U. Srinivas

Born February 28, 1969, in Palakol, Andhra Pradesh, U. Srinivas commonly performs under the name Mandolin Srinivas. Whereas Chitravina Ravikiran is identified with the chitravina, other musicians adopt the vina, violin, clarinet, or even fiddle as their signature instrument; similarly, the Tamil composer Cook Srivivasalu earned his moniker from his role as a cook at the temple of Sri Minakshi. Initially instructed by his father, Satayanarayana Raju, the young musician’s innate ability quickly flourished. At nine he gave his debut recital, an event that astonished listeners and led to his immediate recognition as a child prodigy. Srinivas became the first artist to adapt the mandolin to Indian Karnatic classical music. His extensive discography charts a steady ascent in artistic quality. The instrument he employs bears scant resemblance to Neapolitan or flatback mandolin designs; instead it is a five-string solid-body electric model whose closest precedent is the electric mandolin once played by the American musician Tiny Moore. Although he has recorded prolifically, some observers suggest the output, particularly from his earlier years, was perhaps excessive.