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 On
August 18 1928, the Music Academy was inaugurated in Chennai for the
sole purpose of fostering Carnatic music and encouraging the study
of theory and practice of music. It is the endeavour of this
institution to give to music its rightful place in our national
life. Even after 80 years, the Music Academy is the place, where
each and every artist longs to perform.
As part of its 80th year celebrations, the Music Academy recently
conferred the special lifetime achievement award on Violin maestro
Lalgudi G. Jayaraman. It was conferred by Gopalkrishna Gandhi,
Governor of West Bengal.
The Governor said that he first heard Jayaraman’s
performance around 40 years ago at Thanjavur. There, the atmosphere
and the appreciation were rich. Today's technology has definitely
robbed our concerts of the serenity. According to him, there is much
adulteration in classical music, which should be guarded against. He
had a few critical remarks to make against commercialism as well.
“Music Academy is the heritage of conservationists. Young artists
carry a heritage to be conserved, rather than a skill”, he said.
 Gopalkrishna
Gandhi also urged the young artists to make their contributions by
being authentic and real. Regarding the award, he said, “We do not
know whether we celebrate lifetime of achievement or achievement of
a lifetime”.
Eminent music and dance personalities like T. N.
Seshagopalan, Chitra Visweswaran, Guru Kaaraikudi R. Mani, R. K.
Srikantan, M. Chandrasekaran and musicologist B. M. Sundaram
recalled their association and experience with the 77-yr old violin
genius.
Seshagopalan said that Jayaraman created a
revolution in instrumental music and called him Layaraman. Whoever
be the vocalist, rasikas throng the sabhas for Lalgudi's
performance.
 M.
Chandrasekaran lauded Jayaraman’s various compositions like
thillanas and varnams and even his maiden venture as music director
in the movie Sringaram, which won him National award.
According to Srikantan, “Jayaraman is one of the few
instrumentalists, who could render solo vocal performance. He is one
of the sharpest minds I have met. His sense of values is
impeccable.”
In his acceptance speech, the hero of the function
modestly dedicated the award to his Gurus and said that it is a
memorable occasion. “It is the duty of every artist to respect the
art”, he said.
 An
episode from the dance drama Jaya Jaya Devi, composed by Lalgudi
Jayaraman and a multi media presentation on the legendary musician
were also part of the function. Earlier, N. Murali, President, Music
Academy welcomed.
It was a memorable event not only for Jayaraman, but
also for the packed audience which included several VIPs and rasikas.
U. Bakialakshmi
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