Violin Concert

The violin concert by Shri Lalgudi Krishnan, held on 31st January 2026 at Sahyadri was an evening of deep musical engagement. After a long time Sahyadri witnessed a performance in the Carnatic style. Shri. B. Guru Raghavendran, and Shri H. Sivaramakrishnan, distinguished stalwarts themselves, were the accompanying artists for the evening. The event was organized by SPIC MACAY - a national movement dedicated to preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage by bringing classical music, dance, and traditional arts closer to students and young audiences.

Shri Lalgudi G. J. R. Krishnan is a premier Carnatic violinist and a torchbearer of the Lalgudi Bani; a distinctive style of violin playing established by his father, the legendary Shri Lalgudi G. Jayaraman. He is associated with the Gayaki style - known for its lyrical quality, designed to closely mimic the nuances and emotional depth of the human voice.

From the very outset, the concert established a meditative yet vibrant atmosphere. He began by playing a composition of his father and guru in Raga Bhowli in Adi tala - 8 beat cycle. He then moved to Muthuswami Dikshitar’s composition (Mahaganapathim) in Raga Nattai, a Hindustani equivalent of Raga Jog, in Adi tala. His bowing technique had a precision and emotional aspect, with each phrase unfolding organically. By this time, some students were instinctively trying to follow the rhythm as the trio performed with the improvisations.

The highlight of the evening was a Lalgudi Panchratnam - Deva Sri Tapas Tirtha in Raga Madhyamavathi (equivalent of Raga Megh or Madhumad Sarang in Hindustani) in Mishra Chapu tala which was composed by his great great grandfather. This was followed by mridangam and ghatam solos and ended with a wonderful jugalbandi.

Towards the second half of the evening, the artists presented two devotional songs. They began with Bhajare Yadunatham in Raga Pilu a composition by Sadasiva Brahmendra, and followed it up with Krishna Nee Begane - a famous Kriti composed by the renowned Haridasa, Vyasaraya Tirtha in Raga Yaman in Mishra Chapu tala. The chemistry amongst the artists was mesmerising.

The recital reached its peak with Thillana in Raga Sindhu Bhairavi in Adi tala having a typical Thillana elements, including a fast-paced Jathi section (rhythmic syllables) and a melodic Pallavi and Charanam (lyrical component in a particular language). At the end, a few students curiously questioned the artists about the instruments, their passion and the art form itself.

Overall, the concert was an uplifting showcase of Lalgudi Krishnan’s artistry and dedication to the Carnatic tradition. It drew the students into a musical world with a rich and immersive experience.