As a multi-faceted genius, revered Guru and wonderful human being, the many dimensions of violin maestro Lalgudi G. Jayaraman and the breadth of his contributions to Carnatic music were put under the spotlight as part of the musician's 80th birthday celebrations on Sunday.
The celebrations were hosted by admirers, disciples and well-wishers under the umbrella of the “Lalgudi 80 Trust.”
Former Governor of West Bengal Gopalkrishna Gandhi launched “Fourmost,” a four-volume CD compilation of Lalgudi Jayaraman's concerts by handing over the first copy to S. Ramadorai, Vice Chairman TCS.
Poetic tribute
In a poetic tribute, Mr. Gandhi said Mr. Jayaraman, the great soloist and accompanist that he was, had shown us how to be at ease while at the centre or on the margins.
In a world of make-believe music and artificial sound effects “Lalgudi is a real place,” he said.
R. Seshasayee, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland, said Mr. Jayaraman was the “sampoorna vidwan” and a genius who at the micro level embellished every note in its minute detail while recreating the grandness and majesty of Carnatic music on the macro scale.
And, as a Guru he taught generations of aspirants without expecting anything in return except musical excellence from them, he said.
R. Thyagarajan, Chairman, Shriram Group, who has been a Lalgudi rasika for over 57 years, described Mr. Jayaraman as a colossus musician who could still remain humble about his achievements.
Mr. Jayaraman could recreate a cosmos of music in a 33-minute exposition of “charukesi” with his aesthetic perception of ragas, he said.
Consummate artist
Classical dance exponent V.P. Dhananjayan said Mr. Jayaraman was a consummate artist whose music could transport listeners to a higher plane.
In his acceptance speech read out by one of his disciples, Mr. Jayaraman modestly attributed his success to the good fortune of “being in the right place at the right time” and performing alongside several doyens of Carnatic music.
N. Murali, Senior Managing Director, Kasturi & Sons Ltd, and members of the “Lalgudi 80 Trust” Mala Ramadorai, G.J.R. Krishnan, Akhila Srinivasan and Y. Prabhu also participated.
