Konerirajapuram Vaidyanatha Iyer was an eminent Carnatic vocalist of a bygone era. He was born on 2nd March 1880 at Marathurai near Pandanallur, and lived at Konerirajapuram. In the beginning he was known as “Marathurai Vaidyanatha Iyer” but later when he settled in Konerirajapuram, it became a prefix by which name he became famous. In the book titled “A Garland”, N. Rajagopalan writes that “while young, he had a gruff voice not responsive to the needs and demands of classical music, its refinements and brigas. But by sheer will-power and strenuous exercise, he overcame the defect and shot into fame as one of the illustrious vocalists of Carnatic music.”
His successful career was cut short at the young age of 41 when he fell ill and passed away on 5th April 1921.
One of his disciples Sangita Kalanidhi Mudicondan Venkatarama Iyer has written an article on Konerirajapuram Vaidyanatha Iyer, in Tamil which provides insights into Vaidyanatha Iyer’s life, his training and gurus, as well as his music.
Observing young Vaitha’s keen interest in music, his elders put him under the tutelage of nagaswara vidwan Kulanthaivelu in Konerirajapuram. Vaitha also learnt from the Maruthanallur brothers Chinnakulanthai and Periakulanthaisami. He soon came under the spell of laya maestro Manpoondia Pillai and became his sishya. It is interesting to note some of the important changes which happened at different stages in the vidwan’s life — from Marathurai Vaitha to Konerirajapuram Vaidyanatha Iyer, from a young lad with a recalcitrant voice to a singer with a well honed voice, and how he shifted his focus from a strongly laya-oriented approach to a more “janaranjaka” one to become a well acclaimed musician.
The article was published in the 44th Annual Conference & Concerts Souvenir of the Music Academy in 1970.
S. JANAKI
