A discordant note

The late violin maestro, Kunnaikudi Vaidyanathan, was a regular invitee to the Ram Seva Mandali concerts in Bengaluru during Ramanavami celebrations.

He was invited despite his playing film tunes, by request. Few cared to raise objections. He was adored by Carnatic music lovers of all age groups. The controversy that has enveloped musician T.M. Krishna is unfortunate.

In his enthusiasm to propagate Carnatic music he may have annoyed some purists and grazed against some timehonoured boundaries, but the public spat and consequent polarisation now among musicians and music lovers is most unfortunate (Editorial page, March 26). It reveals the pettymindedness entrenched in some important musicians.

Mohan Das, Bengaluru

As a reader of The Hindu for the past 75 years, to find that the daily has focused on a controversial Carnatic musician who has been steadfast in propagating antiBrahminical views is baffling.

One cannot ignore the foundations of the structure of Carnatic music which has been built, step by step, by great composers of yore.

Sanakaranarayanan R., Chennai

The Carnatic music fraternity is a mature and friendly group. Rasikas are also wellinformed and understand nuances. In the conferment of any award or title there is bound to be some disgruntlement. I am sure that tempers will calm and we will be back to having packed concert halls, with Mr. Krishna and the popular singer sisters spreading harmony and joy.

L. Rangarajan, Chennai

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