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.