Voleti Venkatesvarulu

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Sri Voleti Venkateswarulu (1928 - 1989) was one of the most prominent South Indian classical musicians of the 20th century. Born in Rajahmundry, he learnt music initially for 10 years from Sri Munuganti Venkata Rao Pantulu of kakinada, and later underwent exclusive training for 3 years under Dr. Sri Pada Pinakapani.

[edit] Overview

Born on 27th August, 1928 in Rajamundry, Andhra Pradesh, he began his musical journey at the age of five. Voleti had his initial training from Chaturvedula Achutaramaiah Sastry and achieved Swaragnanam under Munuganti Venkat Rao Pantulu of kakinada. He later graduated in music from Andhra University. Under the guidance of Sangita Kalanidhi, Dr. SriPada Pinakapani he refined his style. Dr. Pani had said "He was a disciple of mine all right, but what a genius! You can describe him as one of the best musicians of Andhra ever. I wonder whether we will ever get another musician like that".

He served as a producer of Carnatic music at All India Radio, Vijayawada from 1966 onwards. Amongst his various contributions, his music lesson programs and Bhakthiranjani were prominently appreciated by the listeners.

Voleti's music is unique in the field of Carnatic music. While his style represented the Carnatic South Indian classical music tradition, it had elements of the Hindustani music North Indian classical music as well. He used to receive tremendous response from rasikas connoisseurs of Carnatic music while singing Ragaalapana.

As a result of intense practice during his younger days, a tremendous knowledge of swaras and felicity in singing, Sri Voleti also excelled in the Hindustani style to such an extent that he could please famous Hindustani musicians such as Bade Gulam Ali Khan, Mehdi Hasan, Gulam Ali etc.

Voleti possessed the finest qualities of musical ability: to sing with ease in three octaves, with absolutely pure sruthi and perfect laya.

[1] A tribute to Voleti in 'The Hindu', January 05 2007.