Shri. Lalgudi Jayaraman: Karanatic Violin

Lalgudi Jayaraman comes from a distinguished musical family: his great grandfather Rama Iyer was a disciple of St Tyagaraja, one of the patron saints of Karantic music. His grandfather, Valadi Radhakrishna was the resident musician of Mysore state.

Lalgudi learnt music from his father and commenced his musical career at age 12, and was quickly accompanying leading musicians. He emerged as a solo violinist in 1958.

His style is characterized by boundless innovation and strict adherence to tradition, impeccable rhythm, exquisite melody, and the ability to eloquently express the mood and essence of any composition.

In recent years, Lalgudi has toured with his son G.J.R.Krishnan, and his daughter J. Vijayalakshmi, both significant violinists in their own right.

Lalgudi, who, in 1971, published the "Thyagaraja Pancharatna Kritis" with notations, has also made a significant contribution as a composer of thillanas and varnams.