Torch-bearer of a tradition
Parur Anantharaman... Sangita Kala Acharya.
PARUR M.S. Anantharaman — illustrious son of an illustrious father. Son of Prof. Parur A. Sundaram Iyer, a doyen among violinists, Anantharaman has mastered both Carnatic and Hindustani systems. His father was his mentor from whom he learnt the art with deep involvement and he is the senior-most torchbearer of this glorious technique that is renowned for its melody and impeccable, intricate nuances. The veteran is admired by generation of artistes for his profound skill, both as accompanist and solo performer, in both systems.
In an eventful career spanning over seven decades, Anantharaman has accompanied innumerable artistes. The list includes some outstanding names in Hindustani such as Pt. Omkarnath Takur, Pt. Vinayak Rao Patwardhan, Bai Rasoolan Bai and Pt. Ratanjankar.
It is interesting to learn that Anantharaman's solo concert was broadcast as early as 1937, for the Corporation of Madras Radio, which was functioning at the Ripon Buildings. The event took place when he was just 13 years old and at a time when the concerts of stalwarts like Tiger Varadachariar, Parur Sundaram Iyer, Veena Dhanam, T. Brinda, T. Mukta and Parupalli Ramakrishna Pantulu were being broadcast from there.
Anantharaman has toured all over the globe for performances and has been honoured by several cultural organisations abroad. Among the prominent awards he has received within the country are Kalaimamani (Tamil Nadu Government), the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, apart from countless titles from various institutions for his invaluable contribution to Carnatic music. He is the Asthana Vidwan of the Kanchi Math. The Music Academy, which bestowed on him the TTK Award earlier, is decorating him with the title Sangita Kala Acharya, this year.
A graduate in Mathematics from the Madras University, Anantharaman holds a diploma in Indian music, with focus on violin technique. He is a revered teacher of the Parur style of violin playing to several aspiring students. The most important aspect of his teaching and continuation of his tradition is his shaping up of his two sons Sndareswaran and Krishnaswamy, two brilliant violinists, experts in both systems of music.
Anantharaman who taught for over 21 years at the Central College of Carnatic Music (now known as the Tamil Nadu Government Music College) continues teaching and performing both in India and abroad, and shines as the golden link between the past and the present.
NANDINI RAMANI
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Music & Dance
