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🎶 Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna: The Eternal Voice of Carnatic Music - Andhra Pradesh Famous Personalities

 

                                       
🎶 Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna


Introduction: A Voice That Echoed Through Generations

Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna was not just a name; he was a phenomenon, a musical genius who revolutionized Carnatic classical music and gave it new wings. Known for his effortless command over ragas, innovative spirit, and mesmerizing voice, he left behind a legacy that continues to inspire millions of music lovers across the world.

 

Early Life and Musical Roots

🎵 Birth and Childhood

Born on 6th July 1930 in Sankaraguptam, a small village in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, Balamuralikrishna was a child prodigy. His father, Mangalampalli Pattabhiramayya, was a renowned flute and violin artist, and his mother, Suryakanthamma, was a devout music enthusiast. He was introduced to classical music at an incredibly young age.

Keyword: Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna early life, Balamuralikrishna childhood, Carnatic music prodigy

🎶 First Concert at Age 8

By the time he was 8 years old, Balamuralikrishna gave his first public concert, astonishing audiences with his mature voice and in-depth understanding of raga alapana and krithis. This marked the beginning of a musical journey that would span over seven decades.

 

Rise to Stardom in Carnatic Music

📈 Unique Contributions to Carnatic Music

Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna was known for his innovations in Carnatic music. He created new ragas, composed thousands of krithis, and even introduced new tala (rhythmic patterns). His ability to blend tradition with modernity made him a pioneer.

🎼 Ragam Innovations

Some of the ragas he created include:

  • Mahati – A raga with just four notes.
  • Lavangi
  • Siddhi
  • Sarvashri

His Mahati raga stunned the Carnatic world by breaking the conventional rule of using a minimum of five notes.

 

A Multilingual Maestro

Fluent in Many Languages

Balamuralikrishna was fluent in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Sanskrit, and more. He composed devotional krithis and bhajans in multiple languages, making his music accessible and relatable to a wide range of audiences.

🎤 Devotional and Classical Fusion

He seamlessly blended bhakti rasa (devotional sentiment) into his music. His renditions of Ramadasu Keerthanalu, Tyagaraja krithis, and Annamacharya compositions remain evergreen.

 

Legacy Beyond Carnatic Music

🎥 Film and Playback Singing

Though a classical icon, Balamuralikrishna also ventured into playback singing in films and composed music for Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam cinema. His voice in songs like “Oru Naal Podhuma” and “Bhale Bhale Mogadivoy” are cherished gems in Indian film music.

🎻 Master of Multiple Instruments

Apart from his extraordinary vocal skills, Balamuralikrishna was a multi-instrumentalist. He played the violin, viola, mridangam, and kanjira with great proficiency. This rare versatility enriched his music and performances.

🏆 Prestigious Awards Received

His contributions were recognized at the highest levels:

·         Padmasri (1971)

·         Padma Bhushan 

·         Padma Vibhushan (1991)

·         Sangeet Natak Akademi Award

·         National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer

·         Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France)

 

🌏 International Recognition

He performed in concerts across the globe, including the USA, UK, France, Germany, and Russia. He was an ambassador of Indian classical music, spreading its beauty to international audiences.

 

Personal Philosophy and Musical Ethos

🌿 A Believer in Simplicity and Spirituality

Balamuralikrishna often emphasized that music is divine and should touch the soul, not just the ears. He believed in sahitya bhava (the emotion of lyrics) and encouraged emotional connection in performances.

“A song sung without emotion is like a body without soul.” – Balamuralikrishna

 

Death and Eternal Influence

Passing Away and Tributes

He passed away on November 22, 2016, in Chennai. His death was a national loss, and the Indian music fraternity mourned deeply. However, his legacy lives on through his compositions, disciples, and recordings.

 

Conclusion: The Immortal Muralikrishna

Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna was not merely a musician but a visionary, who redefined the boundaries of Indian classical music. His voice, compositions, and pioneering spirit remain immortal. He taught the world that music is limitless, borderless, and eternal



🎤 Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna – FAQs

1. Who was Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna?

Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna (6 July 1930 – 22 November 2016) was a legendary Indian Carnatic vocalist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and playback singer. He was known for his mastery over classical music and his pioneering innovations in Carnatic ragas.


2. Where was Balamuralikrishna born?

He was born in Sankaraguptam, a village in East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India.


3. What is Balamuralikrishna famous for?

He is famous for:

  • His melodious and powerful voice

  • Composing over 400 compositions

  • Creating new ragas such as Mahati, Lavangi, Manorama, and Sarasvathi

  • Mastery over multiple instruments like violin, viola, mridangam, and kanjira


4. Did Balamuralikrishna act in films?

Yes. He appeared in a few films including Bhakta Prahlada (1967) and contributed as a playback singer for many movies in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada.


5. What awards did Balamuralikrishna receive?

Some of his notable awards include:

  • Padma Vibhushan (India’s second-highest civilian honor)

  • Padma Bhushan

  • Sangeet Natak Akademi Award

  • National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer


6. Did he create new ragas in Carnatic music?

Yes, he created several new ragas, including:

  • Mahati (4 notes)

  • Lavangi

  • Siddhi

  • Sumukham

These ragas were praised for their simplicity yet spiritual depth.


7. When did Balamuralikrishna pass away?

He passed away on 22 November 2016 at the age of 86 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.



🎧 Best Audio Songs of Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna

Here are handpicked audio links of some of his most celebrated works:

  1. Omkara Pranava – Carnatic Classical

  2. Nagumomu Ganaleni (Thyagaraja Krithi)

  3. Pancharatna Kriti – Jagadananda Karaka

  4. Madhura Murali – Bhajan Compilation

  5. Krishna Nee Begane Baro – Kannada Devotional


🎥 Best Video Performances of Balamuralikrishna

These YouTube videos showcase his live concerts and memorable performances:

  1. 🎥 Live Concert – Chennai Music Season

  2. 🎥 Bhakta Prahlada (1967) – Full Movie (as Narada)

  3. 🎥 Madhava Mamava Deva – Popular Krithi

  4. 🎥 Thulasidala – Live Raga Alapana

  5. 🎥 Documentary Tribute to Balamuralikrishna

 

 

 

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