Tirukkodikaval Krishna Iyer

Tirukodikaval Krishna Iyer was a Carnatic violinist in the latter half of the 19th century.

Early years Krishna Iyer had his training first from his father Kuppuswamy Iyer, and later under Kottavasal Venkatarama Iyer, a composer of Tana Varnams. Krishna Iyer inherited his musical talents from his father Kuppuswamy Bhagavatar, a Harikatha performer. He did not have a good voice and so he was persuaded to take up violin playing. He, along with Veena Dhanammal and nagaswaram vidwan Tirupamburam Nataraja Sundaram Pillai, also studied under Sathanoor Panju Iyer of the sishya parampara of Muthuswami Dikshitar.

Musical experiences His violin recitals were marked with masterly touches, full of masculine grandeur. A prodigy, he could play complicated pieces on a single string. Known for his hard work, he was responsible for ushering in many new techniques to the art of violin playing. He could produce ascending and descending glides (Jarus) with remarkable effect. His was a musician among peers that included Maha Vaidyanatha Iyer, Patnam Subramania Iyer and Sarabha Sastri. Thiruvalangadu Sundaresa Iyer was one of his disciples. Semmangudi Narayanaswamy Iyer, Thirukodikaval Ramaswamy Iyer were his disciples. Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer is his nephew. Valadi Krishnaiyer took training from him.