- CHINNIAH: He was an
accomplished dancer and dance-master. Besides, he was also a
composer, having composed Tana Varnams like 'Amba
Souramba' and 'Amba Neelamba', Pada Varnams, Tillanas
etc.
- PONNIAH: Ponniah was head and
shoulders above the others as a composer.
He was the pioneer in systematising the dance repertoire. His compositions
provide ample scope for rasa, raga and bhava, which are the
three important ingredients of dance. Several of his kritis like 'Ambaneelambari'
(Neelambari), 'Satileni' (Poorvikalyani) and Tillanas
are very popular among musicians.
- VADIVELU: A genius, he
popularised the use of Violin in Carnatic music. He
was the favourite artiste of Maharaja Swati Tirunal, who appointed
him as the Asthana Vidwan (Court musician) of the Travancore court
when he was hardly in his teens.
A scholar in Tamil and Telugu, vocalist, violinist, composer and
Bharatanatyam exponent, Vadivelu delighted not only the ruler of
Travancore, but drew praise from Tyagaraja himself. Vadivelu
learnt under a European missionary at Tanjavur.
- SIVANANDAM: A composer, Vina
player and dance teacher, Sivanandam
was the favorite of Maharaja Sivaji. His popular compositions include
the Sabdam 'Venyudu' and the Todi Pada Varnam 'Danike
Tagu Janara' etc
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