Violin maestro M S Gopalakrishnan passes away

The 82 year-old maestro of the stringed instrument was admitted to a private hospital here yesterday after he complained of breathlessness.

"Padmabhushan M S Gopalakrishnan breathed his last today at 2.30 am in a private hospital," his daughter Dr M Narmadha said in a statement.

An artiste remembered for his immense knowledge of either forms of music, MSG, as he was fondly known among the 'rasikas' (music lovers), had a career spanning 75 years.

He was counted one among the 'violin trinity' of his times -- the other two being the legendary Lalgudi G Jayaraman and T N Krishnan.

A recipient of various awards including Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, Gopalakrishnan was an artiste having an open mind for new ideas.

Gopalakrishnan is survived by wife, two daughters and a son.

Narmadha, also a disciple of the violin maestro, recalled her on-stage association with her father, and said he had presented violin solo, Jugalbandhi and duet concerts with her.

His unique finger movements and bowing exhibited his extraordinary perception of the instrument to come out with panoramic shades of Hindustani, Carnatic and western styles of violin-playing, she said.