PADMABHUSHAN -T N KRISHNAN-VIOLINIST

Submitted by UMAMAHESWARI on Fri, 2006-12-29 17:58. Personalities
t n krishnan

Padmabhushan Trupunithura Narayanan Krishnan needs no introduction. This violin maestro is conferred with the Kendra Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award. This musician known for his simplicity is happy but not excited. In an interview, the artist narrates his association with Thiruvananthapuram, his style, and how teaching helped to improve his performance.

For Krishnan music is inherent. He represents the sixth generation of musicians in the family. Born in 1928 to A Narayana Iyer, and Ammini Ammal, this child prodigy made his debut concert at the age of eight! “By Gods grace, I am busy till today” he said.
“My father gave me a violin when I was three. In those days violin was slowly gaining popularity. My father wanted me master this instrument” he reminisced.

“I was taught the music lessons. Parallel to that my father asked me to repeat on violin what others sang. Initially I was asked to perform in temples. It was on one such occasion, I met Alappuzha Parthasarathy Iyengar, a renowned musician. He introduced me to Semmangudi Sreenivasa Iyer. Here began my long association with Thiruvananthapuram” he said.

It was a period of revival of carnatic music in Travancore. Late Chithira Tirunal and his mother Amma Maharani took steps to propagate the compositions of Maharaja Swati Thirunal. Thus Swati Thirunal Music Academy was established and Seemangudi was made the Asthana Vidwan of Travancore.

“My father was transferred to Nagercoil. I stayed with Semmangudi at Thycaud and had my schooling at SMV and Model High School” he slipped suddenly into those golden days of music.
“In 1942, the flute wizard Mali, (T R Mahalingam), performed at the VJT Hall, and I had the fortune to accompany him. That was a turning point in my life. He was impressed and asked me accompany him in his future concerts. That is how I reached Chennai” he explained.

His command over the instrument made him the most sought accompanist. At my younger age I could accompany the legends like Ariyakkudi, Musiri, Alathur brothers, Chembai and Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer.
“I was the beneficiary. My repertoire widened” he said.
TN Krishnan performs solo recitals as well. What difference do you notice?
“While accompanying I have to maintain maximum restraint. Never try to over do things. You must know the doses to be administered. Your performance should not mask that of the main artiste.” That was the cue for the aspiring ones.
TN K is known for his gentle touches through which he could convey the mood of the composition. It is unique and inimitable. How did you achieve this?
This was not achieved overnight. You need perseverance. Try and test to excel every time, by perfecting the traditional format. Even after 70 years of stage experiences, I still feel that there is more to explore, in ragas like Thodi and Sankarabharanam. I love teaching. I am seized with the ecstasy of delight, when I teach. I find more scope for learning. Also I wanted to share what I have learnt with others. Till then I will be restless.” He said.

TNK is an excellent flautist. Once he was accompanied by the doyen of Carnatic music DR. Balamurali Krishna on mrudangam and TVG (known vocalist cum mrudangist) on violin!!
His sister T N Rajam is the renowned violinist in the Hindustani style of music. I owe much to my wife Kamala. “Without her support I would not have achieved anything” he concluded.
TNK was awarded the Swati Puraskaram in 2002.
INDIAN EXPRESS-22-05-04
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