Dr. M BALAMURALIKRISHNA

 From Sampath’s Desk:

 

Dr. M BALAMURALIKRISHNA 

(6 July 1930 - 22 November 2016)

Dr. M Balamuralikrishna was one of the legendary Carnatic musicians who can be considered as 'male MS'. With his passing on 22.11.2016, another pillar of the music world has fallen. A versatile multi-linguist vocalist, he was not only proficient in many genres but also an exponent of new ragas. He was also a playback singer and composer. Who can forget his all-time hit song ‘Oru Naal Pothumaa’ from the Tamil film ‘Thiruvilayaadal’?

He promoted innovative varieties and styles in his music compositions, and his oeuvre is good guidance for generations of music aspirants.

 

Generations were trained and got benefited out of his rich expertise and experience in music. He took the soulful music and ragas from their native environs to international horizons and forums. His ragas and melodies couched in devotional, philosophical and entertainment tinges were, in fact, spirit-lifters. He was indeed elegant yet not pompous, but one who believed in music with a distinct message for learners and novices.

 

Music followers who had earlier confined themselves to listening to the traditional numbers changed their preferences and in fact, started increasingly opening up to variety. MBK satisfied them with his sizzling and ‘nectar-flowing-into-ears’ numbers sustaining an eclectic taste.

 

He never failed to take his audience to an exciting plane. Listeners were exhilarated by his performances. He had sharp artistic acumen, capacity for mellifluous presentation, and natural flair to sustain aural interest. He made his audience to experience the music differently. He also had his hands on Violin, Mridangam, and Kanjira, proving the multi-faceted and versatile personality that he was in the music world. He was active throughout and never hung up his gloves.

 

India has lost a great music icon who was at the forefront presenting his renditions in many Indian languages projecting the commonalities of Indians and their shared interests and vision. In his multilingual singing, one can well see India’s ‘unity in diversity’ and ‘convergence amid divergences’.

 

Among others, he was conferred with the 'Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Letters' by the French government and Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian honour.

 

His music renditions have immortalized him. Though he is no more, he will continue to be amidst us to guide the music aspirants through a treasure trove of works bequeathed by him.

 

 

(R.SAMPATH)

24/11/2016