Quick Facts
Biography
'Lalgudi' G. J. R. Krishnan is a Carnatic violinist, vocalist and composer.
Early life and background
Lalgudi G. J. R. Krishnan was born in Chennai to violin maestro, Lalgudi Jayaraman.
A post graduate in commerce and a Cost & Works Accountantband a Company Secretaryy education, Krishnan has dedicated his life to a career in music.
In the sphere of Carnatic music, the name Lalgudi G J R Krishnan is instantly associated with melody, rhythm, masterly technique on the violin and overall musical excellence. Born in the lineage of the great Saint and Composer Shri Thyagaraja, he was meticulously groomed by his father and Guru, the great legend Shri Lalgudi Jayaraman. Raised in an atmosphere redolent of sublime, divine music, Krishnan has metamorphosed into an outstanding musician. Krishnan began his musical training at the age of five under the watchful guidance of his illustrious grandfather Lalgudi Gopala Iyer and has been honed to perfection by his illustrious father. His innate talent and the natural brilliance and musical ability combined with focused training and disciplined approach, has elevated him to a much sought after artiste and over the years he has carved an elevated niche for himself as a top-ranking violinist.
The Lalgudi Bani is unique in the sense that it comes closest to the gayaki style of musical expression with the sahitya and the emotions embedded in the composition emerging loud and clear. Krishnan has creditably internalized this exquisite quality of violin playing and is recognized by the lay and cognoscenti as an artiste of remarkable merit. He maintains a judicious balance of aesthetics and grammar, not sacrificing one at the altar of the other.
Career
Lalgudi G. J. R. Krishnan debuted in 1973 and became popular. He travels extensively on musical tours all over the world. His style like his father's is the gayaka style closest to vocal rendition.
He gives duets with his sister, Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi, a violin Vidushi. The important feature is that one could decipher the sahithya from their performance, whether it was 'Jananipahi' (Ragam Shuddha Saveri), 'Smarasada maanasa' (Bilahari) of Swati Tirunal or 'Aadamodi galade' (Charukesi) of Tyagaraja or 'Govardhanagireesam' (Hindolam) of Muthuswami Dikshitar.
Lalgudi G J R Krishnan has performed in the Violin Trio and Duel format almost in all prestigious venues in India. He has widely travelled the globe in all facets as a musician rendering concerts and captivating audiences across the globe and representing the country in many prestigious International events
- Performance in the Lincoln center, New york
- June 2004-Krishnan conducted a symphony "Sunada Pravaham" in the Singapore Arts Festival
- Tropical Institute of Amsterdam
- Concertgebouw-Amsterdam in the Indo Amsterdam Festival
- Smithsonian Institution-Washington, USA
- India festival at USSR
- Purcell Room, London
Awards
Krishnan's prodigious performing skills and a deep perception of the precious art of Carnatic Music have earned for him many prestigious titles and awards and recognition by many organizations and in various forums.
1981 - Jaycees Award
1986 - Best Violinist Award from the Music Academy, Chennai
1987 - Yuva Kala Bharathi - - by Bharat Kalachar, Chennai
1990 - Creatalent Award
1992 - "ISSAIPPEROLI" from Karthik Fine Arts, Chennai
1997 - Rajamanikam Pillai Memorial Award from Sriragam Fine Arts
1997 - Rotary Award for Vocational Excellence from Rotary Club of Nangallur
1998 - The Title of "Sangeetha Choodamani: was conferred by Sri Krishna Gana Sabha ,Chennai
1998 - "Kalki Krishnamurthy Memorial Award " the Kalki Krishnamurthy Centenary year from the Kalki Krishnamurthy Memorial Trust
2004 - "Nadhabhushanam" from Sree Shanmukhananda Sangeetha Sabha, New Delhi
2006 - "Kalaimamani" by the Tamil Nadu Isai Nataka Manram, Chennai
2007 - Appointed Asthana Vidwan of Kanchi Mutt in Kanchipuran
2009 - "Sangeetha Kalasagara' Award conferred at the 42nd Annual Cultural Festival of Music,Dance & Drama
2015 - "Sangeet Natak Academi" Award
Discography
- Bow to the violins
- for more visit www.lalgudigjrkrishnan.com