For those of you seeking music, you may find some under 'Audio' (below) or in an index regarding the others under the 'Audio Postings' Label . We will either be embedding some concerts of the Vidwans in the 'Audio Postings'section itself or providing pointers to the appropriate posting in which they could be found
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!
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.
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.
.jpeg)
