The Late K.V. Narayanaswamy, first Indian to be awarded a Fulbright grant in the field of music was a very illustrious Carnatic musician. K.V. Narayanaswamy was considered the torch bearer of the Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar tradition. He has many laurels to his name such as the title of Sangeetha Kalanidhi from the Madras Music Academy, Padma Sri Award and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
He gave a lot of attention to all aspects of Carnatic music while singing such as perfect articulation of lyrics, sruthi suddha, bhavam, innovation and creativity. He has given concerts both in India and abroad and has charmed music lovers all over the world with his brilliant spell of music. His hold over the classical music and his sweet voice enthralled his audience and won him a lot of disciples both in India and North America.
Some of his best performances have been compiled in to “Varistha – K.V. Narayanaswamy – DVD”. K.V. Narayanaswamy and the great Mridangam maestro Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman have come together in this album to take the listeners on a musical journey which leaves them with a sweet after taste. V.V.Ravi on the violin and T.V.Vasan on the Ghatam support the two legendary musicians in their own individual way giving it an edge.
The songs in this album are Thyagaraja compositions that were sung in a concert held under the auspices of Sri Thyagaraja Sangeetha Vidwath Samajam, Mylapore. The song “Sogasuga mridanga” is something to watch out for. K.V. Narayanaswamy and Mridangam maestro Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman have surpassed their own musical skills in this master piece. All the songs in this series merit a standing ovation from both the audience and connoisseurs.
This album that presents a collection of some of the best songs in exquisite ragas rendered in the captivating voice of the legendary K.V. Narayanaswamy is truly a treat for all music lovers.
Kalakendra 
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