“Mrs. Sathyamurthy was a vocalist and also played the violin. She was an A grade artist in both for the All India Radio, India. All her life, she accompanied many musicians on the violin, including M.S. Subbalakshmi and Mani Krishnaswami. Mami came to study with appa (S. Ramanathan) in her 1960s. I remember her coming to the house before sunrise, spending the whole day in class, absorbing appa ’s style, learning, teaching other students in his absence, and being a right hand for him. She became part of the Ramanathan family. She would notate as he sang, and sometimes even his own compositions as he composed. Thanks to Mami, many of appa 's creations have been preserved.
Meticulous When I think of Mami, the word ‘meticulous’ comes to mind. She was truly a perfectionist. After my father's time, I wanted to learn compositions that were taught by appa (his patantara) and Mami had volumes of bound note books with the notations. You would never find even a small scratch in her writing. Not just in music, she was always well turned out. Her sari was always ironed and worn neatly and there was nothing out of place in in her appearance. She was highly disciplined about her meals and daily exercises.
In his last days,
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
I also had the opportunity to learn more than a hundred compositions from Mami including my father's Narayanagowla, Senjuruti, and Pantuvarali Lakshana varnams.
In the U.S., wherever I travel to perform, I always come across at least one person reporting that he/she was Mami's student. She lived with so much enthusiasm about music until her last day. She was my mentor in so many ways and I will always strive to do justice to her. I am very sure that she is now one with her beloved 'Krishna'.”