Shri MSG passes away

Rsachi · Post by **Rsachi** » 03 Jan 2013, 15:18

Eesha,
Thank you for those details.
It is fitting that all Sangeethapriyas should fly their flags at half mast.
MSG is an epoch-maker. His imprint and influence is so strong on all the gifted musicians of later years, (other than his disciples too.)
Just to randomly list some:
1. Mys N & M
2. G & K
3. HNB, MVS
4. Shashank
5. Shrinivas
6. Akkarai...
The list can grow rapidly indeed.

I remember at IIT Delhi around 1975. People from Delhi were simply blown away by this Madrassi.

venkatakailasam · Post by **venkatakailasam** » 03 Jan 2013, 15:20

Padmabhushan Shri M.S.Gopalakrishnan receiving the award...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLetpjdJWDw

Rsachi · Post by **Rsachi** » 03 Jan 2013, 15:39

Sangeethapriya homage:

This poignant image made me write this:

Today the string that sang snapped.
There's a silence like never before.
Music that stirred our guts stopped.
The one and only MSG is no more.

venkatakailasam · Post by **venkatakailasam** » 03 Jan 2013, 15:42

Parur Sundaram Iyer & MSG_Manavyala.wmv ..Father and son duet..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=823uFFoaLGc

Isai charal-Ms Gopalakrishnan-Dr. Narmadha-Violin Duit-Part I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JneTeGicb8s

Isai charal-Ms Gopalakrishnan-Dr. Narmadha-Violin Duit-Part II
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA-aGpard3w

eesha · Post by **eesha** » 03 Jan 2013, 16:15

Rsachi wrote:Sangeethapriya homage:

This poignant image made me write this:

Today the string that sang snapped.
There's a silence like never before.
Music that stirred our guts stopped.
The one and only MSG is no more.

you have summarized the sentiments quite well

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 03 Jan 2013, 16:17

eesha
By any chance the MA lecdem that you are referring - one string episode is that available ?

cameo · Post by **cameo** » 03 Jan 2013, 16:22

The most humblest person I have ever seen.
After one of his concerts at mylapore, Saw him gently walking out, along with his wife, crossing the road, taking an auto from one of those auto stand and leaving. In these days, where most of the celebrities travel by own cars or of their disciples,fans,friends..

Rest in Peace!

eesha · Post by **eesha** » 03 Jan 2013, 16:24

rajeshnat wrote:eesha
By any chance the MA lecdem that you are referring - one string episode available ?

I dont know whether MA was recording all the concerts hosted by them. If so, they may have it in their archives.

To the best of my knowledge YACM did not record.

gardabha_gana · Post by **gardabha_gana** » 03 Jan 2013, 16:28

A great loss indeed to carnatic (and hindustani) music. I remember the first time I saw him, 1981 at Seshadripuram, Bangalore - where he played with Ramani, Upendran and Dorai (yes - 2 mridangams) and the last time at the 80th birthday celebrations of Lalgudi Sir. He wore the same infectious smile in every concert I attended - and what delightful music - that will last forever. My sincere condolences to his family and rasikas.

GVR2004 · Post by **GVR2004** » 03 Jan 2013, 16:39

Another sad day for Carnatic music and that too at the beginning of the year.

We have lost another maestro - his ever smiling face is unforgettable. Not able to recollect but I recently read a mention of his smiling face in an article on instrumentalists and expressions. I cannot forget his accompaniment in TKR's concert for tatvameruga tharama and in TNS's which has an out of the world sounderararajam where MSG has played an astounding return alapana for brindavana saranga.

Heartfelt condolences to his family and Narmadaji. MSG Sir , RIP, your music is immortal.

semmu86 · Post by **semmu86** » 03 Jan 2013, 17:01

cameo wrote:The most humblest person I have ever seen.
After one of his concerts at mylapore, Saw him gently walking out, along with his wife, crossing the road, taking an auto from one of those auto stand and leaving. In these days, where most of the celebrities travel by own cars or of their disciples,fans,friends..

As for the proverbial humility & simplicity of Shri. MSG, always loved reading the first post in the MSG "Vidwans & Vidushis" thread. So beautifully written

http://www.rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic. ... lakrishnan

Shattered by the news. Another link to the golden past is broken..

GNB_LGJ_PR · Post by **GNB_LGJ_PR** » 03 Jan 2013, 18:46

What a colossal loss to the music world. Nadam, Niraval and Tanam have passed away today.

MSG Sir - You are now one with the Nada Brahmam. May your soul Rest In Peace

kunthalavarali · Post by **kunthalavarali** » 03 Jan 2013, 19:07

venkatakailasam,
Great picture of CVB, MSG, TVG. What a fantastic combination it was! I remember listening to the combination in one of the Ramanavami festivals in Bangalore. Chembai was singing the Todi krithi thAyE yesOdha and pointing to the two Gopalakrishnans he said "indha gopalakrishnan seyium jalathai keladi". You can well imagine the audience response.

rasaali · Post by **rasaali** » 03 Jan 2013, 20:01

Indeed an end of an era. Condolences to his family and shishyas. An incident flashes through the mind:

It was 2 days after my board exam in Delhi and I was playing cricket. My neighbour, a local music organizer, summoned me from the game and said to bring my violin (was at varnam/basic kriti stage). Little did I know that the legend was visiting and my kindly neighour wanted me to get his aasirvadam. It was really scary to play in front of him. Not only was I in awe of him but was also out of touch in the months leading up to the boards (pathetic excuse, I know). He was serious but very polite and asked me to play a varnam in 2 speeds. As I was playing he suddenly said "Stop!" and I was scared of what would come. He turned around to the host and said "Do you have vibhuti in the house? I notice it is time for my sandhya vandanam". Turned to me and said "Sorry, can you please wait?" and went on to observe the ritual. After it was done, he heard me out and gave me tips & advised me on the importance of always practising varnams in as many speeds as possible.

I've heard from people that this discipline was present in every aspect of his life and it was of course evident in how he would always play varnams in 2 kalams ,textbook style, even in concerts.

Blessed to have touched his feet and heard his music live. RIP MSG Sir....

kssr · Post by **kssr** » 03 Jan 2013, 21:24

bilahari wrote: As a violinist, he had an unparalleled mastery of the instrument with an uncanny ability to reproduce any brigha at any speed on the violin. He has enriched our art immeasurably.
.

He could produce instantaneously and effortlessly, with a smile on his face, any musical sound that any voice or any other instrument can produce. Unparalleled master indeed.

I was privileged to be on an award ceremony last year followed by his concert (13.11.2011)

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 03 Jan 2013, 21:35

Also the smile that the daughter inherited...

PUNARVASU · Post by **PUNARVASU** » 03 Jan 2013, 21:50

The string is silent
The smile is absent
The music lingers
Tugging at your heart strings.
RIP Shri MSG

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 03 Jan 2013, 22:24

John Marr at BVB, London, giving vote of thanks (his were actually interesting!) after MSG concert (possibly the first one I saw), and talking about the MSG smile: when MSG plays, we see two people, MSG playing the music, and MSG enjoying the music.

Suji Ram · Post by **Suji Ram** » 03 Jan 2013, 23:47

Very sad indeed. A great violinist who enthralled so many rasikas.
The only concert I ever attended in Madras was MSG's in 2007.
It is this forum in the early days which introduced me to the genius of MSG with wonderful audio recordings. Today I listened to his Kambhoji and Ahiri accompanying M. Somasundaram-what precision!

MSG will always stay with us...

S.NAGESWARAN · Post by **S.NAGESWARAN** » 03 Jan 2013, 23:54

Dear Rasikas,

I have received a message about Sri MSG from our forumite Sri Badriprasad [who knows that I am an ardent fan of Sri M.S.Gopalakrishnan] today morning by 08.00 hrs.

I went to Sri MSG’S residence immediately and prayed for a few minutes and then reflected about my long association with him for about 5 decades.

Between 09.00 hrs and 10.00 hrs the following musicians came to Sri MSG’S home to pay their homage to him. Sri Ravikiran, Mudhra Bhaskar and Radha Bhaskar, Janardhan Mitta,
Sri G.S.Mani, Sri Umayalpuram Sivaraman, Nagai Muralidharan, Nagai Sriram, Sri Varadarajan, Sri V.S.Narasimhan, Sri Karva Rajasekar, Sri Injikudi Subramanyam, Sri VVS,
Sri TNS, and many musicians. Many more musicians and well wishers would be coming to pay their homage till 03.00.PM after which the last religious rites will be performed.

The last life time achievement function he attend was from the Indian fine arts society on 17 th December, 2012.

Being a frequent visitor to his home, I knew that he had been admitted to hospital for his breathing problems frequently.

On 02.01.2013, he was in hospital and he appeared to be recovering well and his family was planning to come home in a day or two.

However, after 5 PM, doctors informed the family that his pulse rate was going down.
In spite of the best efforts of the doctors, he breathed last by 02.00 AM today [03.01.2013].

Sri Sundareswaran, violinist who was in the hospital with Sri MSG, informed me that even during his semi conscious state,

Sri MSG’S RIGHT HAND WAS IN THE POSTURE OF BOWING THE VIOLIN, AND HIS LEFT HAND FINGERS WERE MOVING AS IF TO PLAY THE SONGS.

Perhaps every Rasika of Sri MSG know that his thoughts have always been playing the violin within.

I have extended my personal condolences to MRS. MSG, their two daughters, and son MR. Suresh. I have spoken to Narmada also and consoled her.

S.NAGESWARAN.
03.01.2013.

arunsri · Post by **arunsri** » 04 Jan 2013, 00:37

Sangeethapriya webpage shows MSG photo and the passing away year as 2012. Please correct it to 2013!

Arun

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 04 Jan 2013, 01:42

Sri MSG and Sri Nageswaran will always be together in my mind, as my last encounter with MSG was at Nageswaran's new house.

sreebeecane · Post by **sreebeecane** » 04 Jan 2013, 02:05

A touching tribute to Shri MSG by Shri Sriram Parasuram. Made my eyes moist.

http://www.thehindu.com/arts/a-lifelong ... epage=true

KMH · Post by **KMH** » 04 Jan 2013, 02:37

Oh, what a terrible blow to the music world! Having hero worshipped him all my life, I was dreaming of one day visiting him, but never had the courage to do it. Thanks to you, Mr Nageswaran, you took me to his home one day in 1992, and I cherish it to this day. His simplicity, genuine warmth, and the willingness to discuss music with someone whose only qualification was as a rasika - made me come away that day feeling I had been in the presence of my ishta devata!

Today, after my emotions had come somewhat under control, I paid my tributes by listening to his Shanmukhapriya and Behag RTPs, and then heard his finest piece of innovation - manavyalakim. Thanks, MSG sir, for the endless hours of pure joy that you provided - that you continue to provide - through your melodious music.

sivachinta1965 · Post by **sivachinta1965** » 04 Jan 2013, 06:08

Dear Rasikas

Exit an excellent expert. May his soul join the Devasabha. His Devamanohari RTP with GNB still rings in my mind. I hail from Kodungallur and was surprised to know his mother is also from the same place. So far Kotungallur was not in the Carnatic map.

Sivaprasad

balakk · Post by **balakk** » 04 Jan 2013, 06:19

More tributes from his peers:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/che ... 270151.ece
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city ... 880217.cms

A recent conversation with the maestro :
http://www.thehindu.com/arts/article2998243.ece

A vintage clip from MSG&daughter:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7Ve_WG0JuE
Nin tatvam ariya tharama!

eesha · Post by **eesha** » 04 Jan 2013, 06:28

arunsri wrote:Sangeethapriya webpage shows MSG photo and the passing away year as 2012. Please correct it to 2013!

Arun

Opps, it was put together in a hurry and it slipped past review. Anyway the homage page will be removed as it was intended for one day only

Thanks

Rsachi · Post by **Rsachi** » 04 Jan 2013, 06:40

A Home called Parvathi
Tribute to Maestro MS Gopalakrishnan along with many great concert excerpts: http://bit.ly/Xov25J

gardabha_gana · Post by **gardabha_gana** » 04 Jan 2013, 07:51

I saw in the news reports today that MSG accompanied MS and MLV in addition to the other greats. Does anyone have a recording of those?

bilahari · Post by **bilahari** » 04 Jan 2013, 07:58

Sachi, that BMK-MSG nagumOmu is special, and BMK heaps praise on MSG in the Hindu article balakk has linked.

Sri Nageswaran, thank you for the touching report on MSG's last moments.

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 04 Jan 2013, 08:22

Sri Ravikiran's tribute:

Shivadasan · Post by **Shivadasan** » 04 Jan 2013, 08:33

A loss to Carnatic Music and violin that cannot be replaced.

VRV · Post by **VRV** » 04 Jan 2013, 08:40

Oh, what a sad loss. My heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace.

Vinod Venkataraman

kalyani_ragam · Post by **kalyani_ragam** » 04 Jan 2013, 08:44

A classic combination - Voleti and MSG. Adored by Voleti. GREAT ARTIST.
He particulalry excelled with artists like voleti, SKR who were trained in both the systems which made the music more enjoyable.
A short and sweet Janaranjini alapana followed by nadadinamata.
http://www.mediafire.com/?zmoroqz2nox

Rsachi · Post by **Rsachi** » 04 Jan 2013, 09:56

Yes, Bilahari, the BMK+MSG combo Nagumomu is special!

KMH · Post by **KMH** » 04 Jan 2013, 12:21

Did I happen to miss out the coverage, or am I right in assuming that the national TV channels, especially the "24 by 7 " NDTV, did not find time to mention Shri MSG's passing? I hate to make parochial insinuations, but the king of Sitar gets many hours of coverage on his passing - most deservedly, no doubt - with interviews, documentaries, tributes etc, and the king of Violin - in BOTH systems - does not even get a passing mention? Makes me really angry.

gardabha_gana · Post by **gardabha_gana** » 04 Jan 2013, 12:32

A photo I had from Lalgudi80

ramki1950 · Post by **ramki1950** » 04 Jan 2013, 12:36

I am an ardent fan of MSG since I was young. I was very fortunate to have attended many of his concerts as solo or occompaniment.each one was a gem.i heard him occompaniying great artists like MMI,SSI,Mali,Balachander,SK,GNB,Santhanam,Ramnad Krishnan,Somu,MDR,TNS,MLV,KVN,DKJ,Emani Voleti,Neduneri,MBK,Chembai etc. his playing of thanam is unique. His death marks the end of an era.
May his soul rests in peace.

eesha · Post by **eesha** » 04 Jan 2013, 12:50

KMH wrote:Did I happen to miss out the coverage, or am I right in assuming that the national TV channels, especially the "24 by 7 " NDTV, did not find time to mention Shri MSG's passing? I hate to make parochial insinuations, but the king of Sitar gets many hours of coverage on his passing - most deservedly, no doubt - with interviews, documentaries, tributes etc, and the king of Violin - in BOTH systems - does not even get a passing mention? Makes me really angry.

Quite a valid point. I suggest each one of us write to Times Now using the link:
http://www.timesnow.tv/feedback.cms

and to NDTV using:
http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/new/feedback.aspx

varsha · Post by **varsha** » 04 Jan 2013, 13:12

I can see him walking into welcoming arms of a friend .
http://www.mediafire.com/?ffetttb60fv1alb
If this sets the listener on fire , here is something to quell it.
http://www.mediafire.com/?5libi8u47t3uqjj

Where do all giants go to ?
Heaven . Of course .

Rsachi · Post by **Rsachi** » 04 Jan 2013, 13:19

Heaven Is where the masters go. - Zen saying.

srikant1987 · Post by **srikant1987** » 04 Jan 2013, 13:28

when MSG plays, we see two people, MSG playing the music, and MSG enjoying the music.

SO true!

I was listening to his Shanmukhapriya RTP with UKS which Bilahari has given.

It is evident that MSG has fun playing the violin, playing it firstly for himself.

kalyani_ragam · Post by **kalyani_ragam** » 04 Jan 2013, 13:45

"M.S. Gopalakrishnan and Lalgudi Jayaraman were Voleti's admirers-cum-friends. Whenever Voleti came for his Chennai performances, the tanpura would come from Jayaraman's house. Jayaraman recalls how he and Voleti would discuss music endlessly, even sing to each other. "

http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/01/05/stor ... 800300.htm

KMH · Post by **KMH** » 04 Jan 2013, 14:01

eesha wrote:
Quite a valid point. I suggest each one of us write to Times Now using the link:

Thanks for the link. I already hounded the NDTV chaps on their facebook page. This is wwhat I wrote to Times Now:

Times Now claims to the number one channel: On what basis I do not know, but if it involves uniform coverage of important events, I believe you have got your math all wrong! Not even a mention of the passing away of the greatest violinist of our times, Shri MS Gopalakrishnan, who was a colossus in BOTH Carnatik and Hindustani systems of music, in your channels. I guess its his fault - no "Western" connections, no juicy controversies, and , the unpardonable crime of being a South Indian artiste!

bilahari · Post by **bilahari** » 04 Jan 2013, 14:07

Varsha, what thrilling mEl kAla swarams this bhairavi has! MSG is at his finest, reproducing everything with impeccable clarity. Thank you.

Speaking of his accompaniment for Kalyanaraman, the SaNmugapriya RTP concert also has a brilliant vENugAnalOluni and a rAgamAliga slOkam with a vivAdi that's especially beautiful.

Kalyani_ragam, thank you also for that lovely janaranjani. The neraval was beautiful.

I was googling for more obituaries and found this:
http://newindianexpress.com/cities/chen ... 406959.ece

Violinists like TNK and the Lalgudi duo speak about the master.

This loss is hard to stomach and I've been obsessively listening to MSG's music over the last day. Please keep the tracks coming!

PUNARVASU · Post by **PUNARVASU** » 04 Jan 2013, 15:26

KMH, you spoke for all of us.

KMH · Post by **KMH** » 04 Jan 2013, 17:45

varsha wrote:I can see him walking into welcoming arms of a friend .

Where do all giants go to ?
Heaven . Of course .

Varsha,

If all the giants are in heaven, I wonder if some of them - GNB and MMI in particular, welcome MSG and say, "OK, once you have rested and feasted, let us get going with some quality concerts - stuff we should have done more of while down there, but somehow didn't quite get to do". Everytime, after hearing the Nattakurinji concert of GNB and the Thodi concert of MMI, I would wonder why these two giants did not do more concerts with MSG. That they had the benefit of Lalgudi and TNK alone cannot explain this shortage? I have heard unsubstantiated anecdotes of Vembu Iyer's role in MMI and MSG not doing concerts together, but GNB? Surely he could recognize true talent when he saw it?

varsha · Post by **varsha** » 04 Jan 2013, 19:51

To view full image , right click and zoom

semmu86 · Post by **semmu86** » 04 Jan 2013, 20:04

Pure Gold.. What a lovely pic!

MaheshS · Post by **MaheshS** » 04 Jan 2013, 20:45

I am searching for a concert of MSG with Emani, Jameshedpur 1974[?] IIRC. There was a monumental Rama nee in Karaharapriya and after that a mind blowing Rama Ninnu Nammina in Mohanam. Emani / MSG in that concert was phenomenal. I have been listening to MSG accompanying various artist for the last two days. What a great loss to the world of music.

My MSG top choices as accompanying artist, not in any order, apart from Chembai whom MSG revered. The legend goes that MSG normally shoots off after a concert ASAP without waiting for any plaudits or anything. The only exception was Chembai!!

1. Chembai - MSG
2. TKR - MSG - Upendran with *that* Garudadhwani.
3. TSK - MSG - Shanmugapriya RTP, Mohanam, a 40 minute Abhogi and Hindolam
4. Semmangudi - MSG - Kiravani
5. DJK - MSG - Sri Vallisenapathe in Natabhairavi and many more!
6. Emani - MSG as said above
7. Santhanam - MSG - there is a concert in Sangeethapriya with MSG and UKS, with Marachithivo in Purvi Kalyani as the main!
8. MDR - MSG