In the radio program scheduled for 25 April, let us learn about three hidden
vaggeyakaras – Sri Pattabhi Ramayya (Rama Rao), Sri Tirupati Narayana Swamy
Naidu, and Sri Subbarama Dikshitar.
Sri Pattabhiramayya (born in 1863), was known to have been bilingual, speaking
Telugu and Kannada. He was well-versed in both these languages as well as
Tamil. He is known for his Javalis, dedicated to the deity in Tatakeswaram, near
Kumbakonam in Tamilnadu and also dedicated to Maharaja Jayachamarajendra
Wodeyar of Mysore. Sri Pattabhiramayya used the mudra Talavam.
Sri Tirupati Naaraayana Swaami Naidu (1873-1912), trained by his mother Smt
Komalamma in vocal music, and later learnt Vina from Kalahasti Venkataswami
Raju. The family hailed from Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, and hence his compositions
are in Telugu and are mostly devotional. A highly versatile personality, a vocalist,
vainika, violinist and Harikatha performer. He was also a composer of class, with
simple, beautifully written compositions that evoke the essence of the raga in a few
choice phrases. His compositions were popularised by his nephew and disciple, Sri
Narasimhalu Naidu, who was also a guru of Smt D.K. Pattamal.
Sri Subbarama Dikshitar (1839–1906) was a Carnatic music composer. He was the
grandson of Baluswami Dikshitar, a brother of Muthuswami Dikshitar. He was an
accomplished composer in his own right, but is more famous for his Sangita
Sampradaya Pradarshini, a book detailing the works of Muthuswami Dikshitar and a
reference on many other Carnatic musical concepts.
Further details about the compositions of the three vaggeyakaras can be found in the
radio program.