Mandolin U Srinivas, also known as Uppalapu Srinivas, was a legendary musician whose mastery of the mandolin revolutionized the world of Carnatic music. With his exceptional talent and innovative approach, Srinivas elevated the status of the mandolin as a solo instrument, captivating audiences worldwide. This comprehensive blog post delves into the life and legacy of Mandolin Srinivas, exploring his biography, his family background, his contributions to the mandolin tradition, and his untimely departure from the world of music.
Mandolin Srinivas: A Child Prodigy
Born on February 28, 1969, in Palakollu, Andhra Pradesh, India, Uppalapu Srinivas displayed remarkable musical talent from a young age. Raised in a family that cherished music, Srinivas was introduced to the mandolin at the tender age of five by his father, U. Satyanarayana. Recognizing his son’s prodigious abilities, Satyanarayana became his first guru and laid the foundation for Srinivas’s musical journey. Under his father’s guidance, Srinivas quickly mastered the mandolin, captivating audiences with his innate musicality and virtuosity.
Unparalleled Style
Mandolin U Srinivas’s style was marked by innovation and a deep understanding of both Western and Carnatic music. Initially playing the acoustic mandolin, he later switched to the electric mandolin, which allowed him to effortlessly play the intricate gamakas and deergha swaras. This adaptation of a Western instrument to the Carnatic tradition was met with scepticism initially. However, Srinivas’s unmatched talent and artistry silenced the critics, establishing him as a trailblazer and making the mandolin an integral part of Carnatic music within a decade.
Srinivas modified the Western mandolin to suit Carnatic music by using five strings instead of four. This adjustment allowed him to bring out the flavour of gamakas and cater to the specific pitch and ragas of Carnatic music. His mesmerizing performances garnered immense appreciation from both laymen and critics alike. Notably, every December 23rd, a slot was reserved for Srinivas at the prestigious Madras Music Academy, a testament to his musical prowess and impact.
Collaborations and Fusion
Mandolin U Srinivas’s musical genius extended beyond the realms of Carnatic music. He collaborated with acclaimed artists from diverse genres, including Zakir Hussain, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Sivamani, Vikku Vinayak Ram, V. Selvaganesh, Dominique Di Piazza, Shankar Mahadevan, Michael Nyman, Michael Brook, John McLaughlin, and many others. Together, they created captivating fusion music that transcended cultural boundaries, showcasing the versatility of the mandolin and its ability to blend harmoniously with different styles.
Srinivas’s collaboration with renowned guitarist John McLaughlin in the band “Remember Shakti” further amplified his international recognition. Their performances garnered standing ovations worldwide, solidifying Srinivas’s status as a global musical icon. He embarked on extensive international tours, captivating audiences in the United States, Canada, Australia, the Middle East, and beyond. Srinivas’s talent and contributions to fusion music positioned him as the second Indian musician, after sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, to tour extensively and earn international acclaim.
Family and Legacy
Mandolin U Srinivas had a special bond with his family and remained grounded despite his fame. He shared a close relationship with the renowned violin virtuoso Lalgudi Jayaraman, and every New Year’s Day, he would seek Jayaraman’s blessings and perform one of his compositions during his concerts. Srinivas’s humility and down-to-earth nature earned him respect and admiration from his peers and fans alike.
Srinivas’s legacy continues through his family and his contributions to music education. His brother, U Rajesh, carries forward the family’s musical tradition and teaches at the “Srinivas School of World Music.” The school, founded by Mandolin U Srinivas himself, has nurtured numerous students, ensuring his invaluable knowledge and techniques are passed down to future generations.
Tragic Demise of Mandolin Srinivas
The world of music was left in shock when Mandolin U Srinivas’s life was cut short on September 19, 2014. Complications arising from a liver transplant surgery led to his untimely passing at the age of 45. His departure created a void in the hearts of music lovers worldwide, who mourned the loss of a brilliant musician and an innovative force in the world of Carnatic music.
Mandolin U Srinivas: The magnetic personality
The ever-smiling, calm and composed humble Srinivas had a special bonding with the violin virtuoso Lalgudi Jayaraman. Every New Year’s Day, he used to wish Lalgudi and seek his blessings. Being a staunch follower of Lalgudi, Srinivas played at least one of Lalgudi’s compositions in his concerts.
Having seen fame at a very young age, Srinivas always remained a down-to-earth person. In the words of the legendary singer, S.P. Balasubramaniam,
“Srinivas was a very humble, courteous person. Wherever he saw me – be it at the airport, railway station, hotel, without a second thought, he used to prostrate before me.”
Srinivas never got into an argument with anyone. He spoke through his music.
Courage can be loud and aggressive, but it can also be reticent and firm. Srinivas ignored those who cavilled, put his head down, and went on to create his own kind of honest, beautiful music. He was a brilliant musician, but a brave one as well.
Mandolin U Srinivas, with his unmatched talent and innovative spirit, transformed the landscape of Carnatic music and elevated the status of the mandolin as a solo instrument. His ability to blend Western and Carnatic styles, his virtuosity, and his collaborations with renowned artists showcased the versatility of the mandolin and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. Though his time was tragically short, his impact on music, his family, and his students is immeasurable. Mandolin U Srinivas’s legacy continues to inspire musicians and music enthusiasts worldwide, ensuring that his contributions to the world of music remain immortal.
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I am so thankful I saw him live in Minneapolis.