Here we present the last part of the column ‘Eavesdropping on some Mysore Court Musicians’ by R.G. Singh of Ramsons Kala Pratishtana…

 Mysore :

Veene Subanna was yet another star in firmament of stars that surrounded Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV.

Veene Subbanna was born with the proverbial silver spoon since not only was he born into wealth but he was also the grandson of Veene Venkatsubbaiah. Venkatasubbaiah was musician at the court of Tanjore and was invited by Krishnaraja Wadiyar III to the Mysore Royal Court.

Subbanna was born in 1854 into a family of musicians tracing their lineage to the legendary Adi Appayya of Viriboni Varnam. Subanna’s grandfather Venkatasubbaiah’s extraordinary skills earned him both honours and lands as gifts.

The untimely early death of his younger brother left Subbanna the sole heir to the vast properties.

Subanna’s music lessons began early under the guidance of his father Dodda Sheshanna from whom he learnt Veena and Mysore Sadashiva Rao who trained him in singing. He, along with Veena Seshanna would practice for long hours. Subbanna often sang along as he played.

Musicians visiting the court of Mysore were invited to perform in Subbanna’s house and Subbanna would honour them with money and rewards several times more than that given by the King himself.

At one concert, Ramnad Srinivas Iyengar, after giving a concert at Subbanna’s house, found that his ring was missing. Subbanna at once brought out his own jewel box and showing the musician several rings requested him to take whatever he wanted. The story is that Srinivas Iyengar chose the most expensive one!

It is believed that Subbanna donated to charity liberally and even gave away his 300-year-old Kanaka Rajata Veena, to his disciple Keshava Murthy !

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by R.G. Singh / February 23rd, 2014