Chennai: With the demise of the "Bhishmapitamaha of Carnatic music", "Semmengudi" Srinivasa Iyer, a link between the past and the present styles of the traditional classical music of south India, has been lost. One of the giants of Carnatic music, Semmengudi was born on July 25, 1908 at Tirukkodikaval village in Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu, at his maternal uncle, violin maestro Krishna Iyer's residence.

A versatile raga exponent, he had the credit of setting the tune to the Swadhi Thirunal's (the late Tranvancore King) Krithis (verses).

Quiet apart from his native genius, ceaseless industry and sincere commitment to his heart, Semmengudi was the last of the titans of a bygone era.

Having learnt the art of Carnatic music from such luminaries like 'Gottuvadyam' Sakharama Rao and Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer, he came to prominence in 1948, when he was conferred with "Sangitakalanidhi" award. He was then the youngest to receive the coveted award, that too the very next year after his own Guru Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer receiving such an honour.

He was the chief producer of All India Radio for many decades and had given concerts all over the country.

Uncompromising in values, shrewd in judgement of genuine worth, Semmengudi never approved of "adulteration" of pure Carnatic music with any other form.

PTI