Rich tributes were paid to the late G.N.Balasubramaniam by speakers at a function organised at Rasika Ranjana Sabha to unveil the portrait of the noted Carnatic vocalist.
Popularly known as GNB by music lovers and musicians, the late GNB set a new trend in Carnatic music tradition, they said.
V.Gopalakrishnan, former Executive Director, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, said that GNB had an in-depth knowledge of several kritis and through his innovative restructuring popularised Carnatic music. Marukelara,sarasa samadhana, and chalamelara were some of the kritis that owe their popularity to the efforts of GNB, Mr.Gopalakrishnan said.
Mr.Gopalakrishnan pointed out that GNB was so talented that he could even impress composers of kritis and was regarded highly by Harikesavanallur Muthiah Bhagavathar and Mysore Vasudevachar. Mr.Gopalakrishnan referred to GNB’s ability to shift from one ragam to another with ease. Even the Music Academy approved his style, he said.
N.Gopalasamy, director, Dalmia Cements, spoke on the compositions by GNB.
N.Sekar, secretary, Rasika Ranjana Sabha, and K.S.Balasubramaniam, treasurer, said that this was the 51 portrait of musical stalwarts to be unveiled on the premises of the sabha. A vocal concert by Tirussur V.Ramachandran was held. He was accompanied by M.A.Sundareswaran on violin, R.Ramesh on mridangam, and H.Sivaramakrishnan on gadam.