T> K> Murthy

TK Murthy represents 1 of the large schools of mrdangam. He has adorned stages crossed the globe and collaborated with the who’s who of Indian classical music.
A week ago, musicians Sangeetha Sivakumar, N Guruprasad, B Sivaraman and I had the privilege of spending a greeting with the mrdangam maestro Dr T K Murthy. On August 13 2024, this large antheral turned 100! It is uncommon to conscionable centenarians; and adjacent rarer to find them among musicians. For those who whitethorn not person heard his name, fto maine present him. Murthy represents 1 of the large schools of mrdangam. He has adorned stages crossed the globe and collaborated with the who’s who of Indian classical music. One instrumentalist with whom helium had a continued aesthetic concern was MS Subbalakshmi. He anticipated her each move, accentuating her electrical flourishes with his breath-taking wizardry and her pauses with his silences.

TK Murthy’s benignant of playing was antithetic from his luminary contemporaries. His fingering technique, subtle and deceptive( COURTESY: TK JAYARAMAN)

Murthy’s benignant of playing was antithetic from his luminary contemporaries. His fingering technique, subtle and deceptive. At times, what seemed similar a straightforward signifier revealed a analyzable method erstwhile slowed down. And a simpler mode of playing the signifier did not make the aforesaid effect. Murthy ne'er made a hullaballoo astir what helium played; ne'er making it overtly evident that thing spectacular had conscionable occurred. Everything helium played had truthful overmuch people written implicit it, yet helium did not deterioration it connected his sleeve. He would simply grin successful happiness. Whatever helium played was enmeshed successful the melody to specified an grade that it dissolved into the raga and composition. Murthy was selfless. He would not wantonly displacement the absorption onto himself oregon distract you with his individualism. Instead, helium would guarantee that you stay glued to the vocalist and the violinist. Individualism is touted arsenic an ideal, a indispensable request for success. But it besides astatine times tramples upon others. Murthy’s attack was collective-individualism wherever the distinctness is simply a corporate expression.

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When we went to spot Murthy, helium exuded joy. His memory, intact. With tiny cues, helium regaled america with stories of the bygone days. Known for his inimitable humour and quaint storytelling manner, helium had america successful splits of laughter. The respect with which helium treated each of us, contempt the information that we are decades younger, was a acquisition successful humility. Not erstwhile did helium flaunt his knowledge, acquisition oregon stature. There was nary bitterness successful his tone, nary underlying sarcasm and not 1 antagonistic connection astir immoderate different artiste.

Before leaving his home, Sangeetha and I decided to sing a opus for him. Sivaraman, who was with us, is besides 1 of Murthy’s elder disciples. He brought a mrdangam from Murthy’s furniture and we began singing. As the opus progressed, we witnessed the passionateness of the man. Murthy was mentally accompanying america and enjoying his protégé’s each move. At the end, some of them exchanged a fewer rhythmic sequences, Murthy uttering the rhythmic vocables, Sivaraman pursuing connected the instrument. When the euphony ended, Murthy pointed to Sivaraman and asked maine “Do you cognize what radical telephone him?” Then, with a arrogant smile, helium said “He is known arsenic Junior Murthy!”

I anticipation I volition beryllium arsenic generous with my student!

TM Krishna is simply a Carnatic instrumentalist and writer. The views expressed are personal