Major Artist 1 - Profile

Sorry... combining few peoples profile together...

ANNAMALAI REDDIAR - COMPOSER...............(1865 - 1890 or 1891) 'Kavadi Chindu' is one of the forms of light compositions in Tamil which are highly popular for their simplicity, emotional content and appeal. In praise of Lord Muruga of Kazhugumalai in Tirunelvelli, Annamalai Reddiar had composed kavadi chindus. Rich in poetic excellence and charming melody, his songs include pieces like 'Murugan Tirumal Marugan Perumai' (Atana). Has composed Thalapuranam, etc.

Annamalai Reddiar was born at Chennimalai in Tirunelvelli District. A charming person, he is stated to have led a reckless life and died in his twenty-sixth year. The Lord of Kazhugumalai has been praised by Muthuswami Dikshitar also in his 'Subramanyena Rakshitoham' (Suddha Danyasi) and Arunagirinathar in Tiruppugazh.

ANNASWAMI SASTRI (BHAGAVATHAR)- MUSICAL DISCOURSE ARTISTE.........(b.July3, 1899)
Born at Pettai, Tirunelveli District of Duraiswami Jadavallabar and Janaki Ammal, he had his general studies at The Sanskrit College, Tiruvaiyaru. He studied Sastras under Bhuvaraghachariar and Madurai Ramasubba Sastrigal. He had his training in harikatha rendering under the renowned Tirupazhanam Panchapakesa Bhagavathar and musical training under Madirimangalam Natesa Ayyar and Kottaram amasubba Sastrigal.

Varied training equipped Sastri with rich knowledge, command over religious and spiritual lore, capacity for robust presentation and singing with raga bhava. He was honoured by the Music Academy in 1955 as it has done Mangudi Chidambara Bhagavathar and Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavathar. Sastri was noted for the use of rakti ragas and his genial wit.

He was principal of the Harikatha School, Tanjore. Was honoured by the Madras Sangita Nataka Sangarn. Was Fellow of the Central Sangita Nataka Academy in 1962.

TIRUVARUR BAKTHAVATSALAM - MRIDANGIST.............(b.25 November 1956)

Born in a traditional musical family, Bakthavatsalam had his training in Mridangam under his maternal uncle, Tiruvarur Krishnamurthy, who was Staff Artiste, All India Radio, Pondicherry. Made his debut at the age of nine and has since accompanied top ranking musicians. A versatile and popular percussionist, his solos are entertaining.

Title : ' 'Mridanga Vadhya Mani from Sri Sankaracharya of Kanchipuram.