1966 M S Subbulakshmi’s historic United Nations concert and tour — Felicitation by Artists
As R K Shriramkumar wrote “Smt M S Subbulakshmi’s presence, contribution and impact in society and the musical arena of our country in particular, stands unparalleled. The realm of Carnatic music has seen many a great musician. However, with the advent of Amma, as she was addressed, with reverential fondness, it crowned itself with a glory of becoming global.”
- MS Amma and her music — A tribute by R K Shriramkumar and team
Peter Lavezzoli’s ‘The Dawn of Indian Music in the West’ is a remarkable book; however, it focuses mainly on how North Indian Classical music(instrumental) became more popular in the West.
A primary catalyst for the dawn of Carnatic(South Indian Classical) music in the West was the groundbreaking concert tour of the United States by M S Subbulakshmi in 1966 which included an invitation to perform at the United Nations General Assembly on the occasion of UN day.
Prior to this concert tour of the United States, M S Subbulakshmi had also performed in Edinburgh in 1963. Dr Narayana Menon said: ”This was
the first time a major Indian vocal musician was being presented at an International Festival abroad.”
The significance of these historic firsts is even greater when we realize that M S Subbulakshmi was also amongst the first women to ascend the concert stage as lead vocalist in a Carnatic music concert.
Breaking the Bias
The excerpt from this review in 1939 is stark evidence of the entrenched bias against the first women concert vocalists. And unfortunately, this continues to exist even today with many male musicians refusing to ascend the stage with women musicians.
It is indeed startling to see such blatant bias in a music season review in the 1939 Bharata Mani :” What the reviewer in the Hindu(newspaper) said about M S Subbulakshmi’s concert is correct. There should be a special characteristic to the music coming from women; a woman’s concert should not be a copy of man’s concert. We do not need Pallavis or elaborate Raga Alapanas from women. Padams and Javalis are starting to disappear. It would be good if they are given prominence in a woman’s concerts. Shrimathi Subbulakshmi’s singing was very melodious.”
The irony is that during the gramophone age in the early 1900s, it was the adventurous women musicians who led the way. However, since the earliest 78rpms only have a duration of around 3 mins, it does not do justice to their extensive musical expertise.
As the Archive of Indian Music declares in Pioneering Musicians: Women Superstars Of The Early Gramophone Era: “When recording came to India it was women who took the lead, disregarding several social prejudices and stigmas associated with this new technology and going ahead to record. This trend was seen all over India and thus, women became pioneers of the music industry in the country. In the first two decades of recording, women like Gauhar Jaan of Calcutta, Malka Jaan of Agra, Janki Bai of Allahabad, … and others of Calcutta and in the South singers like Salem Godaveri, Bangalore Nagaratnamma, Dhanakoti of Kanchipuram, Coimbatore Thayi, Tiruchendur Shanmukhavadivu, Bangalore Thayi, Mysore Adi Lakshmi were among the super-stars.”
Yet, when music performances moved from the temples and palaces in the early twentieth century to auditoriums arranged by Sabhas(music associations), the scenario changed completely to concerts predominately by male vocalists and accompanists.
T Brinda, T Mukta, M S Subbulakshmi, D K Pattammal, M L Vasanthakumari were amongst the first women vocalists with the extraordinary talent, musicianship and daring to break the bias and sing at these Sabhas. They shattered multiple glass ceilings and became musical legends. They also excelled in the aforementioned realms of improvisation, from raga alapanas to ragam tanam pallavis! And yes, they indeed paved the way for the multiple next generations.
Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar highlights this ground breaking achievement in his felicitation: “I first heard M S Subbulakshmi sing thirty years ago. At that time (1930s), I had not heard women, and that too at such a young age, sing (in a concert).”
Concert at United Nations, 23, Oct 1966 by M S Subbulakshmi and team
The UN Outreach announcement indicates “Madame M.S. Subbulakshmi, one of India’s most eminent musicians, gave a recital of Indian songs in the General Assembly Hall, as part of a 1966 United Nations Day celebrations. Accompanying Madame Subbulakshmi during the recital was a group of five other noted musicians.”
- Link to M S Subbulakshmi singing at United Nations(India Films division documentary) accompanied by Radha Viswanathan(vocal support), V V Subramanyam(violin), T K Murthy(mridangam), T H Vinayakaram(ghatam) and Vijaya Rajendran(tanpura).
NY Times Review of United Nations concert : “Subbulakshmi’s vocal communication transcends words. The cliché of ‘the voice used as an instrument` never seemed more appropriate. It could fly flutteringly or carry on a lively dialogue with the accompanists. Subbulakshmi and her ensemble are a revelation to Western ears. Their return can be awaited with only eagerness.” — Quoted in “Genius of Song” published in Frontline
- A brochure was created specially for this pioneering tour and it contained information about all the artists, a glossary of Carnatic musical terms, an essay on Carnatic composers by Dr V Raghavan. It also included brief notes on the songs that would be part of concerts on this tour and this was authored by Dr V Raghavan and Dr S Ramanathan who was also a visiting professor at Wesleyan University at that time.
- Details about the historic concert and overall tour : “Moment of Pride” by V Sriram
- United Nations released a commemorative stamp in Oct 2016 to honor M S Subbulakshmi on the occasion of her 100th Birth Anniversary.
Felicitation by Artists
A translation of the felicitation by musical legends published in Kalki Magazine, Oct 23,1966. The sequence is the same as the original article. It is very puzzling and disappointing that the magazine did not reach out to the legendary women musicians of that time.
Sangita Kalanidhi Ariyakudi Shri Ramanuja Iyengar: “I am very happy about M S Subbulakshmi’s upcoming concerts at London, America at the invitation by the United Nations. I pray to Sadguru Tyaga Brahmam for a successful tour and much acclaim.”
Sangita Kalanidhi Shri Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar: “ I first heard M S Subbulakshmi sing thirty years ago. At that time (1930s), I had not heard women, and that too at such a young age, sing(in a concert). I used to go to Madurai often to hear her Madura Ganam(beautiful music). From that time to now, M S Subbulakshmi’s suswara ganam(singing, adhering perfectly to pitch), has matured more and more, and sparkled. That beautiful singing, adhering to perfect pitch, is being greatly enjoyed and praised by the people in India. Similarly, I think it is a great gift for the people abroad to get the opportunity to listen to her concerts. Through her Madura Ganam, M S Subbulakshmi should highlight the greatness of our music and country during her tour abroad. May Shri Guruvaurappa and Sadhguru Tyaga Brahmam bless M S Subbulakshmi for a very successful tour.”
Sangita Kalanidhi Palghat Shri Mani Iyer: “There is no need to beat around the bush to praise M S Subbulakshmi’s music. I remember hearing M S Subbulakshmi singing for the first time at Nellai Chandra Vilas during her mother Veena Shanmugavadivu’s concert. Ever since then, continued growing acclaim, without the slightest dimming, for the past 40 years is evidence enough of her music being so special. In addition to her music being special, there is also the benefits through her music. M S Subbulakshmi and her husband Shri Sadasivam donate, overwhelmingly, with four hands, their plentiful earnings to good causes.
I have no doubt, as always, that their current trip abroad will be very successful. God will definitely bless them.”
Sangita Bhupathi Maharajapuram Shri Viswanatha Iyer (the guru of Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer): “In 1933, at Kumbakonam there was big fair on the occasion of Mahamaham. I was responsible for arranging the music concerts for this festival. For that festival, which lasted for a month and a half, I had arranged daily concerts of eminent musicians. Since I had already heard about M S Subbulakshmi, her concert was also part of the festival. It is still in my memories. Her concert was dignified and adhered to Sampradaya(tradition). As a result of the happiness I felt that day, I gave M S Subbulakshmi a gold pendant that was given to me during the festival and wholeheartedly blessed her to achieve great stature in the musical world.
There should hardly be anyone who has not heard of Veena Vidvamsini Veena Shanmugavadivu. M S Subbulakshmi is a musical heir of that great musician. I have listened to their concerts frequently. When listening to her sing the compositions of great composers like Dikshithar, Tyagaraja, Syama Sastri and Kshetragna, we are struck by the importance given to meticulous pronunciation of the lyrics, fidelity to patantara(musical lineage), fidelity to Sampradaya(tradition).
Singing a raga without slipping from its paddhati(rules, methodology) and at the same time, pleasing to the ear of listeners. Just like South Indian Classical music, when we hear her sing North Indian classical music, it will remind us of listening to great singers. We will be so moved when we listen to her singing bhajans so melodiously. Despite being an accomplished musician herself, her willingness to seek input on music and to learn prachina(older, classic) songs from musicians like me and frequently listening to concerts of other musicians, shows not only her humility but also highlights her dedication to learning more about the countless intricacies of Carnatic music. The world of music is grateful for her husband’s matching enthusiasm and hard work in supporting her.
The glory and fame that M S Subbulakshmi will get on her American tour can be taken as an accolade for all musicians.“
Fiddle Rajamanikkam Pillai :” I know Smt M S Subbulakshmi since her childhood. With the blessings of Goddess Meenakshi, she was born as the daughter of Veena Vidwamsini(learned musician) Shanmughavadivu in Madurai, an important Kshetra(holy town) in TamilNadu. She listened to the nadam(beautiful sound) of the Veena even when she was in the womb and hence is blessed with a voice that is the veena nadam itself.
Veena Shanmughavadivu lived during their times and was greatly respected by these great musicians of her time, namely Tirukodikaval Krishna Iyer( pioneering violinist, uncle of Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer), Veena Vaidyanatha Iyer, Poochi Shrinivasa Iyengar(a famous composer, a student of Patnam Subramania Iyer and guru of Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar), Mazhavarayanendal Subbarama Bhagavathar, Palghat Anantharama Bhagavatar, Tirumarugal Nadaswara Natesa Pillai,(TNR, the nadaswara legend), Madurai Ponnuswami Pillai, Mridangam Dakshinamurthi Pillai(pioneering, legendary percussionist), Kanjira Mamundia Pillai (pioneering, legendary percussionist), Mridangam Azhaganambia Pillai, and Ghatam Krishna Iyer.
Veena Shanmughavadivu increased her daughter’s musical knowledge and expertise by taking her daughter to her own concerts and first making her listen as she played the veena, and then later, asking her to sing along with the veena. Given her innate musical talent and ability to instantly learn what she was being taught, her mother’s careful training so that she will develop into a artist who wins respect and praise, M S Subbulakshmi herself developed soon into a Vidvamsini.”
Fiddle Rajamanickam then shares how he invited the newly married M S Subbulakshmi and Sadasivam and felicitated them and also awarded her the title of ‘Isai Vani’ when he was the convener of the Kumbakonam Vani Sabha.
“Since then, vidwans(musicians) and rasikas(listeners,fans) have rejoiced every single time as they heard of the many awards and tributes that have been bestowed on M S Subbulakshmi. Her humility and child-like innocence despite achieving so much fame, her respect and caring for other musicians, continuing to consider herself a student, her affection and caring for all the members of her husband’s family, these are all such great qualities to highlight to the world.
I pray to Goddess Meenakshi that our IsaiVani from Tamilnadu, who has won acclaim in India also win acclaim abroad, and highlight not only the greatness of India but also of TamilNadu on her trip abroad and come back safely”
In her Sangita Kalanidhi speech, M S Subbulakshmi acknowledged Musuri Subramania Iyer as her Guru.
Sangita Kalanidhi Musuri Subramania Iyer:”God gifted voice. Through Sadhana(assiduous practice), this voice needs to be carefully molded to be majestic, mellow and pliable. Adherence to sruti(pitch) and accuracy of svaras(musical notes) are a must. Similarly laya(rhythm) accuracy. Achieving mastery in all these realms is very hard. With all this, knowledge about Sangita(music) and Sampradaya(musical tradition) also needs to meld. Above all this is the importance of Bhavam(soulfulness). Even if a musician is blessed with all these abilities, those who perform concerts also need humility and the ability to get along pleasantly with people. Beyond all this, a singer needs to be able to understand the their audience in each venue. I have seen few musicians struggle as a result of not understanding the pulse of their audience.
When God has bestowed M S Subbulakshmi with the coming together of all of the above mentioned facets, how can it be wrong to say that she is indeed blessed?
Just like a sprout hints at the plant’s future growth, I have listened to M S Subbulakshmi sing beautifully, even as child, as her mother Veena Shanmugavadivu played the veena. Even in those days, MS’ concerts were the most remunerative for a Sabha.
Carnatic Music has a very special place of eminence amongst Indian Classical Arts. People abroad are starting to show a lot of interest in Carnatic music recently. Western Classical Music has mainly given orchestral music(instrumental) a lot of importance. In our country however, it is vocal singing that has the most importance. Recently, a few American Universities have invited Carnatic musicians to their campuses and shown a lot of enthusiasm in learning more about Carnatic Music. But, I dont think any Carnatic musician has so far given a vocal performance tour in America. M S Subbulakshmi is going to America for the first time. Similarly the American people will be listening to M S Subbulakshmi for the first time. Yet, given all her previously mentioned, exceptional musical abilities, I have no doubt that M S Subbulakshmi will successfully introduce and establish the greatness of our Carnatic Music in America. In order to help the people abroad understand and appreciate our music, we can even say that there is no one better suited than M S Subbulakshmi.”
Papa Venkataramayya’s son V Nagarajan played mridangam for multiple years for M S Subbulakshmi’s concerts and later the kanjira.
Sangita Kalanidhi Papa Venkatarama Iyer starts with a pun:” Do I highlight her Pattu(music) first or her Pannpattu(culture, good manners)?
It was at Thiruvallikeni Valadi Subramania Iyer Sabha, where I first went to hear M S Subbulakshmi’s concert. This was around 35 years ago(1930s). It was so crowded that one could barely go inside. The reason I am sharing this is because it is not just nowadays that there is so much crowd at MS’ concerts. It was like this since the beginning days itself. Both the scholarly and casual listeners, all came to attend her concerts with the utmost enthusiasm.
Hers is a gifted voice, as a result of divine offerings of pots and pots of honey in her previous births. There is no surprise that any sangati(musical variation) sung in that voice sounds as sweet as honey. Despite achieving so much expertise and acclaim, MS cannot be praised enough for her continued willingness and interest to learn from everyone. She never finds fault with other musicians or joins in any criticism of others. She honors other musicians, just like her mother. I think that the acclaim that she has achieved is not only because of her musicianship, it is also because of all these great qualities.
I pray that the MS, Sadasivam and all their accompanists have a very successful and wonderful trip abroad.”
In her Sangita Kalanidhi speech, M S Subbulakshmi acknowledged Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer as her Guru.
Sangita Kalanidhi Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer:”People say it is possible to unite people through music. A testament to this will be the concert by our Carnatic Music Vidushi M S Subbulakshmi on Oct 23,1966 for the opening of the United Nations General Assembly. This is an occasion worthy of infinite pride to all of India, especially TamilNadu. M S Subbulakshmi’s service to music for the past 35 years has continued to sparkle like a star whose brightness has not dimmed. Today, the number of music listeners continues to increase; M S Subbulakshmi is an important member amongst the vidwans and vidushis who have worked hard to make this happen.
MS’ Sangitam has the ability to immerse the listener in a flood of nadam(melodious, resonant sound). One can even say that the nadam in her voice has the ability to steady the mind of the listener. When she sings a raga with perfect sunaadam(harmony) and svarasuddham(adherence to pitch and accuracy of musical notes), interspersed with long kaarvai(musical pauses, elongations), her beautiful voice has the magnetism to win the minds of listeners.
The versatile voice, extensive kriti gnanam(knowledge of songs), thorough understanding and internalization of the meaning of the song that is sung so soulfully; these exceptional musical abilities can mesmerize the listeners.
Hindustani Sangeeta Vidwan Bade Ghulam Ali Khan praising M S Subbulakshmi as ‘Suswara Lakshmi Subbulakshmi’ is not in the least an exaggeration.
Despite being so accomplished, M S Subbulakshmi still considers herself a student of music, worships the Goddess of Music, respects and praises other musicians; these are noteworthy for others to learn too.
Musicians like MS, with a voice sweeter than honey, should popularize our great arts in countries abroad. I bless MS and Sadasivam who are taking on this big responsibility and going to America.”
Ganakaladhara Madurai Mani Iyer: “I can talk as much as you want about M S Subbulakshmi’s music. Not said superficially but whole heartedly.
It is only in MS’ music: when she starts to sing, any and every note that is sung is perfectly aligned to pitch. Whether it is a kriti(song), svara(musical note) or layam(rhythm), everything is perfect for MS. Whether it is a beautiful kaarvai(musical pause or elongation), chauka(slow), madhyama(medium), druta(fast) kala(paced) sangatis(musical phrasings), nothing will ever deviate the slightest from sruti(pitch) in her music. Her music is of very high quality; and even more so, it has evolved naturally.
Wherever rasikas(music fans, audience) listen, from near or very far, whatever sthayi(musical register) MS sings will still be heard with the utmost clarity; that is the astonishing versatility of her voice.
Beyond all this, the importance that she gives to adherence of Sangita Sampradaya (music tradition) is praiseworthy.
The invitation extended to MS to perform concerts in America is a great honor for our country and especially for our music. I pray for her victorious and safe return back.”
Sangita Kalanidhi Alathur Srinivasa Iyer :”We have been listening to M S Subbulakshmi’s concerts for more than 35 years. The reasons for her tremendous fame and acclaim in the realm of Carnatic music are her interest and curiosity, encouragement, hard work, excellent qualities, good wishes of many other musicians and God’s blessing. Her willingness to listen to music of all musicians and her respect and friendship with each musician, these wonderful qualities come naturally to her. Getting involved in charitable work willingly and selflessly is an admirable quality for her and Sadasivam.
From the start, the late Mahavidwan Pudukottai Dakshinamurthy Pillai, many other musicians including us, have had respect and keen interest in MS’ music. I pray to God that MS should return with acclaim after establishing the greatness of our music abroad.”
Sangita Ratna Mysore T Chowdiah:”M S Subbulakshmi is a great gift given to us by Mother Bharath. It gives us great pride that she has gone to America to sing at the United Nations General Assembly. MS is a true representative of Carnatic Music. Sangita Suddham is a uniquely distinctive trait of hers. I have no doubt that MS will make the flag of Carnatic music soar very high in American and European capitals. I have complete confidence that MS will help bring fame and acclaim to our music and our country.”
Additional listening
- Playlist of M S Subbulakshmi’s concerts (including from this 1966 tour)
- Searchable Index — Musical Repertoire of M S Subbulakshmi
