About Carnatic Instrumental - Violin
Carnatic Instrumental – Violin is a studio and live album by Indian violinist T.N. Krishnan, released in 1987. The recording features Krishnan on violin in a traditional Carnatic music setting. The label HMV (His Master’s Voice) issued the album on compact disc, marking one of the earlier CD releases in the Carnatic instrumental genre during that period.
The album comprises seven tracks that blend studio recordings with live performance elements. The repertoire includes classical kritis, a varnam, and a tillana, showcasing Krishnan’s interpretation of compositions by notable Carnatic composers. The opening track Niravathi Sukda establishes the album’s focus on intricate melodic phrasing and rhythmic precision. Akhilandeswari and Bagayanya follow as core kritis, while Kumara Dandapani and Dhurmarga Chara (Ranjani) highlight Krishnan’s command of raga development and improvisation.
The track Krishna Nee Beegane Baro features a devotional composition rendered with characteristic Carnatic ornamentation. The album concludes with a Thillana (Live), capturing the spontaneity of a concert performance. The live segment emphasizes Krishnan’s collaborative interplay with accompanying artists, though specific percussionists or vocalists remain undocumented in available sources.
As a 1987 release, the album contributed to the broader dissemination of Carnatic violin music through the then-emerging CD format. The production quality reflects HMV’s standards for classical Indian music recordings of the era. Further details about the recording sessions, accompanying musicians, or commercial reception are not widely verified in public records.