Flute Maestro N Ramani

"Music in the air" denotes a pleasant situation! Blowing it through the bamboo signifies many linkages and connotations: harmony with nature,- interaction with the elements; indication of a process of evolution; progress through imagination and endeavour; a simple device handy and ready to use, developing into a refined tool and medium of high musical expression and effective communication.

The making of music through the flute, perhaps the most ancient and universal and least expensive among the instruments in use, goes straight to the heart. Prof. P. Sambamoorthy refers to the flute as the "instrument of humanity". The association of this sushira vadya (aerophone) with pastoral occupation and with Venu Gopala adds another dimension. With reference to the musical traditions in vogue, the flute serves as a fitting illustration of a folk spring contributing to the classical stream.

Apleasant function was organised by the Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer Trust on 19 January at Nalli Gana Vihar auditorium of Sri Krishna Gana Sabha in Chennai to felicitate violin maestro Lalgudi G. Jayaraman and confer on him the title of Viswapriya Sangeeta Bhoopati, in recognition of his singular service and contribution to Carnatic music. It was a fitting gesture by the Trust, reflective of the mutual respect and affection between the charismatic vidwan the late Maharajapuram V. Santhanam and Lalgudi Jayaraman, which was palpable when they shared the concert platform. The prayer by Ganesh Viswanathan, a scion of the Maharajapuram tradition, was followed by the welcome address by Maharajapuram Srinivasan. A silver violin, a shawl and a cash award were presented on behalf of the Trust to violin maestro Lalgudi Jayaraman by T.N. Seshan, former Chief Election Commissioner. R. Yagnaraman, Secretary of Sri Krishna Gana Sabha read the citation.