Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Books on Carnatic musicians released

—Photo: R. Raghu

ON MUSICIANS: Art critic S.V. Krishnamurthy handing over the first copy of his books to vocalist Bombay Jayashri Ramnath at a function in Chennai on Monday. Sangita Kalanidhi Umayalpuram Sivaraman (left) and vocalist T.M. Krishna are in the picture.

CHENNAI: ‘Masters’ and ‘Trend Setters,’ two books on Carnatic musicians written by well known art critic S.V. Krishnamurthy, popularly known as SVK, was released by N. Ravi, Editor, The Hindu, here on Monday.

The books are a compilation of interviews with musicians that were serialised in The Hindu between 1994 and 1996. Vocalist Bombay Jayashri Ramnath received the first copy and felicitated the music critic.

In ‘Masters,’ Mr. SVK had profiled the musicians in his inimitable style, while in ‘Trend Setters,’ he had featured young and upcoming musicians who have now risen to the top of the Carnatic music world.

Mr. Ravi said that as a music critic, Mr. SVK had three outstanding qualities: he was a link between several eras of Carnatic music; he did not write to please artists or sabhas; and he set the standards that musicians in general aspired to reach.

Lauding the contribution of the music critic for over five decades, Mr. Ravi said: “In all, he [Mr. SVK] has earned the respect of the music fraternity in a way that remains virtually unparalleled. If at all musicians have to fear his pen, it is only when they depart from music values and from the standards…This is, indeed, a monumental contribution to the literature of the background, the style and the quality of the music of the great and talented artists.”

Sangita Kalanidhi Umayalpuram Sivaraman termed it an ‘extraordinary’ book, as it talked about great musicians, including the current frontline musicians. “It is difficult for a music critic to occupy the best place for over 50 years, along with best musicians. Mr. SVK has achieved it. A critic should know what he is writing. Mr. SVK did a good job, as he had concert qualification. This book is a rich contribution to the music world.” Nadhabrahmam V.V. Subramanian said great musicians looked up to The Hindu to see what Mr. SVK had written in his review about their performances.

Vocalist T.M. Krishna said: “Music critics have a big role to play and Mr. SVK played an ideal role. This book will be a great inspiration for the younger and future generation to know about the great musicians.”

Mr. SVK said The Hindu gave him life support for nearly 60 years. His father was also associated with the newspaper for more than 35 years. He thanked N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu, for giving permission to publish the interviews in book format, Managing Director N. Murali for writing the foreword, and Mr. Ravi for releasing the book.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu