TAMIL
Story of a legend
H. RAMAKRISHNAN
PALAKKADU MANI IYER: Charukesi; Vikatan Publications, 757, Anna Salai, Chennai-600002. Rs. 95.
We now have an authoritative and engagingly written life story of a legend. If the mridangam plays the prime and dynamic role in concerts today, the credit for that should go to Palakkadu Mani Iyer. A genius, he set a style of his own, embellishing and enhancing the overall effect of every concert. He drew the undivided attention of the rasikas, who thronged concert halls to see the maestro in action and enjoy his distinctive and inimitable performance. Mani Iyer had a deep musical erudition and imposing stage presence.
Charukesi has let the master speak through the pages of his diary. In addition, he has drawn from the recorded details — to which he has had access — of several interesting and illuminating events in Mani Iyer’s hectic and action-packed life.
Mani Iyer had accompanied all the great Vidwans of his time. Several anecdotes relating to his out-of-the-ordinary interactions and exchanges with them, on and off the concert stage, have been included in this well-illustrated book. The Kanchipuram Nayana Pillai incident is simply awesome.
Charukesi offers a rich gift to those involved in Carnatic music. The book creates in the reader the same exhilarating mood that one got while attending Mani Iyer’s performance.
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