TK Murthy

[ragam-talam]

A living legend.

Here's a Hindu writeup on the maestro: http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/07/03/stor ... 440400.htm
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Small in stature, big in fame â€â€Â

[raghavt]

TK Murthy sir was fecilitated @ the MA recently for the completion of 75 years in Carnatic Music (oh boy !!! 75 years !!!). I attended one Lec-Dem of Murthy sir way back in 2002, if I remember correctly. TMK was the singer assisting him. He asked TMK to sing one Hindustani Bhajan and accompanied it like a Tabla player. Then he accompanied him normally (as done on the Mridangam). It was awesome. In the same lec-dem, he asked TMK to sing a Pallavi. TMK sang one Pallavi. He translated that Pallavi into all 7 Jaatis. He sang them first, and then played it on the drum. Did tri-kalam in Aadi, Rupakam, Misra Chaapu and Khanda Chaapu. He then remarked that this is how they were trained under Tanjavur Vaidyanatha Iyer. That was mind-boggling. That is the vidwat Murthy sir has... a great Artist indeed.

~ Raghav.

[cienu]

TK Murthy sir was fecilitated @ the MA recently for the completion of 75 years (oh boy !!! 75 years !!!).
~ Raghav.

A small correction. Seventy five years of service to Carnatic Music Considering that he started playing kutcheris at the age of 9 (having accompanied stalwarts like HMB) he must be 84 to 85 years now.

[raghavt]

TK Murthy sir was fecilitated @ the MA recently for the completion of 75 years (oh boy !!! 75 years !!!).
~ Raghav.

he must be 84 to 85 years now.

He is 86

[VISHNURAMPRASAD]

It should be remembered that Shri TK Murthy sir is the only living legend after DKP to have seen the 1920s era of Indian Music (south Indian in particular). Shri TKM was blessed "in writing" by the all time great vidwan Pudukkottai Dakshinamurthy Pillai. He is a "saha paati" of Palghat Mani Iyer (under shri tanjavur vaidhyanatha iyer aka vaitha anna by many musicians of the golden era) and was accompanied by him in Kanjira in many concerts of late 1930s and early 1940s. And it was TKM who played for the first concert of GNB!

[cacm]

It should be remembered that Shri TK Murthy sir is the only living legend after DKP to have seen the 1920s era of Indian Music (south Indian in particular). Shri TKM was blessed "in writing" by the all time great vidwan Pudukkottai Dakshinamurthy Pillai. He is a "saha paati" of Palghat Mani Iyer (under shri tanjavur vaidhyanatha iyer aka vaitha anna by many musicians of the golden era) and was accompanied by him in Kanjira in many concerts of late 1930s and early 1940s. And it was TKM who played for the first concert of GNB!

In my opinion Sri.S.Rajam TOWERS ABOVE anyone else in this area. One hour with him is equivalent to one year's worth of research I have found! VKV

[coolkarni]

..

[cacm]

Let us say TKM and S Rajam tower above everyone !!!
I know it is difficult to imagine TKM as a towering figure

At the end of Sankar Iyers Concert at NSG's Home , I got a taste of how simple a Person , TKM is.Absolutely like a Child.
He told us, the few remaining persons there, late in the night , a story.Just before getting into the car.

Long ago,He had been to the Kanchi Mutt and there was a concert scheduled in the presence of Paramachaya.There was a bowl of fruits brought in for the pooja .But for some reason known to himself, The Paramacharya asked TKM to accept the Fruits as Prasadam , and called for another set for the pooja.He blessed TKM with a long life and TKM replied by only beseeching " Bless me that I can continue to play the Mridangam , till my last hours".
And he was weeping as he was telling us this story.
These are moments when Carnatic Music Stands out apart from everything else on earth.
Feeling very very Happy For TKM.

I have to describe a personal story to illustrate WHAT A GREAT PERSON T.K.M. IS: In 1967 when I got married in Tiruchanur I persuaded MMI not to spend his energy to come there & sing at my wedding as I was not sure whether the audience would be quiet& attentive enough; But around mid-day T.K.M. arrived at the Chatram with Tiruvanandapuram R.S.Mani & Kandadevi Alagiriswamy ON THEIR OWN & announced they wanted to perform! As we had to reurn to Madras by 5 p.m. ALLof us pronounced the wedding over, sat down & listened to them for 2-2.5 hours & then only had Lunch! What a memorable concert it was too! T.K.M'S HUMANITY & GESTURE CANNOT BE EVER EQUALLED IN MY EYES.......

Another story: I was driving M.SS.& PARTY around Times Square in NYC in 1966 when she had come for the U.N.Concert & I was describing how TKM accompanied one Achutan Nayar who used to sing THYAGARAJA KRITIS in English-full concert!-I was driving on BROADWAY IN TIMES SQUARE; TKM spontaneously sang:"Very Good Broadway" a broad translation of Chakkani raja margamu & did elaborate niraval resulting in a spontaneous applause from every one present! M.S.S., VVS, TSV, &others!.....Both in & out of the concert TKM was EXCITING to say the least & CONTINUES TO BE SO.....ONE OF A KIND & A TREASURE TROVE OF KNOWLEDGE& TALENT...... VKV

[arasi]

What a story, VKV!

[rajeshnat]

It should be remembered that Shri TK Murthy sir is the only living legend to have seen the 1920s era of Indian Music (south Indian in particular).

VRP,
There is also madras A kannan , the mridangist who I think may be senior to TKM by few years. our mohan has put a tree of mridangists in http://www.carnaticcorner.com/articles/ ... gists.html

[cacm]

It should be remembered that Shri TK Murthy sir is the only living legend to have seen the 1920s era of Indian Music (south Indian in particular).

VRP,
There is also madras A kannan , the mridangist who I think may be senior to TKM by few years. our mohan has put a tree of mridangists in http://www.carnaticcorner.com/articles/ ... gists.html

I have spent time with Madras.A .Kannan & he has enormous expertise as well as information about the artists of twentieth century.....VKV

[Anaconda]

Only saw Sri T.K.Murty once (i guess it was in a concert in Tirupati) 20 years ago. Great man..... The concert organizer introduced him with a punch in telugu saying "Vaari Moorthy chinnadaina vaari Keerthi chaala goppadi" referring to his fame.

[rajeshnat]

mrudangam memories of TKM
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/10/02/stor ... 000400.htm

[ignoramus]

has anyone attended that session of T K Murthy sir and T R Rajamani? it would be interesting to know the entire proceedings, just a few queries have been reported

[rshankar]

See: http://rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic.php? ... ation.html

[advaitam]

I am very happy to inform all here that Sri T.K.Murthy has been conferred this year's Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in New Delhi. At long last recognition at the national level for such a senior, seasoned and genius artiste!

[kappi]

Hi all Murthy Sir fans,
Here is an amazing DK Jayaraman concert with Murthy Sir on Mridangam. The thani is in the 4th part. Hope you all enjoy.
Thank you !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hikrT5x ... re=related
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh4-F-j ... re=related
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMbToHY ... re=related
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L-rP5- ... re=related

[annamalai]

Great to see DKJ's concert. Thanks for the video links.

[kappi]

Hi Murthy Sir fans,
Please see a recent lecture demonstration by Murthy Sir, with his prime disciple Kodunthirapully Parameswaran and Vidwan Trichi Thayumanavan (Disciple of the Great Pudukkottai Dakshinamurthy Pillai). There are 13 parts. A few more are there, which I will be uploading some time soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjwcpXuE ... er&list=UL

[thanjavooran]

Shri Kappi avl,
Many thanx for the link. Very interesting. Dr TKM's Lec dem is in Tamil though he belongs to kerala.
Thanjavooran 15 10 2011

[kappi]

Dear Thanjavooran,
You are welcome. Murthy Sir went to Tanjore when he was 8; Vaidyantha Iyerval took him with him for gurukulam. So he essentially left Kerala then and never was back, except for concerts (This he says in the lec-dem too).
More about the Lec-Dem:
This Lec-dem is a general illustration of the classic Tanjore style of Mridangam, as pioneered by Tanjore Vaidynatha Iyerval.
The main highlights of this rather long Lec-dem (it was held over an entire day in two separate sessions)
1. Murthy Sir's recollection of his Gurukulam with Vaidyanatha Iyerval, his greatness and teaching.
2. Various padakkais of the Tanjore style.
3. Several classic korvais, mohrais of the Tanjore style.
4. Style of accompaniment for songs, pancharatnam etc.
5. Some very interesting anecdotes
6. Rare thalams, korvais and mohrais.
7. Thani in 1 kalai Aadi, with Murthy Sir and Parameswaran Sir on Mridangam and Thayumanavan Sir on konnakol.
8. Thani in Misra chapu.

[Sivaramakrishnan]

I have always felt that MSS's rendering had a special appeal when TKM accompanied on the mridangam. Listen to her Rangapura vihhara to TKM's accompnmt, and see how the roopaka talam is put in place!

And TKM is perhaps the only Vidwan who could literally 'conquer' the 'H' Kattai (high pitch) Mridangam .

I have enjoyed his vaadyam many a times at the Navaratri mandapam, Trivandrum (especially at 'close quarters' in the serene ambiance) where he has accompanied several greats!

[cmlover]

Certain objectionable posts have been deleted - Moderator

please keep the discussions civil

[Ramasubramanian M.K]

I wanted to add my 2 c to the vitriolic posting by one of the forumites and the passionate defensive rejoinder by another forumite. here is an attempt to bring some levity and some serious thoughts to the discussion.

DISCLAIMER-- I am biased and not objective when it comes to TKM. A good family friend for over 70 years and a guru for my brother for advanced training which he(my brother) took under the suggestion of PMI whose quote was in Tamil "Enakku therinjadellam avanukkum theriyum".PMI and Palani had the highest regard for TKM.

First I must admit that TKM sir sometimes inavertently says something which can be misconstrued. But in his heart of hearts he is very supportive of vocalists across five generations. From my observation over the years he is the only mridangam Vidwan who was universally liked by the ARI/Maharajappuram/Chembai/Musiri era plus SSI/MMI/Alathur/GNB both for his razor-sharp playing and sense of humor. I have been in informal gettogthers whre most of the above musicians would "egg" TKM to narrate his tales/imitations. None of them would misconstrue them even though they may be the but-end of his jokes/pranks.

An anecdote for his occasional indiscretionary remark:

At a condolence meeting for PMI several years ago(almost 30 years) he was one of the principal speakers besides LGJ and several others. he spoke at length dating back to their joint tutelage under Vaithanna(Tanjore vaidyanatha Iyer)--brought out several good points of insight about Vaithanna and PMI . Then he slightly veered off the tangent to talk about Thambudu(brother of TMT--I do not remember his real name)) who was a brilliant budding artist I believe(under Vaithanna) but who died prematurely and went on to say that had he been alive PMI would not have been so popular--the words did not come out right--the reference to Thambudu was unnecessary but because of the common link with Vaithanna he could have mentioned it as a sidebar without drawing the comparison--he did not mean to disrespect PMI but somehow it did not sound right--while the audience squirmed a little not much was made of the remark because everybody knew TKM well enough to tolerate his occasional digressions. So it is well known that he would make occasionally intemperate statements which if made by other musicians would create a furor but with TKM he enjoyed the respect and admiration from all the senior vocalists of his time--all of them would taunt him and label him as the friendly,amiable clown. His dimunitive stature in physical form(he used to self proclaim the Tamil proverb-Murthy siridu anaalum keerthi periyadu) got him the nickname "chittu"..

He could be self-deprecating as well--once after he got the Doctorate award, I met him om the MA grounds and congratulated him on his Doctorate--his remark in Tamil translated was "What can I do--I saw the guy distributing the Doctorates as he passed by--I did not want to be left out,so I put out my hand and he gave it to me!!!.
His relationship with his Guru(who virtually adopted him) was chequered by TKM's ocasional forays into extravagant purchases for which he would b chided by his Guru--once he went and bought himself a very expensive pair of chappals and when his guru chided him TKM objected to him being singled out when PMI bought the same expensive pair. To which the guru seems to have said "Mani is established .,you are just making the mark,you have a family to support you cannot be profligate" TKM himself later on acknowledged that he was impetuous and wanted to imitate PMI in everything lest there be different perception about his own vidwath!! My point is TKM was frank enough to admit his occasional impetuousness but is also known to have apologised to the person if he had crossed some boundaries. So the fact that he made some disparaging remarks about Rasikas might be valid but we need to understand the context and milieu he made those remarks under. Perhaps he thought the rasika was ill-informed judging from the tone and tenor of the questioner . I am not defending him because I was not present at that interview that the forumite was referring to.

TKM was a great prankster(now forumites must be careful not to draw any disrespectful conclusions). This involves Palani and TKM--as I mentioned earlier they both had high regard for each other and always touted their respective lineages--the Tanjavur vs Pudukottai schools . and often exchanged gentle banter-Palani was always very prim,polite and discreet but always used to enjoy TMK's pranks and jokes.

Once Palani was accompanying Sathur @ the Golden Rock temple(Uchhi pillaiar Kovil). TKM was in the audience a couple of rows from the front but within Palani's field of vision. midway thro the performance, Palani notices TKM trying to draw his attention by pointing his forefinger at Sathur and drawing his finger up- towards the ceiling---Palani discreetly tries to figure what TKM was pointing at but cannot figure out--then suddenly while trying to take a sip of soda raises the bottle(in those days it was the bottle with the marble in it to stem the flow so that one takes more than the normal time to drink) raises his head looking at the ceiling and bursts out laughing and spilling soda(there was the figure of an Yaali--the grotesque-looking horse-like animal sculpture in one of the pillars supporting the ceiling and TKM was implying the figure resembled Sathur while he was singing and Palani understood what he was pointing out and apparently was amused by the comparison.(caution: some of the younger forumites may think this is a little tasteless but those were the times when such pranks and jokes were not considered harmful--ofcourse noone knows how the "victim" of these jokes and pranks felt!) .

He was accompanying MSS and at that high sruthi he would play dazzling strokes and the sound will be anything but shrill at that pitch--his method of following songs was exemplarary(he could sing very well and had an acute sense of layam )

last but not least he is one of the most interesting raconteurs amongst the musicians alive today spanning almost 7 decades of playing--an hour spent with him is enough to make you forget your woes and you would be laughing in stitches!! One joke which he told myself and my brother-this was an actual event.
TKM near the Mylapore tank hails an auto:
Driver: Where do you want to go?
TKM: Gandhinagar,Adyar,how much?
Driver: Sixty rupees.
TKM: Why Rs.60? normal fare is only Rs.50.
Driver: But it is raining,Sir(there was very slight drizzle--intermittent!!).
TKM gets into the Auto and when he is about to start stops him saying "Let the rain stop"!!.

[cmlover]

Thx MKR for lightening the situation and adding a gem of recollections.
The concluding joke is a classic that has been narrated a few times at this Forum.
Yes! TKM is unforgettable for his vidvath and mannerisms!

[advaitam]

MKR sir, such a wonderful write-up as always....you're recounting of old-time greats is such a treat to read! You're very right in that Murthy sir is one soul who has no ill-feelings towards anyone.

[anonymityatlast]

his only drawback (if one could call that) is his frank speech. But then that is such a vanishing trait, especially in today's context when so many musicians (young and old) are ready to twist and turn any way, feigning, with their words of milk-&-honey, all the while scheming and thinking quite the opposite in their hearts......

What are you talking about?

[advaitam]

Doesn't matter. I withdraw my statement and apologise incase feelings were hurt.

[GNB_LGJ_PR]

And it was TKM who played for the first concert of GNB!

This seems to be slightly incorrect to me. GNB's first concert was in 1928 at the Kapaleeshwarar temple in Mylapore.
Considering that TKM was 86, two years ago(so born in 1923) he must have been a boy of 5 years at the time
of GNB's first concert. As per GNB's biography, it was GNB's friend Rajamani from Pudukkottai who accompanied him
on the mridangam in his first concert.

[advaitam]

This seems to be slightly incorrect to me. GNB's first concert was in 1928 at the Kapaleeshwarar temple in Mylapore.
Considering that TKM was 86, two years ago(so born in 1923) he must have been a boy of 5 years at the time
of GNB's first concert. As per GNB's biography, it was GNB's friend Rajamani from Pudukkottai who accompanied him
on the mridangam in his first concert.

There is some confusion on Murthy sir's year of birth. Though publicly he claims to be currently 88 years (1923 born), there are some sources who are very close to Murthy sir who say that he is actually past 90 (c. 1920 born)....but whatever be the case, his having accompanied GNB during the latter's first concert is definitely historically inaccurate. But he did accompany Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna during the latter's first concert in Chennai as also his first concert at Thiruvaiyaaru

[Ramasubramanian M.K]

Advaitham--Thank you for your kind remarks. One of the principles I try to follow in my "chronicles of the past",is to do no harm to the reputation of people who cannot defend themselves--a trait I learnt from my father-in his reviews he always stressed the positives and in private he would give his suggestions to the artist as to how the concert could have been better.

My chronicling the artistes of the past may seem effusive in its praise as if they were infallible or incapable of indiscretions either in their professional or personal life. They were all human and certain circumstances may have provoked certain kinds of behaviour in speech or action--some of which I may have been privy to but chose not to dwell upon them because it will not serve any purpose except to cater to some "schaden-fraude" feeling or some voyeuristic impulses of some readers.
Admittedly when some kind of remark or action irked me,my initial reaction was one of resentment--however when you are a "fly-in-the-wall" you better stop "fluttering" lest you be swatted mercilessly!! But later when I reflect upon those moments I learnt to take those events in proper perspective and got a better understanding of the context etc.

My point is if I sound excessively defensive of the artistes that I have known and write about,I am not claiming they were infallible but only that if we used the same yardsticks to everybody--artistes or not- there would be very few individuals who would qualify as saints and last but not least considering what they have achieved and what little I have achieved I am not qualified to dwell upon the frailties of the artistes that I write about!!

later on when I resume my SSI saga which has gone into hybernation I will be alluding to some of these issues and how I viewed them when it happened and how I view them now. Hindsight is always 20/20!!!!

[advaitam]

MKR sir, that is such an admirable trait that has been professed by our elders since time immemorial. It's very heartening to see you follow your late-lamented father's principles in this regard. I think there is absolutely no need for you to defend the tone of your chronicles - as you have rightly said, we are here to celebrate the music and lives of these titans, not unnecessarily harp on bygones and what-if's.

[cmlover]

MKR
That is a beautiful philosophy in line with
satyam brUyAt priyam brUyAt na brUyAt satyam apriyam
priyam ca nAn^Rtam brUyAt ESha dharma sanAtanaH ||
(speak the truth; speak the pleasant (truth); don't speak the unpleasant truth;
though pleasant don't speak the untruth; and that is the essence of sanAtana dharma)
But that is in conflict with being a true historian!
But in your case you speak even the unpleasant truth in such an elegant language that does not hurt!
I would modify the adage as
satyam brUyAt priyam brUyAt, brUyAt apriyam satyamavyatham
priyam ca nAn^Rtam brUyAt ESha dharma nUtanaH ||
(avyatham = unhurting; nUtanaH = modern (appropriate to present times))

[advaitam]

well said cmlover!! couldn't agree more!

[Sam Swaminathan]

My anna 's son Sri Krishna Prakash is an excellent mridangist. When Anna wanted to teach his son the art for which he is famous , who did he chose to be his son's guru?...none other than Murthy Sir. Krishna is a brilliant chartered accountant now, working for one of the big four. Because of his profession and the demands of international travel, he is unable to be in the kutcheri circuit, much to the chagrin of his father. But when I asked Anna for sending his son to Murthi Sir rather than teaching himself, he said that at the time when Krishna started learning there was no mridangam player who had the kind of dexterity and skills to match Murthi Sir. According to him Murthi Sir was not only a brilliant mridangist, but also a very good teacher. More than that, Anna was particular that Krishna learnt the "fingering" style of thanjavur. Don't forget, Anna's teacher Sri Kuniseri Krishnamani Iyer himself learnt from Thanjavur Vaidyanatha Iyer.

[Ramasubramanian M.K]

CMLover/Advaitham: Thanks for the remarks.The problem with being a historian is that one cannot withhold facts that one is privy to especially if the narration is to enhance the readers' understanding of the times and the people who lived in those times--the trick is to do it as tastefully and as respectfully as possible--I do realise the "blandness" the narratives would show if they contain hackneyed phrases of "They-all-lived-happily-thereafter"!!. Afterall we live in an age of instant communication,instant gratification of our impulses ---- twin traits--that would make any casual slip of reporting get totally out of hand. I suspect this may be the reason WHY the current crop of CM musicians are very reticent and reserved when it comes to getting intimate with their sycophants,sharing reminiscences etc.
I must confess the people whom I write about would have put a kabosh on my narratves however benign they might me,if they had had an inkling that I would write about them!!!
Sadasiva Mama always used to play down the idea of an authorised Bio of MS Amma:
Did the "Greats" ever think of writing about themselves for posterity? Why should we ordinary mortals feel that we should"(My comment: This was no false modesty on Mama's part I can assure you).

Re Sam Swaminathan's post,YES it is true that TKM's teaching methodology is excellent- while not shying away from teaching some intricacies that he may have been taught or learned, he would assess the capacity of the student and progressively "step-up" the rigors-- very much like his Guru Vaithanna --I have heard a story from my uncle who was a great admirer of Vaithanna as a person(my uncle hosted Vaithanna in the Mid Thirties in Benares when my uncle was in the Engineering College,when Vaithanna visited along with Musiri for a concert arranged by the Late Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya);

It seems when Vaithanna was teaching PMI who used to travel to Tanjore from Palakkad just to learn from him in the late thrities and early forties, the previous night before PMI was due to arrive Vaithanna could not go to sleep and would be pacing back and forth and when asked why this restlessness, Vaithanna would say,"PMI is coming tomorrow--I do not know WHAT to teach him,he is so quick and sharp capable of absorbing anything that is thrown at him and I worry about being able to do justice to his taking a long trip to learn from me"!!

Vaithanna had the same regard for TKM's capacity(camphor-like) and that was the reason WHY PMI always used to say about TKM that the latter knows everything that he (PMI) knows!!

[annamalai]

Among the top mridangists of that generation, TKM was probably the only one, who systematically accompanied some female artists.
Not sure, if TKM has played for DKP or MLV. I think TKM has also played for KB Sundararambal (who acted as Auvayaar in movies and SG Kittappa's wife - Kodaiyile Ilaipari, ...)

[advaitam]

Among the top mridangists of that generation, TKM was probably the only one, who systematically accompanied some female artists.
Not sure, if TKM has played for DKP or MLV. I think TKM has also played for KB Sundararambal (who acted as Auvayaar in movies and SG Kittappa's wife - Kodaiyile Ilaipari, ...)

Yes you're very right, he had accompanied KB Sundarambal as also DKP and MLV (a fact that he personally shared with me on one of the many long chats I have had the good fortune to have with him). I remember MKR sir telling somewhere that he used to have people listening to his raconteurs in splits due to his razor-sharp wit. That continues to this day!! His is a mind that has not faded one bit, despite the rigours of age, time and health (remember he continues to remain this active after a couple of major heart attacks and a major stroke resulting in life-threatening brain surgery!). Coming back to the women he accompanied, I remember listening to a couple of recordings of his accompanying DKP (one at KGS and the other at the Academy, if memory serves right). He has also accompanied the next generation of women vocalists after MSS-DKP-MLV (Mani Krishnaswami and some others). But without a doubt, of all the lady musicians he has accompanied, he continues to have the most dearest place in his heart for MS. Even recently when I went to meet him, he was lamenting on how some women vocalists today do not allow mridangists freedom while accompanying, curtailing them to play insipidly, so that their music may shine through atleast then. It was then that he said how MSS had never once asked him to curtail his playing style, having complete faith in his judicious method of accompaniment. He said that she often encouraged him to play misram & khandam and used to greatly admire and relish his "podi kanakkus". I still clearly remember what he said - "Andha Ammaavodu taalam mani maadhiri nikkum" (Her tala was as firm as the tolling of the bell). It was then that he said, "Andha Amma irukkara verkkum naan avaa mahimaiya purinjikkala....inekki avaa ponappuram enakku puriyardhu!" - "When that Amma was alive (meaning I guess, when he used to accompany her) I didn't understand her value, today after she's gone I have understood" - thus saying he began to weep like a child! Such is his child-like nature!

[Ramasubramanian M.K]

Yes Advaitham!! His association with MS Amma over 5 decades had its ups and downs--at times TKM sir was impetuous--especially when TS Mama for some justifiable reason would cancel a concert and the accompaniments like TKM who were in great demand for the major Male vocalists,would have had to forego the opportunity--the economic hardship he would express within earshot of mama and this had led to some minor misunderstandings--Subsequently Mama (TS) in his infinite generosity(of his own volition not based on demands) would compensate the accompanying artistes for the lost opportunity incurring an out-of-pocket loss for himself.

Now TKM was right--concerts opportuniites were not plenty in those days especailly concerts in Delhi or Bombay or Kolkata--TS was also right in those instances where the organisers were intransigent on some minimum conditions that Mama may have made(perfectly capable of accommodation by the organisers if there was a will--their egos came in the way) and if these were not met he would cancel it--now one might argue the merits and demerits of such a stance--in terms of audience inconvenience etc That is the Way TS saw it and that is the way he did it!! The accompaniments had a valid case and TS understood it and compensated them.

TKM is known to take such stances no matter how high the auhtorities may be--but it was always on principle--even the playing style curbs that he talks about he was piqued because every vocalist knows that TKM is a good singer and knows the nuances of each krithi and the nadai that he plays will never be inappropriate. Not to digress, this sensitivity can be missed by even veteran mridangists. Once I listened in person a vocal concert of Neyveli Santhana gopalan and UVS Sir accompanied him--UVS was superb tremendously supporting NSG right from the start(it was in MFA during the December season). But when NSG sang Ennerumamum(Devagandhari_ somehow something got into UVSir and throughout or for the most part played in mel Kalam which was totally inappropriate for the languorous style of that kriti,apparently being carried away by NSG's devotional rendering==so unlike UVS.

TKM also once in a while will let his imagination run wild and if he senses an opportunity to do a tricky korvai within the ambit of the pause he would attempt--something which people like SSI would gently chide him for and he would chafe under the same. This explains his petulance at some of the male vocalists trying to restrain his imagination.

[cmlover]

TKM is a free spirit incarcerated in the confines of a 'pakka vAdhyam' prison!
He was strong enough to break the prison bars but would not out of regard for normal decorum!
We should prostrate to such veterans who kept our sampradaya alive suffering humiliations at times
but keeping their free spirits in check and maintaining the 'Rtm' in our world of CM!
Thanks TKM Sir!

[advaitam]

TKM is known to take such stances no matter how high the auhtorities may be--but it was always on principle--even the playing style curbs that he talks about he was piqued because every vocalist knows that TKM is a good singer and knows the nuances of each krithi and the nadai that he plays will never be inappropriate. Not to digress, this sensitivity can be missed by even veteran mridangists.

TKM also once in a while will let his imagination run wild and if he senses an opportunity to do a tricky korvai within the ambit of the pause he would attempt--something which people like SSI would gently chide him for and he would chafe under the same. This explains his petulance at some of the male vocalists trying to restrain his imagination.

Well said MKR sir! The "nyaayam" and "nirnayam" in Murthy sir's accompanying style is a rare treat indeed! He often used to tell his students, "Listen to the vocalist when he/she sings the raga alapana. Observe how they introduce the lower and upper speed neraval....notice how they weave swara patterns based on the mood and movement of the kriti and raga....(from here I have to switch back to the vernacular perforce to capture the flavour) chumma ravaiya chorandeendrikkaadhe!" (Don't keep fidgeting with the rava)

Regarding his relations with SSI, there were plenty of ups and downs. Often SSI would feel uncomfortable with some of the "podi chollus" of Murthy sir and the latter would, as rightly pointed out, chafe. But despite all this he had (and continues to have) utmost regard for SSI's music. Once, sometime in the early '90s SSI had a radio concert for which Murthy sir was the slated mridangist. When SSI arrived he told Murthy sir, "Chittu, rombha praandaadhe da, enakku ippo elaam mudiyallai. Konjam adakki vaashiyen!" (Don't play too vigorously, I'm too old for that now. Do play in a mellow manner). Murthy sir immediately submitted to the elder soul's wish. During the thani, he played tisram mel kaalam, as he often does (a unique stamp of the Thanjavur bani), which fell effortlessly into the talam. After the recording got over, he asked SSI, "Mama, eppidi irundhudhu tisram?" (How was the tisram?) to which SSI retorted in amazement that he never realised that it was tisram. He said, "Ippidi oshetthiya nee vaashikkara kaaranam onn gurunaathar dhaan. Naan avarukku shaashtaanga namaskaram panren!" (The reason you played in such a stellar manner is because of your guru's training. I prostrate before that great soul!) So saying he did a shaashtaanga namaskaram in the eastern direction!

Another lighter instance with TS Mama narrated by Murthy sir himself - When MSS, TS, TKM and others had gone to Delhi for a performance, they were invited to stay at Teen Murti Bhavan with Jawaharlal Nehru. One day after lunch TS mama stepped out into the sprawling gardens for a stroll. Nehru came up to Murthy sir and asked him in Hindi, "Sadasivam kidhar hain?" (Where is Sadasivam?) Not knowing how to tell him in Hindi that TS mama had stepped out, Murthy sir quickly replied, "Sadasivam mar gaya!" (Sadasivam is dead!) After some furour and fretting, the truth of the matter was communicated in the end. But this quick retort was an endless source of amusement at the dinner table throughout the rest of the trip!

[cmlover]

[kittappa]

I have heard that when SSI got the Kalidas Samman, TKM was the accompanist for the concert in Bhopal. Whe they were returning to Chennai by train, SSI gave TKM Rs.200/. TKM was flabbergasted that having received Rs. One lakh SSI was giving him only a pittance. 'Enna mAmA idu' he asked, " eNDA mUrthy, nI vAshicha vAshippukku idu pOrAdA" (Is this not enough for your kind of playing). Is it true?

[advaitam]

I have heard that when SSI got the Kalidas Samman, TKM was the accompanist for the concert in Bhopal. Whe they were returning to Chennai by train, SSI gave TKM Rs.200/. TKM was flabbergasted that having received Rs. One lakh SSI was giving him only a pittance. 'Enna mAmA idu' he asked, " eNDA mUrthy, nI vAshicha vAshippukku idu pOrAdA" (Is this not enough for your kind of playing). Is it true?

I'm not aware of this occurrence. Probably SSI meant it only in jest. Not having been privy to this incident, I don't see prudence in unnecessary conjecture.

[advaitam]

Here is a very effervescent and exuberant thani played by Murthy sir for Dr. S. Ramanathan in 1984. He has covered all the 5 nadais brilliantly, with no unnecessary round-about movement! His speed and clarity are mesmerising! He has played the tisram mel kaalam that I mentioned in a previous post here also. In the beginning, he starts with a particular "aasu" (rhythmic pattern) and weaves varieties around the same! Genius! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvrIJ_ovMIM

[cmlover]

Of course SSI was not known for his munificence
My sample is based on his remunerations to the Priests who have rendered services to him at Trivandrum!
I have heard them use the expression 'kanjan'; of course Kanjan means 'Brahma' - the pitamaha, which is most appropriate in this case
MKR can however expand from his vast experience
By the by thanks advaitham for that Gem!

[Ramasubramanian M.K]

CMLover: On SSi's munificence(!!)-- Disclosure when the time and place are right!!!

Re the story on the Kalidas award I do not think it could be true not because of SSI's largesse but unlikely because TKM has a reputation of getting what is his due and fair-- one instance narrated by himself:

When he was playing for ARI in one of the concerts in Devakottai, the patron had agreed to a total remuneration with ARI including accompaniments leaving it to ARI to compensate the accompaniments. As ARI was very senior to TKM he did not talk remuneration in advance. Instead he decided to snoop around when the sanmanam was being given to ARI by the patron and somehow managed to find out what was the total amount--ARI in typical scrooge-like fashion tried to "shortcharge" TKM by saying that he got only X amount(much less than what he got) and TKM's share out of it was fair--TKM without necessarily telling ARI that he had overseen what the Patron paid ARI, 'jocularly threatened ARI that he(TKM) would tell Dhanam(kanjanur) who was ARI's wife ( of whom ARI was literally and mortally afraid!!) that the remuneration the patron gave was twice the amount he had received--a "bluff" no doubt but ARI could not afford to take chances and wanted to avoid a bruising battle with Dhanam(who was literally salting away money for her son by a previous marriage that she was monitoring ARI's concerts/remuneration etc--she accompanied him all the time- a literal shadow) ARI relented and gave what TKM demanded(which was a remuneration consistent with what ARI truly got and what would have been TKM's normal share ).

ARI knew that TKM was perfectly capable of mischief and he was liked by Dhanam as well and rather than fight TKM and having to surrender the whole amount and having to explain to her the the "fictitious" other half of the remuneration or deny the amount of compensation(Dhanam was not above "collaring" the patron directly ARI knew!!). From that point TKM claimed that ARI would never try to "stiff" him but many an accompanying violinist would get short shrift from ARI not knowing TKM's trump card!!

Point: There is no way TKM would have let SSi get away!!
Now a true story about the Kalidas Award as told to my father:

When the award of Rs. one lakh was announced, calls came streaming in--my father went personally to congratulate him when he received those congratulatory calls. In between calls SSI turns around and asks my father, "Enda idukkum tax kattanumo(Does this have to be declared). My father said YES-- SSI said it is not something that I earned by performing or doing anything specific(for which I would have been compensated) and this was an unsolicited award--How can Govt tax me on this? My father ended the discussion saying even after paying the tax he would have enough(by that time SSI had discharged all his family obligations and was not in any kind of financial distress!! leave it to your accountant and make sure the ITO assigned to the case is music lover and an SSI sycophant!!

[cmlover]

Super MKR
I just wanted to prod you about SSI whenever you are ready
Let us stick to TKM here!

I don't know about IT rules in India but windfalls are not taxable in many countries!

[advaitam]

There was a post on another thread challenging if Murthy sir has played for any lady vocalists of yore apart from MSS. I post here a concert of his with Smt DKP at KGS in 1975. The manner in which he accompanies the Thiruppugazh-s in the end is vintage Murthy sir! What spontaneity! http://www.mediafire.com/?n54mkzwavb8u9

[cienu]

An article on the legend in today's "The Hindu"
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp ... 835931.ece