 Legend in his life-time: T N Krishnan
 A legend in his life-time, T N Krishnan has created an indelible imprint in the music world with his inimitable style. His father Narayana Iyer was a renowned violinist who played a pivotal role in grooming young Krishnan who has scaled great heights as a violinist. His practice would start as early as 4 in the morning. Narayana iIyer was a taskmaster who would sit with the child for rigorous practice. Continous musical workout has perfected his art.
Krishnan nostalgically recalls his first concert with stalwart Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar at Trichur. “I was thrilled to replace T Chowdiah who did not turn up for the concert,” quips Krishnan emotionally. His instinct for lakshaya music has attracted the music fraternity and the
rasikas.
He has accompanied eminent musicians like Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, Musiri Subramania Iyer, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer amd Bhoodalur Krishnamurthi Sastrigal to name a few.
 By swimming in the ocean of music for seven decades he has unravelled the mysteries of nada. He has played throughout India and abroad. A versatile person he has played jugalbandhi with north Indian musicians. A globe-trotter, he is an accomplished artiste and his violin has resonated in the West.
Krishnan has lifted the art to greater heights of purity and classicism and for this effort he has been decorated with a number of awards, including the coveted Padma Bhushan. He has the excellence of a musician and the erudition of a musicologist and has headed the Central College of Music for over a decade. His talented offspring Viji and Sriram have inherited their father’s ingenuity.
I was stunned to see the renowned violinist teaching a child vocal and violin at the T N Krishnan Foundation for Performing Arts, in Besant Nagar, Chennai. Sponsored by Shekar of Lancor Gesco Prop Ltd, this school aims at inculcating the spirit of music and spreading our rich heritage. The foundation is involved in conducting workshops, organising concerts, etc.
Krishnan is agile at this age which made me speechless. His involvement in teaching a tiny-tot the Bala Paadam is commendable. He vibes well with children opines a parent who brings her young ones to the classes everyday. Krishnan’s birthday was celebrated the world over by his disciples and rasikas and excerpts from his concerts were broadcast to honour this colossus of music.
E-mail t_n_krishnan@yahoo.com
www.tnkrishnan-foundation.org
Mira
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