MusicalNirvana - Namagiripettai Krishnan

Namagiripettai Krishnan

The Hindu,Friday, March 27, 1998
Reproduced here for educational purposes only

Instilling devotion through nadaswaram

Among musical instruments, the ancient, unique and popular wind instrument of Carnatic tradition is the nadaswaram.

In the past, South India has produced a number of nadaswaram giants. One such living legend is Namagiripettai K. Krishnan.

Krishnan was born on April 2, 1924, and belongs to a family of musicians. He learnt his first lessons in vocal music and nagaswaram from his grandfather, Chinnappa Mudaliar. Through vigorous practice for several years, he secured an eminent position in the field of Carnatic music.

Krishnan has to his credit a remarkable and glorious concert record extending over five decades. Chosen as Asthana Vidwan by the Tirumala-Tirupathi Devasthanam in 1974, Krishnan is a much sought after artiste. A pure traditionalist, Krishnan is very keen on preserving the nagaswaram `bhani.' His facile playing of his instrument brings out the full range, depth and melody of the music.

This nagaswaram artiste is known for his handling of familiar Carnatic ragas in their pristine form. Special mention should be made about his ability in delineating rare ragas in a short and sweet manner. For instance, his `alapana' of the raga Kalyana Vasantam used to elevate the spirits of his rasikas.

Krishnan has given several performances, both in India and abroad, including in the temples of Pittsburg, Toronto, Washington, New York and London. During the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of India's Independence, the Indian Government deputed him to South East Asian countries, where he was well received and honoured.

In recognition of his outstanding services to the cause of nagaswaram and its popularisation, both in India and abroad, the Pondicherry University conferred on him the ``Doctor of Letters'' (Honoris Causa) in May 1989. In 1981, he was honoured with the Padmasri. The Tamil Nadu Sangita Natak Academy conferred on him the title of ``Kalaimamani'' and the Tamil Isai Sangam gave him the title of ``Isai Perarignar''.

Krishnan by nature is very simple, humble, friendly and highly religious. ``Vidya Dathathi Vinayam'' is a Sanskrit adage. In Krishnan, one could see this ``vinayam'' in abundant measure.