|
 A
staunch exponent of Sampradaya Sangeetha (Classical
tradition), R Vedavalli is probably one of the greatest
personalities to have contributed to Carnatic music in the
post-independent years. In a career spanning more than five
decades, Vedavalli, as a musician, musicologist,
researcher, teacher and vocalist, has enriched
understanding and appreciation of Carnatic music,
especially through her research on Muthuswamy Dikshitar
(one of the Trinity of Composers) and her passion for dying
art forms like Mallari (a form of temple music played
exclusively on the Nadaswaram). Vedavalli's contribution to
a clearer understanding of Muthuswamy Dikshitar was focused
on his handling of ragas, his approach to the language
(Sanskrit) and his compositions. She has also worked on
Konnukol, a Jathi which is orally narrated.
One of the best exponents of the Pallavi, Vedavalli had
impressive training sessions under the illustrious
Mudicondan Venkata Iyer. Born in Mannargudi, Vedavalli owes
her initiation to music to Madurai Srinivasa Iyengar of the
famed Madurai brothers.
Vedavalli has an envious record as a student and researcher
at the Teachers College of Music, Music Academy. She is the
first recipient of some of the best scholarships awarded by
the Sangeeth Natak Academy and the Government of India.
The Sangitha Kalanidhi, bestowed on her in 2001, makes her
the first student / teacher recipient of Music Academy's
coveted title.
|
