Natarajasundaram Pillai, the nagaswaram player who excelled in complex rhythms
Tirumeignanam P. Natarajasundaram Pillai, a celebrated nagaswaram player, is being honored on the occasion of his centenary. Known for his exceptional rhythmic skills, he was both admired and feared by thavil players who accompanied him. His performances, particularly of mallaris and pallavis, left a lasting impact on Carnatic music and continue to be remembered today.
- ▪Natarajasundaram Pillai was born on September 29, 1926, in Tirumeignanam, near Kumbakonam.
- ▪He was renowned for his complex rhythmic techniques, which challenged accompanying thavil players.
- ▪A centenary celebration for Natarajasundaram Pillai is scheduled for October 12 in Mayiladuthurai.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
There is an anecdote about nagaswaram player Tirumeignanam P. Natarajasundaram Pillai, whose centenary is currently celebrated. After his cremation, the vettiyan (crematorium worker) is said to have remarked that his death had brought enormous relief to thavil players. Such was his rhythmic prowess that thavil players dreaded the prospect of accompanying him. The late thavil player Needamangalam Shanmugavadivel used to call him “Laya Yaman” or the Yama of Layam. Pallavi Natarajasundaram Pillai, as he was known, was renowned for performing mallaris.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Hindu — Top.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Hindu — Top
