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 Architect
of the modern Carnatic music concert format, Ariyakudi
Ramanuja Iyengar was born on May 19th, 1890. The son of an
astrologer, he was also scion of an unmatched musical
genealogy that can be traced back right up to Saint
Thyagaraja. His musical formation was under Ramanathapuram
Srinivasa Iyengar. His debut was at a marriage function at
Chettinad, where his guru had performed. At the host's
request, Srinivasa Iyengar asked young Ariyakudi to perform
as well.
Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar had a remarkably large
repertoire. He was also known for the balance in his
renditions, the taste of his selections for a concert, his
extraordinary consistency and the devotion he infused his
art with. He never let the eminence of his musicianship
overshadow his accompanists' in his recitals. He presided
over the conference of the Music Academy in 1938. For
redefining the standards of concert performance, Carnatic
Music owes more to Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar than to any
other musician past or present.
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