Biography

TV Gopalakrishnan is a professional mridangam player based out of the capital city of Tamil Nadu, Chennai. Born at Trippunithura, Kerala to a family that has over 200 years of musical heritage, TVG learnt music from his father, Viswanatha Bhagavathar. Even before five years of age, he was initiated to the great tradition, handed down by Coimbatore Raghava Iyer, Chakrathanam Subba Iyer (great grandfather of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar), Mahavaidyanatha Iyer, and Palghat Anantharama Bhagavathar. His uncle, Sri Narayanaswamy Iyer, taught him mridangam too. He was a little maestro even at the age of six as he gave his first concert performance in front of the Last Viceroy of India, Lord Linlithgow. Gifted with a mellow, bass voice capable of an envious panoramic range, TVG has trained it with infinite patience, practice, and research-oriented originality. He has successfully moulded his voice into an enchanting medium, which weaves a magic spell of sonic beauty. With complete discipline, concentration and natural aplomb, he maintains the purity of Carnatic and Hindustani renditions and an uncompromising adherence to the traditions of both. TVG has evolved a unique style in Hindustani music, emphasizing the Sahitya Bhava, Raga Bhava and Rasa Bhava with precise elaboration of the Boltans and Sargams (swara prastharas), which is now better known as Madras Gharana.