FLUTE N RAMANI

FROM SAMPATH’S DESK:

          



 

 


 

FLUTE N RAMANI

(15 October 1934-9 October 2015)

  

The legendary ‘Flute Ramani’, who had the distinction of introducing and excelling in playing the long flute in Carnatic music - replacing the traditional high-pitch small flute - taking cue and inspiration from the North Indian bansuri genius, Pannalal Ghosh, enriched the performance of one of the most-ancient music instruments of India. He along with the flute maestro Mali Sir brought international attention to the Carnatic flute  in their own distinct playing styles and techniques. Only a few flutists would have made their instrument virtually sing and dance as Ramani Sir did.


From a humble beginning of a concert on All India Radio as an 11-year-old in 1945, he shot into limelight getting recognition as an accomplished Flutist from the Madras Music Academy after his first performance there at age 22. He then went on to become an internationally-known Flutist.

 

Assimilating the playing nuances from late T.R.Mahalingam, he developed a style of his own. Improving and improvising his blowing techniques, he proved to be a rare blend of both a genius performer as well as a Guru, both roles coming together in a seamless confluence. He had the ability to make his flute mimic its voice to a marked perfection resonating what he wanted to give from the bottom of his heart. He always enjoyed and celebrated his works as did his listeners.

 

He strongly believed that Carnatic instrumental music will be complete only when the spiritual content of the lyrics/notes is felt by the audience. He also believed that Carnatic music had an intrinsic appeal even to the most casual listeners.

 

His own flute would have got wonder-stricken at the various ways it was handled by the maestro in his genres for generating different captivating music notes!

 

As a flutist, he was a spirit-lifter and special emissary of the fine art capable of entertaining and enthralling his audience with his soulful renditions.

 

Many honours and accolades greeted him, examples being ‘Sangeetha Kalanidhi’ by Music Academy, Chennai, ‘Sangeetha Kalasikhamani award 2007 by the Indian Fine Arts Society, Chennai, ‘Sangeetha Acharya award from Wasser College, U.S., Honourary Citizenship status in Maryland, Ohio, US, Padma Shri award in 1987, and the Honorary Cultural Doctorate from the World University of Arizona, among others.

                   

He passed away on 9th October 2015.

 

R.SAMPATH

10/10/2015

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