Annavarapu Ramaswamy...

[n***@gmail.com]

Hello,
I know that artist evaluations are subjective, but I am curious on
what knowledgable listeners think of Annavarapu Ramaswamy violin/viola
playing and musicianship. I have listened to one conert of him
accompanying Voleti and another of him solo, and I am not at all
impressed. On the other hand, a friend of mine dogmatically holds
that Annavarapu is of the same caliber as the big three (Lalgudi, TNK,
MSG)... So what do others think?
Any opinions would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Gopal

Dear Gopal,

I am a violinist. I would agree with your friend who holds the view that Annavarapu Ramaswamy Garu is of the same caliber as the big 3. Every violist has his/her own style, and I found that ramaswamy garu is an expert when it comes to showing the variations in bowing, depending on the raga, feel and mood of the song (Which also requires an expertise in sahityam).

About the quality of not upstaging other artists: In my opinion, this is a very good quality. I think the main focus of a performance should be to deliver a beautiful experience to the audience rather than using the stage as a platform to perform gimmicks! In fact, I must appreciate Hindustani musicians for this, they focus more on delivering a good experience to the audience rather than displaying their musical abilities.

About TNK: I respectfully disagree with all those who think he has a poor bowing style. I do not find any mistake with his bowing style. He is an excellent violinist as well.

[v***@gmail.com]

To discuss about a great artist in his 94th year, while he is still playing in a few concerts every year is very very unfair. Those who have heard him for one concert each as an accompanist and a solo artist to sit in judgement about this great teacher is highly ridiculous. Many who are commenting on this artist are born after he has retired. He is a co-student with Dr. Bala Murali Krishna, studying under the great Maestro Parupalli Ramakrishnayya Pantulu during 1933-38. Next to the great Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu and his brother Narsingh Rao, it was only Annavarapu who was considered good. He was an AIR artist and worked for nearly 35 years. He had trained many students in his illustrious career spanning nearly 7 decades. To talk about bowing technique of such a senior artiste, basing on what he plays today is very wrong. I hope friends in the music circles will not mistake my comments for I am an ardent music lover for nearly 55 years and lived at Vijayawada for about 15 years 45 years back and in Chennai now for over 40 years.