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 In
an age when experimentation, even in the classical arts, is
deemed fashionable, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer stands like a
rock. A protector of the purity in Carnatic music heritage.
Born in 1908, Semmangudi started Carnatic vocal training at
eight. His first music recital was at the Kumbakonam
Nageswaraswami temple in 1926. His performance at the
Congress session at Chennai (the following year) brought
him to centre-stage.
Besides his preservation of the classical vocal tradition,
Semmangudi's contribution has been in his editing and
reviving the songs of Maharaja Swati Tirunal. Generations
of musicians have been taught and nurtured by him. Among
his most celebrated pupils are M S Subbulakshmi, T N
Krishnan, T M Thyagarajan, P S Narayanaswami and
Kadayanallur Venkatraman.
Despite his prodigious creative energies, Semmangudi
avoided composing new songs. To him, Carnatic Music will
always be indebted for restoring the original beauty of the
classic compositions. Semmangudi is the recipient of
several awards. Notable among them - the Sangeetha
Kalanidhi title in 1947, the Padma Bushan in 1969 and the
Padma Vibushan in 1990.
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