In an age when experimentation, even in the classical arts, is deemed fashionable, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer stands like a rock. A protector of the purity in Carnatic music heritage.

Born in 1908, Semmangudi started Carnatic vocal training at eight. His first music recital was at the Kumbakonam Nageswaraswami temple in 1926. His performance at the Congress session at Chennai (the following year) brought him to centre-stage.

Besides his preservation of the classical vocal tradition, Semmangudi's contribution has been in his editing and reviving the songs of Maharaja Swati Tirunal. Generations of musicians have been taught and nurtured by him. Among his most celebrated pupils are M S Subbulakshmi, T N Krishnan, T M Thyagarajan, P S Narayanaswami and Kadayanallur Venkatraman.

Despite his prodigious creative energies, Semmangudi avoided composing new songs. To him, Carnatic Music will always be indebted for restoring the original beauty of the classic compositions. Semmangudi is the recipient of several awards. Notable among them - the Sangeetha Kalanidhi title in 1947, the Padma Bushan in 1969 and the Padma Vibushan in 1990.

ARIYAKUDI RAMANUJA IYENGAR

Architect of the modern Carnatic music concert format, Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar was born on May 19th, 1890. The son of an astrologer, he was also scion of an unmatched musical genealogy that can be traced back right up to Saint Thyagaraja. His musical formation was under Ramanathapuram Srinivasa Iyengar. His debut was at a marriage function at Chettinad, where his guru had performed. At the host's request, Srinivasa Iyengar asked young Ariyakudi to perform as well.

Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar had a remarkably large repertoire. He was also known for the balance in his renditions, the taste of his selections for a concert, his extraordinary consistency and the devotion he infused his art with. He never let the eminence of his musicianship overshadow his accompanists' in his recitals. He presided over the conference of the Music Academy in 1938. For redefining the standards of concert performance, Carnatic Music owes more to Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar than to any other musician past or present.