Lalgudi Jayaraman

Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman is an India violinist, who is known throughout the world for his heartrending performances in Carnatic music. His mesmerizing techniques and complete control over the instrument makes him one of the maestros in his chosen field. Melodious, rhythmic and stylish are some of the words used to define the music of Lalgudi G Jayaraman. He holds the distinction of being the first musician to be awarded with the Chowdaiah Memorial National-Level Award. Read the full biography cum life history of Sri Lalgudi G Jayaraman.

Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman was born on 17th September 1930 to V R Gopala Iyer, a famous disciple of Thyagaraja. He inherited his father interest as well as talent in music and received thorough training from him. Lalgudi started his musical career as an accompanying violinist at the tender age of twelve years. He escorted numerous musicians in their concerts and with time, developed his own individual style. Lalgudi Jayaraman invented a new technique of playing the violin, which came to be known as 'Lalgudi Bani'.

Lalgudi Jayaraman was the first violinist who brought international focus on the Carnatic style of violin playing. He also introduced a new concept of musical assembly, with violin, venu (flute) and veena, in the year 1966. Lalgudi has taken part in concerts, not only on the Indian soil, but also a number of countries abroad. He has been to Russia as a member of the Indian Cultural Delegation and played at the Edinburgh Music Festival in 1965. He has also performed in Singapore, Malaysia, Manila and a number of East European countries. Lalgudi also represented India at the Festival of India in US.

Compositions
Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman has made compositions in four languages, namely Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Sanskrit. He is known for his Kritis, Thillanas and Varnams and has also created a wide range of ragas. His compositions are very expressive and have gained huge popularity with Bharathanatyam dancers.

Honors and Awards
Honored with the title 'Nada Vidya Tilaka' by Music Lover's Association of Lalgudi (1963)
Padma Shri (1972)
Nada Vidya Rathnakara by East West Exchange (New York)
Vadya Sangeetha Kalaratna by Bharathi Society (New York)
'Sangeetha Choodamani' by Federation of Music Sabhas, Madras (1971 & 1972)
'State Vidwan' of Tamil Nadu (1979)
Sangeetha Natak Academy Award (1979)
Chowdaiah Memorial National-Level Award
Honorary citizenship of Maryland, USA (1994)
Padma Bhushan (2001)