THE PAST - INSTRUMENTALISTS

EMANI SANKARA SASTRI

One of the greatest Vainikas to grace the field of Carnatic music, Emani Sankara Sastri hailed from a family of musicians in Draksharamam in Andhra Pradesh. His grandfather, Subbayya Sastri and father, Emani Achyutarama Sastri, under whom he had his training, were both Vainikas. Besides this, Sankara Sastri also did his graduation in Music. His performing career took off with a programme for the All India Radio, Tiruchirapalli in 1940. Since then, he went places with his creative and innovative style. The hallmark of his music was his soft plucking, heavy use of the tala strings and the bright tone of his instrument, which made his style very attractive. His versatality extended to composing and conducting too. He had a stint as a Music Director in the Gemini Studios before joining the All India Radio, where he served in various capacities, such as Chief Producer, Director of the National Orchestra (Vadya Vrinda) and Producer, Emeritus. His brilliant creations include Asara Sikharohanam, Venu Pranayam and Sowmya Purusha. Besides ensuring a very successful concert career, his attractive style also drew several disciples to him, prominent among them being Chittibabu.