KANYAKUMARI

The Violin is a difficult instrument to master. There is a special technique. It is difficult to build a vast repertoire of songs. Popular demand for solo instrumentalists is also less compared to vocalists. The opportunity for a violinist to play as an accompanist is far greater than that of a soloist. So Violin artistes prefer playing as an accompanist.

I have never faced any such problems. Luckily, all the artistes for whom I have played till now, have treated me with respect and dignity. But, I do hear of reports where accompanists complain of second rate treatment. Many programme organisers are concerned only of the welfare of the main artiste. The others in the orchestra are sidelined. Similarly a few main artistes also take more than what is due to them monetarily and otherwise. The organisers and the main artiste should realise that all the members of the orchestra form a team and one cannot do without the other.

In 1988, I started a musical ensemble called ‘Vadyalahari’, comprising a Violin, Nadaswaram, Veena or Flute and dual percussion instruments. It was a great success and we performed about four hundred concerts in the country. Music of the World Inc., USA, brought out a compact disc on it. In 1990, I conducted a triple octave confluence called ‘Thristhai Sangamam’, including two disciples and myself with many percussion instruments. I have also done Jugal Bhandis with Sitar exponent Janardhan. On the centenary celebrations of Dwaram Venkatswami Naidu, I gave an experimental concert with 25 violinists, which was very well received by the audience. In 1997, on the occasion of India’s 50^th year of Independence I gave a concert with 50 violinists. I included a new Raga named Bharath composed by me. The Millennium Show organised by me on 31^st December 1999 comprised one hundred instrumentalists. The highlight of the show was a special garland of one hundred ragas, blending both Hindustani and Carnatic ragas.

Which would you recall as your most unforgettable moment?

I was in Delhi, performing for a concert with Dr. M. L. Vasanthakumari at the Tansen festival. A number of top artistes performed in the festival and were duly honoured. After our concert, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, who was in the audience, came up on stage and took out his shawl, that was given to him, and put it around me saying that I truly deserved it for such a great performance. That is one incident I will never forget.

Yes, I do. Some of my students are doing very well .

I practise daily. It is very essential for an instrumentalist to practice daily. Specially so with the Violin, because the Violin does not have any frets like the Veena and also as an accompanist you have to be alert. Sometimes you do not know what the vocalist is going to sing.

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