School of Rock
Random article All articles A–Z
2 languages

U. Srinivas

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

U. Srinivas · Uppalapu Srinivas was born in 1969 in Palakollu in Andhra Pradesh and died in 2014. At the age of five he picked up his father's mandolin. His father, who had studied classical music, bought a new instrument and taught him to play. Later he was taught by the singer Rudraraju Subbaraju, who sang pieces from the Carnatic repertoire, after which the six-year-old Srinivas played them back on the mandolin. In this way he developed a style of his own on an instrument that had never been played in such a strict Carnatic manner. He gave his first concert in Chennai at the age of eleven, in 1981.

Music and breakthrough

Srinivas was the first to use the electric mandolin in Carnatic music. He adapted the instrument with five single strings instead of four double ones, so that it suited the pitch, the raga system and the gamakas, the fine, ornamental oscillations in pitch. At the age of thirteen he played at the Berlin Jazz Festival, where he received a standing ovation. He worked with John McLaughlin, Michael Brook and Zakir Hussain and played in Remember Shakti.

Influence

He recorded more than 137 albums, from Carnatic solo programmes to fusion and world music. For many listeners outside India, his playing was their first introduction to South Indian classical music.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Samajavaragamana and notice how the mandolin sustains long, singing notes. Try to hear how he embellishes the melody with small gliding movements, as a singer would.

Discography

Studio albums

Categories: ArtistsCarnatic music