Palghat C. R. Mani Iyer

Musical Lineage

Palghat C. R. Mani Iyer, violinist, was a disciple of Mysore Chowdiah. He was trained on the seven stringed violin as well as the four stringed violin. His earlier gurus were his grandfather Annaswami Bhagavatar and then PalakkadRama Bhagavatar. He was the elder brother of Mridangam Subba Iyer.

Lifetime

He was born around 1915 and passed away in 2008 at the age of 93.

Concerts

He accompanied several prominent musicians including Mysore V. Ramaratnam at Bangalore Shankara Matt Sharada temple , Palakkad K,V. Narayanaswamy in the Madras Music Academy, Chembai, Semmangudi and many other stalwarts of the day. A music scholar, he was also invited to give lecture demonstrations in the Ayyanar college of music in Bangalore established by his Guru Chowdiah.

Awards and honours

In the year 1995, Palghat C.R. Mani Iyer was honoured with the Deviprasadam Trust award instituted by the Olappamanna Mana for his contribution to music.

References

The Hindu carried a feature, authored by Rakshith M.R., on this great violinist. It raises concern on the art of playing on the seven stringed violin being near extinction and salutes this master for his humility and virtuosity.