Mridangam 

 M.A. Krishnamurthy - Ghatam 

 Date: 27 March 2007.

 Sri Ramanavami Festival conducted at the home of "Parvathi".

Song List

1. Shloka and Mathe Malayadhwaja - Khamach - Muthiah Bhagavatar
2. Vatapi Ganapathim - Hamsadhwani - M. Dikshitar
3. Shloka and Jaya Jaya Janakikantha - Nata - Purandaradasa
4. Endaro Mahanubhavulu - Sriraga Pancharathna - Thyagaraja
5. Nagumomu - Abheri - Thyagaraja
6. Marivere Dikkevaraiyya Rama - Shanmukhapriya - Patnam Subrahmanya Ayyar
7. Kurai Ondrum Illai - Ragamalika - Rajaji
8. Shloka - Bhavayami Gopalabalam - Yamuna Kalyani - Annamacharya
9. Gandhamu puyyaruga - Punnagavarali - Thyagaraja
10. Ragamalika - Uga bhoga - Baro Krishnayya - Kanakadasa
11. Viruttam - Rama Namame - Tanjavur Sankara Iyer
12. Brahmam Okate - Bauli - Annamacharya
13. Mangalam

 

Classic Dynamics - Prof. T.R. Subramanyam1977 Ramanavami

 Vid. T.R. Subramanyam - 1977 'Parvathi' Ramanavami Concert

with Lalgudi Jayaraman, Vellore Ramabhadran, M.A. Krishnamurthy

Prof. T. R. Subramanyam

   Master of his manodharma  ( Quote from Sruti Magazine, Nov.2013)

The musical style of TRS was innovative. His performance was always based on robust fundamentals. 

Rhythmic dominance did condition his rendition. TRS treaded a path laid and determined by himself. It was at once conventional and unconventional. As a master of many musical forms he indulged in endless experimentation, striving to strike a judicious balance between swara and laya. Subbudu referred to TRS as an embodiment of Tala, Raga and Swara (TRS). TRS was indeed a maestro with a difference, because the impressions of his preceptors pale into insignificance when contrasted with his individualism.

                                                                           (Unquote)

We are now approaching the last mile of Parvathi concert uploads. This is also the period when we remember the last year without the most gracious presence of Sri. K. Srikantiah in physical terms amongst us. So, we thought it best to share excerpts from a great concert of the redoubtable TRS with stellar accompaniment. The recording we retrieved begins in the middle of a robust Kalyani, with a strike rate worthy of the best of T20 innings. But as the Kalyani proceeds with the Sawaal-Jawaab format with Lalgudi, we realise this is nothing like short and fiery T20 innings. The maestro goes on striking the boundaries in his elaborate swara prasthara. Lalgudi, whom by the way TRS idolised, holds nothing back. This was the glory days of these great musicians and also the best of times at Parvathi festivals!

Concert Details: 

T.R.Subramanyam-vocal

Lalgudi Jayaraman - violin

Vellore Ramabhadran - mridangam

M.A.Krishnamurthy - ghatam

30-3-1977 during Sri Ramanavami festival at Parvathi.

Song List

1. Neeve Gatiyeni - Kalyani - Mysore Vasudevachar
2. Srivallidevasenapathe - Natabhairavi - Papanasam Sivan
3. Begada Raga Tana Pallavi -"Raghavam Ravivamshajam Rakshasabheekaram Satatam Chintaye"
4. Ragamalika- Kanada, Neelambari, Behag, Revathi
5. Guru Purandara Dasare NImma Charana Kamalava Nambide - Hamir Kalyani - Vijaya Dasa
6. Bageshri thillana - Lalgudi Jayaraman
7. Dasara Pada - Ramakrishnaru Manage Bandaru - Thilang
8. Mangalam

Hi-Octane, High Vidwat - Vid. Sanjay Subrahmanyan - 2007 Sri Ramanavami

 Vid. Sanjay Subrahmanyan- 2007 'Parvathi' Ramanavami Concert

For this Finale Post, we have picked up a typical Sanjay concert. This Sangita Kalanidhi has many facets in his concert presentations but we rarely hear of his exploits and spoils outside the concert stage!

We don't have a great quality recording this time although this concert is of relative recency given the Parvathi reputation for posting concerts of vintage of fifty years and more. 

The song list is sufficiently evocative. See that range of ragas, composers. The amount of vocal innovation evident in this concert is simply astounding. The repeated and loud applause that greets both vocal and violin solo portions speaks of an enthusiastic and delighted audience that filled the Jaganmohan Palace auditorium that day.

Concert Details: 

Sanjay Subrahmanyan...vocal

Mysore Nagaraj..violin

Ravishankar..mridangam

Shashishankar..ghatam

On 28.3.07.

During Sri Ramanavami.

Song List

1. Begada Varnam - Patnam Subrahmanya Iyer
2. jaya jaya Padmanabha - Manirangau - Swathi Thirunal
3. Manasu nilpa - Abhogi - Thyagaraja
4. Rama ninnu vina Rakshimpa - Shanakartabharanam - Thyagaraja
5. Balagopala - Bhairavi - Muthuswami Dikshitar
6. Tani
7. Matadabaradeno - Khamach Padam
8. Vishveshwara - Sindhu Bhairavi, Maand, Madhuvanti - Swathi Thirunal
9. Shlokam- Kambhoji, Viruttam-Purvi Kalyani, Behag - Karpagambike-Behag
10. Ramachandra ni Daya - Suruti - Thyagaraja

The music that settles the mind and cheers the soul

Gaana Gandharvan K. J. Yesudas 

 2013 K. Puttu Rao Memorial Concert

By R.Sachi

Come the summer of 2024 and we have disputes, debates, controversies and campaigns for all kinds of reasons in all spheres. Even a jolly Darshini type of cafe named after Rameshwaram is not spared from attacks. How peaceful, then, to enjoy a full-fledged concert by the evergreen hero of Parvathi, Vid. K.J. Yesudas!

This is being shared now as a part of the Parvathi Finale. Look at the impressive song list! There are many sound bites from the master singer about the values and styles to be pursued in classical music.

1. Vajajakshi - Kalyani - Ramnad Srinivasa Iyengar
2. Sri Gananatham - Kanakangi - Thyagaraja
3. Speech clarifying the rare Kanakangi song
4. Pavanaguru-Hamsanandi-Lalithadasa
5. Speech dedicating the concert to Sri. Puttu Rao and family
6. Mokshamu Galada - Saramathi - Thygaraja
7. Seethamma Mayamma - Vasantha - Thyagaraja
8. Lavanya Rama - Poornashadja - Thyagaraja
9. Ninna Nodi Dhanyanadeno - Pantuvarali- Purandara Dasa
10. speech about voice range
11. Sri Ramam - Narayanagowla- Thyagaraja
12. Tani
13. Ranga baro- Nagaswarali? - Purandara Dasa
14.  Speech on singing styles
15. Swami Saneethadidolise- Abheri 
16. Kya karoon sajani
17. Oru Neram
18. Allah Malik
19. Enu Vara
20. Harivarasanam

Concert details:

K.J.Yesudas- Vocal
Mysore Manjunath-   Violin
Neyveli  Venkatesh-  Mridangam
G.S.Ramanujam   Ghatam
3-9-2013  K.Puttu Rao Memorial concert at Jaganmohan Palace Auditorium.