Madurai N Krishnan

🪔 About

Vidwan Madurai N. Krishnan, born on October 31, 1928, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, was a revered Carnatic classical musician, celebrated as a prominent vocalist, lyricist, and composer (vaggeyakara). He was a loyal representative of the Ariyakudi tradition, upholding its stylistic and technical principles. Krishnan received his initial musical training from his father, Harikatha exponent Narayana Iyengar, and his elder brother, violinist Srinivasa Iyengar. He pursued formal training at the Tamil Isai School in Karaikudi and later earned his 'Sangita Vidwan' title from the Tamil Nadu Government Music College, Madras. A significant period of his training involved an intensive 18-year Gurukula Vasam under the maestro Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, residing at his guru's home in Muthupatnam, Melavoor near Karaikudi. Krishnan made his formal debut as Ariyakudi's disciple in 1950 at Tirupati. He was highly acclaimed as a composer for dance, having created numerous Bharatanatyam numbers, including approximately 15 varnams, 25 thillanas, jatiswarams, and padams. His compositions were primarily bhakti-oriented, suitable for abhinaya in dance, and were choreographed by notable artists such as Sudharani Raghupathy and Anita Ratnam. He also scored music for literary works like Thiruppavai, Naalayira Divya Prabhandham, and Thiruvasagam. In 1970, he co-founded Shree Bharatalaya in Chennai with K. Soundararaja Iyengar and Sudharani Raghupathy, serving as its Director. At Shree Bharatalaya, he initiated music training programs and personally taught Carnatic vocals and composition to disciples. An 'A Top' grade artiste of All India Radio, Krishnan passed away in Chennai on October 9, 2005, at the age of 76. Awards & Honours: UNESCO Award (1970), Kalaimamani (1981), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1987), Gana Nidhi (1979), Madura Kala Praveena (1981), Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram Award (1982), Padma Shri (1992), Sangeetha Kala Sikhamani (1999), Gaana Padmam (1999), Padma Bhushan (2003).