39. Maestro's old avtars!

The old version of Prema Yatralaku song from Gundamma Katha (Telugu):

http://rapidshare.com/files/6009830/Prema_yatralaku-new.wma.html

Maestro's version from Detective Narada. This forerunner to current day remixes is very innovative and creative in the sense he has added another layer of melody to the existing song with new interludes.

http://rapidshare.com/files/6009831/Prema_yatralaku-old.wma.html

Then sindudhe vanam (music: GK Venkatesh, with Raja as assistant). Maestro has spoken a lot about this song in his recent concert.

http://rapidshare.com/files/6009832/Then_sindudhe_vaanam.wma.html

Dr Rajkumar's debut song from Sampathige Savaal (music: GK Venkatesh, with Raja as assistant). Refer to my Post # 13 here:

http://rapidshare.com/files/6009833/Yaare_koogadali.wma.html

(I got some of these songs from CoolToad, thanks to them!)

38. Describe these songs!

Dear friends,

Following are the songs I wanted to share with you this week:

1) Aararo aararo from Aanand
http://rapidshare.de/files/36173394/Aararo_aararo.wma.html

2) Chamaku chamaku cham from Konda Veeti Donga
http://rapidshare.de/files/36173395/Chamaku_chamaku_cham.wma.html

3) Endrendrum anandhame from Kadal Meengal
http://rapidshare.de/files/36173396/Endrendrum_anandhame.wma.html

4) Oh prema devathe from Gulaabi
http://rapidshare.de/files/36173397/Oh_prema_devathe.wma.html

5) Vezhambal kezhum from Olangal
http://rapidshare.de/files/36173398/Vezhambal_kezhum.wma.html

I want to announce a small contest now. Please send me your views about the songs. I will reward suitably for the best entry. Following points to be noted:

· The entry can be for any or all songs and one can send any number of write ups.
· It can describe the beauty of lyrics, situation, orchestration, emotional/technical merits of the songs.
· The language should be English or Tamil (in Tamil fonts only)
· Please mail the response to crvenky2006@yahoo.co.in.
· Last date for receiving your mail is 10th November 2006.

All the best to you!

37. Raga of the month: MMG-5

The concluding week of Mayamalava Gowlai songs:


1. Gratefulness – Film name: Udanpirappu:

Sathyaraj marries Suganya to save her from some challenging circumstances and gives her a new lease of life. Raja’s trademark orchestration with violins, tabla, flute and keyboard doesn’t disappoint us. The orchestra takes us through a graceful trip. The female lead is hesitant while SPB’s voice is very reassuring.

http://rapidshare.de/files/35308660/Nandri_sollave_unakku.wma.html


2. Playful duet – Film name: Chinnavar:

This film is against a fisherman backdrop. The sangathis (naayanam, kekkudhu, vaattudhu, etc) in the singing of pallavi is very nice. The interludes are just great. Tabla nadai is different in pallavi while its supportive in charanams.

http://rapidshare.de/files/35308658/Kottukkali_kottu.wma.html


3. Grand prelude – Film name: Mundhanai mudichu:

The very grand opening with piano counterpoints and military band drums give a magnificent start, very suitable for grand romantic dream sequences. Bhagyaraj has also picturized well with the leads in chariot etc wearing jazzy costumes. Second interlude is again piano and guitar fanfare, ending with some great strings. The main contributor of the song is the chorus which creates a haunting effect. Mirudhangam plays majestic in the charanams. Overall, a beautiful blend of Western classical and Carnatic all through.

http://rapidshare.de/files/35308657/Andhi_varum_neram.wma.html


4. Orphan’s song – Film name: Panakkaran:

Raja gives the voice for the singing soul of an orphan. The orchestration is mild with more of calm tabla beats. The interludes reflect the past life of the hero and why he became like that. This is one rare song where Raja has lent his voice to Rajini with one more song from the same movie (is there any other song in IR voice for Rajini?). His voice is very soulful and intriguing.

http://rapidshare.de/files/35308659/Naan_ullukkulle.wma.html


Well, that’s all for this series. I have left out some famous songs in MMG like Poogadhave, Poova eduthu oru maalai, Rama namam oru vedhame, etc. The readers can unearth more compositions. The recent stunners are – Enga ooru laila (Karagattakkaran), Oru chiri kandal (Ponmudi puzhayorathu), Enge sendralum (Guru Ramana geetham), etc.

Maestro has done several more MMG songs with so many different shades. And he still has something to offer in each of his new MMG songs coming out. Let us salute the genius for his contribution to the Carnatic field!

36. Raga of the Month: MMG-4

The next instalment of Mayamalava Gowlai songs for this week:

1. Fun times – Film name: Kanna Unai Thedugiren:

Somebody mocking the girl who is going to get married soon. The song starts with some folk type instrument and chorus. The rhythm and bassline is very interesting and catchy as also the refrain ‘taku mukku tiku thalam’. First interlude has a brief march-like rhythm, maybe specific to the story. The flute in the second interlude is reminiscent of a flute piece in Bach composition.

http://rapidshare.de/files/34484936/Rasathi_rasathi.wma.html


2. An orchestral delight – Film name: Mudhal Iravu:

One more blinder of a song from vintage Ilaiyaraaja. Starts energetically with a train journey to be joined by later by hero-heroine in some garden for further dance sequence. The composition is again very Bach like in the first interlude (strings) which suddenly changes to accordion-like instrument. The charanams have good dulcimer tone. Second interlude is again a Bach style flute (like the first song above) and strings. Again the interlude deviates and joins back effortlessly to 2nd charanam. All through this, the train rhythm is maintained seamlessly.

http://rapidshare.de/files/34484934/Manjal_nilavukku.wma.html


3. Mysteriously sad – Film name: Kakkai Chiraginile:

Maestro weaves his magic with some mysterious rhythm and a repeating theme in mandolin like instrument. Its sung by a nomadic girl. The lyrics are reflective of the uncertain life. She is looking for somebody to lead her. Can you hear her soul? The voice adds to the beauty.

http://rapidshare.de/files/34484935/Oor_oora_pogum.wma.html


4. A Flute/Tabla duet – Film name: Unna Nenachen Pattu Padichen:

Somewhat similar to Madurai marikkozhundu vaasam (another MMG). There is a beautiful support by flutes all through. Tabla rhythm in the charanams are joyously jumping with lead. 2nd interlude is characterized by temple bells, chorus voices and strings moving through effortlessly. The voices (SPB & SJ) are a treat to hear.

http://rapidshare.de/files/34484933/Maanam_idi_idikka.wma.html


5. Light hearted– Film name: Kili Pechu Ketkavaa:

A nice, funny song dappanguthu beats. Its amazing to note the mix of a hardcore carnatic raga and dance beats. Mammuty has given some funny steps. The chranams have intermittent, clap-like rhythm. Bass guitar brings out the raga nuances every now and then. Janaki’s singing is the best, as usual.

http://rapidshare.de/files/34484937/Sivagami_nenappinile.wma.html

We will be concluding this MMG series with the coming week.

35. Raga of the Month: MMG-3

Shall we enjoy some more Mayamalava Gowlai songs for this week?

1. Authentic folk – Film name: Chinna Durai:

This reminds of the song Kottayai vittu from Chinna Thaayi. A situational (maybe for climax) song happening around the temple. Mostly folk instruments like urumi, thappattai, etc are used.

http://rapidshare.de/files/33648932/Neeye_gadhiyamma.wma.html


2. Folk fusion – Film name: Chinna Jameen:

Karthik who is an innocent villager is made fun of by his friends and the heroine Suganya. Nice rhythm support and the raga is more evident here. Charanams run on his usual tabla support. End of charanams are sung by Karthik himself. Interludes are great (Madurai marikkozhundu vasam flavour is there).

http://rapidshare.de/files/33648933/Onappu_thattu.wma.html


3. Another sad song – Film name: En Purushanthan Enakku Mattumthan:

This is a pathos song with some dappanguthu rhythms. Veenai bit in the 2nd interlude is surprising. The feel again reminds us of Kuyila pudichu song (another MMG number). SPB’s singing very good, especially towards the end.

http://rapidshare.de/files/33648934/Saamigale.wma.html


4. Vairagyam – Film name: Kovil Kaalai:

This orphan who is dedicated to the village temple is harassed by the unexpected turn of events. He sings about his background and the past. The thappattai rhythm carries the song throughout. Some ‘chik chik’ sound is also used continuously. This may be another song where the rarely used instrument morsing is used. Who else but Raja is emotionally suitable to such songs? The lyrics are equally profound (is it by Raja himself?).

http://rapidshare.de/files/33648935/Thaai_undu.wma.html


5. Fun & frolic – Film name: En Mana Vaanil:

Please get us married soon – so say the youngsters. The song starts with nice chorus and infectious karagam beats and we get hooked to the bass line straight away. The words ‘dandakku dandan’ ‘hey hoi’ escalates the mirth. The intermittent rhythm punches in the saranam makes us tap our feet. The flute gives great support. Chorus has played a large role in the song. Overall, a rocking song.

http://rapidshare.de/files/33648936/Vayasu_vandha.wma.html

34. Raga of the Month: MMG-2

Next batch of Mayamalava Gowlai songs for this week:

1. Romance of the Legends:

This is one of the very few songs of TMS giving voice to Sivaji. Film name – Deepam released in 1977 (7th or 8th movie of Raja. Could it be his earliest song set to MMG? The orchestration is classical. The TMS – Raja – Sivaji combination is awesome.

http://rapidshare.de/files/32811790/Anthappurathil_oru_maharaani.wma.html


2. Is this Musical Breeze?:

No use of unwanted beats here as the hero sings. Just a bass guitar, flute, tabla and some keyboard strokes. That’s enough for him to cast a spell on us. A lesson to learn for other music directors. From: Manasellam (2003).

http://rapidshare.de/files/32811791/Chinna_kuyile.wma.html


3. A hard hitting sad song:

This is song is so moving - who else but Raja can bring out such intense emotions? I was lucky to watch Maestro singing this song in the One Man Show, this April. Each one of us have to ask ourselves if we are giving due importance to our mother. I do so. Shenai in the 2nd interlude gives so much of pathos. Film name: Aranmanai Kili (1993).

http://rapidshare.de/files/32811792/En_thayenum_kovilai.wma.html


4. What to sing:

The folksy song sung by an innocent bullock cart driver while on his journey. It gives a different colour to the raga. Ilaiyaraaja voice is so young and energetic. The rhythm and flow are just perfect for the song (including the noises made by bull’s bells). Nice harmonium chords in the 1st interlude.

http://rapidshare.de/files/32811793/Enna_paattu_paada.wma.html



5. Celebrating friendship:

Two girls sing about their friendship and wish to stay together all their life. But the events take a different turn in their life later. Maybe the hidden message is already embedded in this song, due to the raga selection. This is also a career-early song for him (from Vattathukkul Sadhuram), that came out in 1978. Though more of folk, the orchestration is sophisticated than the 1st song we saw earlier.

http://rapidshare.de/files/32811794/Idho_idho_en_nenjile.wma.html


6. Naughty duet:

The violin and other strings start their racing from the very beginning of the catchy prelude. The rhythm is unique again. Smooth strings form the major part of the song. Director Priyadarshan almost matched with his imaginative picturization of this unique 2nd interlude. The singing of SPB and Chitra is designed to be interactive (check the ending of the song).

http://rapidshare.de/files/32811795/Kadhal_kavithaigal.wma.html

See you next week, until then – enjoy the MMG-IR combination!

33. Raga of the Month - Mayamalava Gowlai - 1

This September, you can hear only songs set to Mayamalava Gowlai, which seems to be Maestro’s one of favourite ragas. He has used it for almost all emotions – romance, happy, sad, fun, devotional – you name it, he has done everything.

The history of Carnatic music says that the system of Mayamalava Gowlai was introduced by the blessed musician, Purandaradasar. This raga has the potency to neutralise the toxins in our body. Practising this raga in the early hours of the morning, in the midst of nature, will enhance the strength of the vocal chords.

This is said to be the mother of all ragas, because the music students are initiated with this raga only, to the basics of Carnatic music. I understand that this raga is simple to learn for beginners. This raga also has some affinity to Arabic music and resembles the Mosque calls. Even Maestro has used this effect in couple of his songs.

OK, lets get into the songs.

1. Inter religious Romance:

This song Allah un aanaipadi is from Chandralekha. Raja has incorporated the Islamic music in this song, to show that the hero & heroine belong to different religions. The charanams call for higher voice range and has been sung effectively by Unnikrishnan and the female lead.

http://rapidshare.de/files/32011760/Allah_un_anaipadi.wma.html


2. A historic duet:

Enge naan kanben is from Sadhanai. This is again blend of Mughal and Indian music as this is supposed to be a duet between Saleem and Anarkali. One can also remember the old gem Kallellam manikka kallaguma from this tune.

http://rapidshare.de/files/32011762/Enge_naan.wma.html


3. A Telugu duet:

I don’t know the situation for this song from Aalapana – I feel it like a dream love song but with a sad touch.

http://rapidshare.de/files/32011763/Kalise_prathi_sandhyalo.wma.html


4. ‘Oru shokkana’ song from Chennai:

How would a typical rickshaw-puller in Chennai sing a duet with his wife? Maestro demonstrates here with his impeccable Chennai lingo. Listen to Machi mannaru from En uyir thozhan with a smile on your face.

http://rapidshare.de/files/32011764/Machi_mannaru.wma.html


5. A sad song (his final moments):

Uyire uyire urugadhe is from Oruvar vazhum alayam. Sivakumar (a classical singer) is televised for singing this song. He gets some kind of heart attack and is joined by his daughter for second charanam. But, he dies at the end leaving the song incomplete. Jesudas has expressed the emotions very beautifully.

http://rapidshare.de/files/32011765/Uyire_uyire_urugadhe.wma.html


Relish the top notch orchestration in the songs. We will see some more MMG songs next week.

32. Telugu <-> Tamil tunes - 2

This week continues with Telugu <-> Tamil tunes.

1. Chalti ka naam (Chettukinda pleader)

This tune is taken from Chinnamani kuyile (Amman kovil kizhakkale), with same tune and interludes.

http://rapidshare.de/files/31066693/Chalti_ka_naam.wma.html


2. Endhirayyo (Shivashankar)

The famous Manguyile from Karagattakkaran. Even before Raja amazed us with alternate tunes for this song during the recent One Man Show program, he has done it in this Telugu version.

http://rapidshare.de/files/31066694/Endhirayyo.wma.html


3. Neethone danka (Stuartpuram police station)

Vadi en kappa kizhange (Alaigal oyvadhillai) given a melodious twist. SPB’s singing adds more zeal to it.

http://rapidshare.de/files/31066695/Neethone_danka.wma.html


4. Vana mayuri kulike (Kirathakudu)

Kavidhai padu kuyile (Thendrale ennai thodu). This song is almost the same as original.

http://rapidshare.de/files/31066697/Vana_mayuri_kulike.wma.html


5. Eenadu vidiponi (Sri Kanakamahalakshmi Record Dance Troupe)

This is another classic example of how Maestro can make a song out of the BGM. This song is based on a BGM theme from Swati Mutyam (Sippikkul Muthu). This request came from Vamsy, again through the K Viswanath connection. The raga mostly sounds like Chakravakam. I wish he used this tune in Tamil.

http://rapidshare.de/files/31146255/Eenadu_vidi_poni.wma.html

31. Telugu <-> Tamil tunes - 1

I am sure lot of you would have been amazed at the reworked / rearranged songs of Shiva 2006 (Hindi), which has a different soul from the original. But this is nothing new to Maestro. He has done many such songs in Telugu which have been reused from Tamil. We shall hear some of these, this and next week.

1. Paavurama (Aa okati adagaku)

This is Shenbagame Shenbagame (Enga ooru pattukkaran) with more pathos.

http://rapidshare.de/files/30304625/Paavurama.wma.html


2. Kinnerasani (Sitara)

This an extended version of Kaviri mangai vandhalamma (postlude of Nadha vinodhangal song from Salangai oli). As Vamsi had worked as asst director under K.Viswanath at that time, later when he became a director, he requested Maestro to use this tune as pallavi and weave a song around it.

http://rapidshare.de/files/30304026/Kinnerasani.wma.html


3. Ee chaitra veena (Preminchu pelladu)

This song’s original tune is Oh vennilave in Anandha kummi.

http://rapidshare.de/files/30303592/Ee_chaitra_veena.wma.html


4. Chukkalu themmanna (April okati viduthala)

This is the tune of Sithira chevvanam from Katril varum geetham. But the fisherman song feel has been replaced with a romantic feel, that’s Raja for you.

http://rapidshare.de/files/30303094/Chukkalu_themmanna.wma.html

30. Long Live Independence!

It has been 59 years since we got our independence. I dedicate this week to the countless martyrs who fought for our freedom and who are fighting out the enemies at the borders. This week celebrates Maestro’s music under this topic. Each song is of top notch and bears his trademark orchestration for such songs – use of brass, chorus, etc.


1. Idhu thaai pirandha (Siraichaalai)

The song is very patriotic and brings goose bumps every time I hear it. The situation in the movie is very moving one, with horrible scenes depicting heaps of dead bodies of freedom fighters who get killed in Andaman jail. I must remember all of them tearfully at this time. I don’t know the lyricist but kudos to him for penning such thoughtful lyrics.

http://rapidshare.de/files/29337309/01_Idhu_thaai_pirandha.wma.html


2. Senthamizh naadu (Kamaraj)

This song celebrates the various stride made during a benevolent leader in Tamilnadu; its none other than Kamaraj. The song is written by Mahakavi Bharathi but the last charanam is by our own Raja, which fits the theme of the movie to a T. Lets hope for such a great leader to be born again.

http://rapidshare.de/files/29337870/02_Senthamizh_Nadu.wma.html


3. Ezhai jaadhi (Ezhai jaadhi)

Even after so many years of achieving independence, still poverty is there. Why is this so? This song analyzes it. Again profound lyrics.

http://rapidshare.de/files/29340912/03_Ezhai_jaathi.wma.html


4. Ulagame nee (Ivan)

I wanted to include this song in the wake of current situation of mindless violence. When will be free from all this and live in a peaceful world?

http://rapidshare.de/files/29342163/04_Ulagame_nee.wma.html


5. En kanavinai kel (Desiya geetham)

This is the wish-list of every one of us too. I will be happy even if few of this is realized.

http://rapidshare.de/files/29343830/05_En_Kanavinai.wma.html


6. Jai jawan (Rajasthan)

‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ was the slogan coined by Lal Bahadur Shastri. Lets salute the soldiers at the borders who are guarding us against all odds and weather. Lets salute the power of knowledge too!

http://rapidshare.de/files/29344370/06_Jai_jawan.wma.html

I wish all my fellow citizens Happy Independence!

29. Instrumentals - 2

In the next part of the instrumentals, we shall see the instrumental version of the songs found only in the cassettes/CDs.

1. Ila manadhu (Selvi)

This is a fantastic song shot very trivially by Ramanarayanan. The instrumental version in the sax/trumpet is great to hear.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/820b38/


2. Nilaviniley (Manasellam)

A hip song and melodious too. Solo violin has replaced the vocals.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/84455f/


3. Mudhal mutham (Illam)

This tune has bee reused by Raja. Original comes from an old Kanada song Sihi Mutha needi (I don’t know the film name). Kannada version had better singing and orchestration. The instrumental uses keyboards prominently.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/de3f23/


4. Madhura naada (Gulaabi)

Madhura naadha meetidhe is a good melody, which comes in 2 versions in the movie (Chitra and Arunmozhi) and also the instrumental is included in the album. The tone (like dulcimer) used is very nice and soothing.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/558324/

28. Instrumentals - 1

Today, I am hosting some unknown instrumental pieces of Maestro.

1. Chinna Kuyil Padudhu:

This orchestral piece is found in the original album. Short but sweet one.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/e5ace5/


2. Japanil Kalyanaraman:

This is titled as Dance music in the album. Starts with Kalyani and then becomes jazzy as it goes. Some chenda music of Kerala is thrown in between. Overall, a good fusion.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/dd6c0e/


3. Kadai veedhi Instrumental:

This is the title music of Amman Kovil Kizhakkale. Flute and shenai replace vocals.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/09da17/


4. Padha kolusu Instrumental:

This is the title music of Thirumathi Pazhanichamy. While the song itself is melodious, this version is more melodious.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/a302a3/

27. Unique beats

Today’s picks are taken randomly. Here we go.

1. Aavaram poovai thottu (Manamagale vaa)

This song captivated me those days for some unique rhythm structure. A nice melody.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/404ef6/


2. Valattum oorkuruvi (Ennai vittu pogadhe)

Again some nice beats. The prelude of the song is superb.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/519c25/


3. Pakku konda (Sakkarai thevan)

Its sung by Raghavendar in full vigour. Interludes remind of Aattama therottama song. It has a unique beat. A nice climax type song.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/08c49a/


4. Therke veesum (Kolangal)

I heard this song recently and instantly hooked to it. Great tune, great singing (many twists and turns) and above all, fantastic western classical interludes. Any guesses on the raga?

http://www.filefactory.com/file/c1a3d5/

26. Three Decades of Music

Today’s selection is Raja’s sentimental songs from 1976, 1986, 1996 and 2006.

1. Oadugiraal (Bhadrakali)

This is supposed to be the only song Seergazhi Govindarajan has sung for Maestro. I have not seen the movie, looks like climax song.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/1d68d1/


2. Poove nee (Kannukku Mai Ezhudhu)

Soothing tune, sung softly by Raja.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/9ff482/


3. Vande matharam (Kaalapani)

When I saw the movie for the 1st time, could not control my tears at the backdrop of the song with heaps of dead bodies killed by the British. A moving tribute to millions of martyrs who sacrificed for our independence.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/049aba/


4. Background score of Pachakuthira (Malayalam)

Actor Dileep has acted as an autistic adult in the movie. The scene is where he meets his playmate (nicknamed Butterfly) after a long time.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/04f591/

25. Missed out songs

Strangely, Kamal’s films have songs missed out in the film. Some of them can be heard today:

1. Ammava naan (Aboorva Sagotharargal, 1989)

I understand that the story of this film was changed drastically half way through the shooting. Hence, we don’t know where this song will find a place in the movie. This is a very folksy song. ‘kattazhaga pottazhaga onna pola..’ phrase is very catchy. Kamal’s socialistic message comes in the 2nd charanam (Guruvayoor…).

http://www.filefactory.com/?494e35


2. Engeyum engeyum (Sathya, 1988)

I think this might have been cut from the film for editorial purposes (length, proximity to another song, pace of the movie, etc) but 2nd interlude suggests that some adventurous situation happens towards end of the song. A beautiful song by Lata Mangeshkar. The piano counterpoints in the prelude and 2nd interlude are great. Another highlight is that the pallavi and charanams are of the same tune.

http://www.filefactory.com/?b4d7df


3. Aadi pattam thedi (Michael Madhana Kamarajan, 1987)

Maybe there was a Kamal with village background, for whom this song was recorded. This is too melodious and doesn’t gel with the revised story of the movie.

http://www.filefactory.com/?a73e6d


4. Sippikkul oru muthu (Vikram, 1986)

This situation can be guessed very easily that Vanithamani replaced this song, as the situation also warrants a suspenseful score. Writer Sujatha had mentioned in Kumudam long back that Raja didn’t like this song and hence dropped it.

http://www.filefactory.com/?ec76d3

I wish he used these songs in other movies, so that it became famous.

24. His first tune for Cinema!

Maestro speaks here about his first tune for cinema. This happened before Raja entered cinema. There was a song already recorded by MSV. The producer wanted to test Raja and asked him to provide an alternate tune for the same lyrics and Raja did it perfectly. Both lyrics (describing a child) and tune are amazing. Listen to it here.

http://www.filefactory.com/?9cf82e

Surprisingly, he used it years later, in 1992, for the movie Endrum Anbudan. Here, the hero sings about the orphaned child brought up by another woman. Song is here:

http://www.filefactory.com/?393409

23. Thendral varum!

All melodies featured today starts with ‘Thendral varum’. They will indeed bring breeze to your soul.

1. Thendral varum – Dharmaseelan (1993)

Flowing melody, Maestro’s quintessential tabla style.

http://www.filefactory.com/?8fe976


2. Thendral varum – Friends (2000)

Nice beats, captivated me on the 1st hearing itself.

http://www.filefactory.com/?89075b


3. Thendral varum – Paaru Paaru Pattanam Paaru (1986)

Great piano prelude and interludes.

http://www.filefactory.com/?2c88d5


4. Thendral varum – Thanga Manasukkaran (1992)

A great melody.

http://www.filefactory.com/?e09fc2


5. Thendral varum – Thendral Varum Theru (1994)

Kavignar Mu. Mehta’s home production. A different melody, orchestration sounds majestic.

http://www.filefactory.com/?60b5bc

Song of the day - 9 July

Song: Idho oru premai
Film name: Sambhavam

This film is dubbed from Nirnayam (Telugu). The song is set in Madhyamavati. SPB's singing is very interesting.

http://www.filefactory.com/?8f0ba7

22. Raga: Dharmavathi

Readers, Dharmavathi is a great raga, which has been used by Raja to depict moods ranging from seduction, romance to a confused state of mind. Today’s selection contains eight songs tuned by him in this raga. Hope you all would enjoy this.


1. Dhoorathil naan kanda (Nizhalgal, 1980)

http://www.filefactory.com/?6436f9

2. Em debba theesavura (Aswamedham, 1992)

http://www.filefactory.com/?5967a3

3. Vanaville vanaville (Ramana, 2002)

http://www.filefactory.com/?7d03e5

4. Poove pani poove (Nilavu Suduvadhillai, 1984)

http://www.filefactory.com/?8109ba

5. Ilancholai poothadha (Unakkagave Vazhgiren, 1986)

http://www.filefactory.com/?498ef9

6. Meendum meendum vaa (Vikram, 1986)

http://www.filefactory.com/?5da943

7. Vazhve mayama (Gayathri, 1977)

http://www.filefactory.com/?6dda39

8. Ennullil engo (Rosappoo Ravikkaikkari, 1979)

http://www.filefactory.com/?eec249

There is a notable non-IR song in this raga – Thathithom from Azhagan (music: Maragathamani).

Gnana thangame!

We have been imagining all these days how Raja would compose and record a song and what would be the sort of interactions going between him and his team of players. CS Ramasami who had attended many of his recordings those days had managed to record the proceedings way back in 1984/85.
He has hosted the clippings here : http://isai-alias-raja.blogspot.com/
Song name: Gnana thangame
Film name: Raaja Gopuram
I wish to thank him for this invaluable treasure.

21. Some rare melodies

Here are some rare melodies from various languages.

1. Akashadinda jaari (Janma Janmadha Anubandha, 1980)

Beautiful song, beautiful chorus and beautiful instrumentation. The movie story was later adopted in Tamil for Enakkul Oruvan. One of Maestro’s evergreen score for Kannada films (all melodies). I liked the chorus at the end of the song.

http://www.filefactory.com/?ae6135


2. Kalyan Raman (Karayellam Shenbagappoo, 1981)

This movie was based on Sujatha’s novel of the same name. It has superb songs like Eriyile elandhamaram, Kadellam pichipoovu, etc. This song probably is sung on heroine’s request, who returns from abroad. It’s a perfect marriage between Folk and Western. Guitar in the song is a treat to hear.

http://www.filefactory.com/?725c7a


3. Mallale podagana (Sri Kanakamahalakshmi Dance Troupe, 1988)

A superhit from Vamsi-IR team, a melody with Folk and Carnatic elements. The trademark IR orchestration with strings/flute/tabla/keyboard. Unfortunately, this was not used in Tamil.

http://www.filefactory.com/?2d49d8


4. Nisha manohari (Pinnilavu, 1983)

A different melody from the Maestro, in Malayalam. I think it’s for a night club scene, but it’s melodious and somewhat Carnatic at the same time. KJY sings it with ease.

http://www.filefactory.com/?00514f


5. Thendrale nee pesu (Kadavul Amaitha Medai, 1979)

This is supposedly the only song sung by PB Srinivas, under Maestro. PBS has written couple of Hindi songs for IR. This song moves at a Ghazalish pace and style.

http://www.filefactory.com/?e0b790


6. Gnana thangame (Raaja Gopuram, 1985)

A great song, scored for a non-descript, flop movie. I think Pandian was the hero of the movie. The lyrics are philosophical. Raja’s singing gives the song its life. The modulation he has done for an old man’s voice is notable. There is a surprise awaiting the readers about this song, which I will write later.

http://www.filefactory.com/?3fd5de

20. Melodies

Melody is Raja’s forte. Hear to some of his melodies which captivated me too.

1. Kurinji malaril (Azhage unnai aradhikkiren)

What a beautiful melody for this Sridhar’s movie! It blasts out with a Mozartian start with some 70s keyboard sounds and flowing violin interludes. The pallavi emulates the violin melody. Vani Jayaram and SPB capture the mood beautifully and perfectly.

http://www.filefactory.com/?358b7c


2. Uravugal thodargadhai (Aval appadithan)

Another great, but a different melody sung by KJY. The interludes are slightly longer. Starting guitar sounds like Devan thiruchabai song.

http://www.filefactory.com/?1eb3ff


3. Kadhal oviyam kanden (Kavikkuyil)

One of the early Carnatic-WCM fusions of Maestro. This is based on Khamas ragam (in parts). The other song Chinna kannan from this movie stole the attention. As was customary those days, this song has three paragraphs. Its sung by Sujatha (probably 14 year old at that time).

http://www.filefactory.com/?9600ec


4. Ponnil vaanam (Villupattukkaran)

This is another song set to Khamas ragam. It praises about nature. The orchestration is as usual great with violins, keyboard and a nice touch is given by morsing for the pallavi.

http://www.filefactory.com/?67284c


5. Ketkavillaya (Madhu) - Instrumental

This latest song again proves why Maestro is incomparable in melody. This instrumental version is used for the title score of the movie. As you might have guessed, the song is played during the crucial moment of the movie and repeated in the BGM many times. This version is scored to a full-scale western classical setting.

http://www.filefactory.com/?87e264

19. Rhythms & Melodies

1. Dasarathanin:

Film name: Devi Sridevi

Maestro takes us through various styles of music. The journey starts as a Carnatic melody, typical Raja melody and goes pop, disco, then with African sounds and ends with funny drama type music of olden days (last portion sung by Gangai Amaran). Amazingly, he has woven everything into a single song. Maybe one of his longest songs.

http://www.filefactory.com/?64a9a9


2. Ennanne nattukkulle:

Film name: Themmangu Pattukkaran

The name indicates that this is a Ramarajan movie. This is a Qawwali type song and Harmonium is the hero in this song. The song is about poverty and shortage of foodgrains. There is another excellent song on this theme – Oh indha ezhai geetham from Devan.

http://www.filefactory.com/?e4541e


3. Gaana kuyile:

This is from the unreleased movie Pooncholai, directed by Gangai Amaran. There is another happy version of this song, with slightly changed interludes and tempo. This song is set in Maestro’s another favourite Hamsanandhi.

http://www.filefactory.com/?37bcf4


4. Kai thaalam:

Film name: Naan Sonnadhe Sattam

This is another gem I discovered from Project GEM. Typically orchestrated in 1990s, the song should take place in villain’s den. The rhythm change taking place in the 2nd interlude and continuing through the charanam amazed and captivated me (also reminds of Rajadhi raja un from Mannan). Asha Bhosle’s pronunciation gives more catchiness to the song. All the songs in this film are sung by Asha.

http://www.filefactory.com/?f37370


5. Sevvarali thottathile:

Film name: Bhagavathipuram Railway Gate

This vintage song is a rustic duet between Raja and Susheela. Nice hummings and flowing orchestration throughout the song.

http://www.filefactory.com/?184b8d

18. Message to Fans

Let us wish Maestro Ilaiyaraaja a Happy Birthday & many more happy returns for the years to come. Let us hear some of his songs where he conveys a message to his fans.

1. Pattale buthi sonnar (Karagattakkaran - 1989)

We all know how his title songs used to prop up the movie to greater heights. Not long ago, film poojas invariably started with Raja lighting the lamp and recording the title song. Producers and director Gangai Amaran here request Raja to sing the title song and he gladly obliges. As he says in this song, what a variety of songs for various moods / situations he has produced for every film!

“I have my leaders and fans. As long as they wish, I shall provide them the (music) feast.”

http://www.filefactory.com/?506fd5


2. Ennai oruvan paada sonnan (Kumbakkarai Thangayya - 1991)

This is another title song featuring both the brothers – Raja & Amar. Journey from Pannaipuram to Chennai is a long one. This song is set in Kalyani.

“Music provides relief to all humans after hard toil, stress and worries. God made me sing, I am singing.”

http://www.filefactory.com/?194feb


3. Indha Rasavai (Pongi Varum Kaveri - 1989)

Raja has given a new lease of life to many producers and directors (though some of them ditched him later). He sings about how he struggled in life and came up. Now people throng him for support.

“Nobody who came to me has been disappointed.” He also sings a bit about the current social situation.

http://www.filefactory.com/?aeed76


4. Summa nee suthadhe (Periya Veettu Pannakkaran - 1990)

Maestro at his best with tabla rhythm, flute, keyboard and violins. The song stresses the greatness of hard work and says true labour never goes waste, with the world at your feet. Who else but Raja’s life can be the best example for this?

“Brief waving of his hand or just a glance (at musicians) can produce divine music
even a killer will surrender to your music
he (Raja) came up with his hard work
he is Tamizh’s gift to us”

http://www.filefactory.com/?123486


5. Enga ooru pattukkaran (Enga Ooru Pattukkaran - 1987)

Though it’s for Ramarajan, indirectly enga ooru pattukkaran refers to Ilaiyaraaja. “His songs will reach all the countryside. His music has reached even the remotest places, where even a bullock cart could not reach.”

http://www.filefactory.com/?d66ab4


6. Rasigane en arugil vaa (Rusi Kanda Poonai - 1980)

This is a pop song sung by a singer on stage (in film’s story) for which the song is being recorded (song ends with a ‘take ok’). This is a different song from Raja with some voice gimmicks too.

“I give whatever I know, with mix of folk tunes. Some hearts may oppose it and they may secretly enjoy too.”

http://www.filefactory.com/?7b5f5d


7. Madai thirandhu (Nizhalgal - 1980)

How can I miss out this beautiful, bubbly, energetic song? SPB has lent his voice to Raja. He sings for an aspiring composer who wants to make it big in the cine world. I have given below the video of the song to enjoy seeing a young Raja on the studio.

“I will create a separate kingdom for my fans. As I create new songs/moods, I am also like god.” – this is the character’s feeling.

http://www.filefactory.com/?04270f

17. Maestro speaks!

There was Malayalam program in Amrita TV called Hrudaya Ragangalude Raja in 2005. After 8 episodes, the program was stopped for reasons not known. I am posting here two audio clippings from this.

1) Raja talks about how a music should be:

http://www.filefactory.com/?8ddc2e

Gist of the speech: Music is God’s property; we should not misuse it to spoil our mind and body. Avoid using ready-to-use, sequenced music and use your own creativity. Only when a composer makes his own contribution to a song, he can claim it to be his own. Legends like Devarajan, Dakshinamurthi, etc can compose without instruments. Now for everything, we resort to computers. He likens the situation to earlier days when there were no hospitals or medical facilities, people used to be healthy; nowadays with so much of advancements in medicine and technology, we are just living with so many diseases. We should not compose music which will spoil the ether.

2) Unplugged version of Mathu Bhuteshwari from Guru Ramana Geetham:

Guru Ramana Geetham (for samples: http://www.agimusic.com/guru.html) released in 2005 has not been actively discussed even among Raja fans. I didn’t see any discussion on the songs in any forum. It has 10 beautiful songs (9 in Tamil & 1 in Sanskrit) written and orchestrated by Maestro. Lyrics are deeply philosophical and meaningful:

1. Chinna payyan (about incidents in Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi’s life)
2. Ennai kavarndhu (beautiful Desh raga song about His presence in Thiruvannamalai)
3. Indroru naal (short but sweet song about another day passing without doing anything worthwhile)
4. Annamalaiyar (he lists about 20-30 saints who served Bhagavan and the Lord in Thiruvannamalai)
5. Enge sendralum (Maestro’s favourite Mayamalava Gowlai, says Bhagavan is always with him)
6. En ooru Sivapuram (famous and often sung by Raja in programs, he laments about worldly life and how to get back to the Lord)
7. Ippirappil (“I’ve not done anything in this life”)
8. Arunachala (Raja ‘complains’ to Lord about non-attention of Bhagavan on him and wants Bhagavan’s benevolent vision on him)
9. Arul thavazhum (guest-sung by Unnikrishnan, extolling Lord Annamalaiyar’s virtues, raga: Kalyani)

The last song in the album Maathru Bhuteshwari (raga: Saranga Tharangini, seems to be a rare raga) is the highlight. He says Bhagavan has inscribed the words ‘Mathru Bhuteshwari’ on the Linga kept on His mother’s samadhi in Thiruvannamalai. That word inspired him to write this Sanskrit song. He says the thought and words came to him in 5 minutes!!!

http://www.filefactory.com/?fa27c3

In the album, it’s sung by Bombay Jayashree but hear it in Master’s own voice here. He sings this song to the Malayalam singer (and interviewer) MG Sreekumar and teaches him also. As MGS says, the song contains majestically beautiful and musically tough gamakas / phrases to sing.

It’s a treat watching this in video - Raja playing his harmonium and singing and his troupe playing the instruments.

Note: Please correct me if there are any translation errors in the above.

16. Know the ragam: Chakravakam

Today, we will see songs in Chakravakam raga. This ragam is said to evoke karuna or pity. Its also closely related to Aahir Bhairav in Hindustani.

Maestro has several songs to his credit in his raga – right from his most discussed Salakku salakku selai (from Chembaruthi), Nee pathi naan pathi (from Keladi Kanmani), etc. Lets hear some not-often-heard Chakravakam songs.

Alli sundaravalli:

This is from the movie Kangalin varthaigal (dubbed from Nammoora mandhara hoove). The movie was a super duper hit in Kannada. This song has an amazing chorus. The orchestration is trendy.

http://www.filefactory.com/?f369ae

Kelisade prema veda:

This song from Gulaabi (Kannada) is sung by Maestro (prelude) and SPB continues. This was another hit in Karnataka. The tune and orchestration gives a nostalgic feeling. There is a nice touch added by bells in the 2nd interlude. SPB’s singing is par excellence. Chitra as usual excels in her part towards end of the song.

http://www.filefactory.com/?a93c22

Iniya malargal malarum:

This is a beautiful melody from the movie Poonthottam (*ing Murali & Devayani). The beautiful singing of Raja gives this song a different dimension. The sax interludes are very pleasant to hear. I like how comes down from high to low pitch where he ends the saranams.

http://www.filefactory.com/?ab4931

Other MD's efforts:

No one can forget the beautiful song in Karnan – Ullathil nalla ullam (music: MSV & TKR). Rahman has tuned a beautiful song in Muthu – Vidukathaiya indha vazhkkai. The BGM portions for old Rajini in the movie also used this ragam.

15. Various Moods - Part 2

Here are some more songs set to different moods:

1. Mockery:

Adikkira kottam / Indran Chandran
I have not seen this movie, understand the oldie Kamal acts as a womanizer. This song is picturised on him. The orchestration is unique and fascinating with bits of Bengali type lyrics (sung by Mayilsami?), strains of Chinese sounds like xylophone, rhythm using wooden blocks, etc. SPB sings in a bass voice.
http://www.filefactory.com/?53a515

2. Happiness:

Ival oru ilankuruvi / Brahmma
Initially this song didn’t catch my attention compared to Engirundho ilankuyilin. That’s a more serious version with 2nd interlude telling the whole story. This song, eulogizing the nature, has a bubbly music with Maestro’s forte flute (1st interlude) and violins (2nd interlude) weaving the magic.
http://www.filefactory.com/?56800c

3. Karunai:

Kadavul ullame / Anbulla Rajinikanth
Directed by Rajini’s friend Nataraj (villain actor), this film centers around the girl Meena in an orphanage and her uniting with her mother through Rajini’s character. The title song sung by Latha Rajini is very touching. It details the children’s situation in an orphanage.
http://www.filefactory.com/?6d0dfe

4. Hatred:

Mothu mothunnu / Magalir mattum
The three female characters (Urvasi, Rohini & Revathi) dream about torturing their boss Nasser, who is constantly trying to seduce them. Each one thinks about a different way torture. Janaki’s singing is amazing with voice modulation for all 3 ladies (Brahmin lingo in Carnatic, Chennai style & modern girl respectively).
http://www.filefactory.com/?a63e73

5. Sorrow:

Muthu muthu medai / Nadodi pattukkaran
This song is a standard temple of Tamil movies – hero & heroine sing sadly when they are forced to live apart, thinking about the happy times they had. The sad violin tells us the story effectively.
http://www.filefactory.com/?656454

6. Title song:

Enga ooru pattukkaran / Enga ooru pattukkaran
The title song as a genre was made famous by Maestro only. It was considered lucky to have his voice for title cards. This song in his rustic voice fits like a T to the theme of the movie.
http://www.filefactory.com/?8521c2

14. Various Moods - Part 1

Here are some of my favourite songs set to different emotions.

1. Motherhood:

Unai naane azhaithene / Chinna kuyil padudhu
Parents are divorced and living apart. The song depicts mother’s anguish to meet the child. I think the raga used here is Gambeera Nattai. The yearning of the mother is brought out very well. The orchestration is of highest quality as usual, pulls a string in your heart.
http://www.filefactory.com/?618a1f


2. Romance:

Pootha malligai / Echil iravugal
Though this is a love song, it contains an inexplicable sadness written all over, an art mastered by our only Maestro. Shenoy in the 1st interlude and humming in the 2nd interlude gives a ‘ruralness’ of the song.
http://www.filefactory.com/?9adc21


3. Fun & Frolic:

Thottukko kattikko / Getti melam
An infectiously joyous song. Orchestration and voices are very funny – brings a smile in your face. Shows why Raja is still incomparable in all genres of music.
http://www.filefactory.com/?cd89ab


4. Viraham:

Malliyappoo kattilile / Enna petha rasa
Are there many songs in TFM with viraga dhabam feeling? I don’t know. But this one is amazing. The amazingly emotive voice (when she sings keranga vechan) belongs to P.Susheela.
http://www.filefactory.com/?63c1a2


5. Seduction:

Jinkan jinukku dhan / Veetle viseshanga
With the lyrics, no more details required for this song. This is a Bhagyaraj movie. Despite the quality of lyrics, the orchestration is very interesting with nice bass lines and unique rhythm. Is it Swarnalatha?
http://www.filefactory.com/?83d274

13. Dr. Rajkumar & Ilaiyaraaja combination

I want to make this week a Dr. Rajkumar special, with the passing of a Legend of the Indian cinema. Maestro was very close with him, as a budding music director, when working as assistant under GK Venkatesh (GKV was a famous Kannada MD and the MD for many of Rajkumar movies). They had a so close relationship that when Rajkumar was kidnapped by Veerappan, Ilaiyaraaja had been mentioned in the press as stating that he is willing to even sacrifice his life for getting him back from Veerappan.

Following details are found in Maestro’s interview to Kalyan (Kannada film lyricist).

“GKV has scored music for Sampathige Savaal. Ilaiyaraaja was his assistant. PB Srinivas was supposed to have sung for Dr Rajkumar in that movie. But GKV’s assistant didn’t prefer the song ‘yare koogadale, oore horadali’ to be sung by PB Srinivas. He had told his guru GKV about this. Then they both discussed and decided that it should be sung by Dr Rajkumar only. That laid the base for Dr Rajkumar to become one of the best playback singers in Kannada field. Are you surprised that the credit for this should go to Ilaiyaraaja? But then, that is history.

Once a song was to be sung by PB Srinivas. That film was Sampathige Savaal. I told GKV ‘anna, this song would be very soft if sung by PB Srinivas. It would be nice to have this in a bold and bright voice.’

He asked who can sing it then. ‘Shall we ask Muthuraj to sing?’ I asked. Muthuraj means Dr Rajkumar sir. I asked GKV if he could sing. ‘hey, he has worked in the drama company, he can sing excellently even without a mike. He is the best choice, let us have this sung by him.’ I was very happy. He asked ‘but why PB Srinivas should not sing this?’ I said PB Srinivas is singing all the songs in the movie. I feel this song will come out nice if sung by PB Srinivas.

He said ‘if Muthuraj said ok, I don’t have any objection.’ Next scene, Dr Rajkumar has come to the recording theatre. As per situation, I had to teach him the song. GKV used to forget the tune often. I used to remind him ‘anna, this is not like this, like that’ etc. He said ‘then you yourself shall tech this song to Dr Rajkumar.’ He was a senior artist. I was a small boy. He just looked at me, I couldn’t go a step near him. He was a great soul and had a charisma. With mutual rapport between us, the recording went on well. ‘yare koogadale, oore horadali, ninna nimmadhige bhanga illa’ – this song was picturised on Dr Rajkumar, sitting on a buffalo and singing. You all know how well it clicked. It started the practice of his singing in his films. There is another evergreen song in my heart ‘thamma manuvu indhu nandhayithu’.”

Today, I am presenting three songs from Nee Nanna Gellalaare.

Anuraga Enaaythu:

This is a pathos-mixed romance song. Dr. Rajkumar has a very unique voice, well utilized by Maestro.

Get this widget Track details eSnips Social DNA

Jeeva Hoovagide:

A beautiful duet with a nice female chorus. The prelude humming reminds me of Engengo sellum song from Pattakathi Bhairavan.

Get this widget Track details eSnips Social DNA

Music Magazine has analysed this song very well here.
http://www.themusicmagazine.com/drrajlegends.html

Rajkumar has been the leading hero in Kannada cinema for five decades, but he emerged as a singer only mid-way in his career, when he sang the energetic and wildly popular Yaare koogadali in the 1974 film Sampatthige Sawal. Legends presents this song in Volume 1.

Ilaiyaraja made the music for one Rajkumar film, Nee Nanna Gellalaare, and Legends features two songs from it -- Anuraga enaaythu and Jeeva hoovayithu. Both are notable for their unorthodox tunes and interludes. In the second song, Ilaiyaraja gets Rajkumar to sing on parallel tracks and achieves a warm, fugue-like effect, with the voices beginning at unexpected points and overlapping one another like waves.

Nanna Neenu Gellalare:

The situation here is a song competition between hero and heroine. Maestro has used Shrutibhedam concept, with various ragas.

Get this widget Track details eSnips Social DNA

This excerpt is from an article by Chaya Rao in www.raaja.com, which will help you to understand the song very well.

“A song in Kannada called Nanna neenu Gellalare (Movie - Nee Nanna Gellalare), he has used this range for the Shruthibhedham. It fits very well to the mood of the song. The subject in the song is that the hero and the heroine are competing with each other, arguing who amongst them has higher music knowledge. The song starts in Hindola and stays that way. In the second interlude the singers (S. Janaki & Dr. Rajkumar) start the swara alapanas.

S. Janaki Starts this sanchara - Sa Ga2 Ma1 Ga2 (Pure Hindola),
Dr.Rajkumar Replies - Pa Ni2 Sa1. Ni2 (Pure Shuddha Dhanyasi),

It goes on like this -

S. Janaki : Sa Ga2 Ma1 Dha1
Dr. Rajkumar: Pa Ni2 Sa Ga2 S
Janaki : Sa Ga2 Ga2 Ma1 Ma1 Dha1 Dha1 Sa Ni2 Ni2 Ni2
Dr.Rajkumar: Pa Ni2 Ni2 Sa Sa Ga2 Ga2 Pa Ma1 Ma1 Ma1
S. Janaki : Ga2 Ma1 Dha1 Ni2 Ni2 Sa Ni2 Dha1
Dr.Rajkumar : Ni2 Sa Ga2 Ma1 Ma1 .Pa Ma1 Ga2
and it goes on and on.

After which Dr. Rajkumar sings the Mohana swaras (Sa Ri2 Ga3 Pa Dha2 Sa) - Hindola equivalent (Dha1 Ni2 Sa Ga2 Ma1 Dha1), Madhyamavathi Swaras (Sa Ri2 Ma1 Pa Ni2 Sa) - Hindola equivalent (Ni2 Sa Ga2 Ma1 Dha Ni2), then Hindola swaras, followed by Suddha Saveri (Sa1 Ri2 Ma1 pa Dha2 Sa) - Hindola equivalent (Ga2 Ma1 Dha1 Ni2 Sa Ga2) and finishes with Suddha Dhanyasi Swaras. Brilliant composition! who else but Raaja can do something this good!. "

12. Composer Partnerships

This week’s choices are some of Maestro’s work with other music directors.

Annai illai: Sri Ramana Naadha Amudham (MS Viswanathan)

Beautiful melody typical of Mellisar Mannar in praise of Sri Ramana Maharishi. Maestro’s voice and children’s chorus lift it to different heights.

http://www.filefactory.com/?aa4288


Natpu natpu: Unnai Saran Adaindhen (SP Balasubramaniam)

Rare treat of three doyens singing together. Lets celebrate the comraderie of 3 stalwarts – MSV, Raja and SPB. Though music is by SPB, lot of MSV influence is there. The lyrics also praises friendship.

http://www.filefactory.com/?52f13a


Neela lohitha: Kaveri (1998) (Malayalam)

This is again Maestro’s partnership with Sri V Dhakshinamurthy Swamigal, a renowned MD in Malayalam. The song is set in Amruthavarshini ragam and sung by Balamurali Krishna. The BGMs of the movie are amazing.

http://www.filefactory.com/?2d12c5


Vandhara vazha vekkum: Singara Chennai (Karthik Raja)

Maestro sings nostalgic about Chennai and how it fulfills everybody’s hope in life. A fun filled song.

http://www.filefactory.com/?347709


This Mortal Coil: India 24 Hours (Maestro Ilaiyaraaja)

“‘punarapi jananam punarapi maranam punarapi jananí jathare sayanam” Raja sings from Sri Adi Shankaracharya’s Bhajagovindam. (meaning: Born again, dead again and back again to the womb of the mother). The flute piece and the chorus ‘ram naam satya hare’ at the end is mysterious and whispers something about the secrets of life. The visuals (available in VCD) show the burning of dead bodies (both claimed and orphaned) in the Holy Ganges, Banares.
Punarapi Jananam Punarapi Maranam Punarapi Janane Jathare Shayanam,
Idam Samsare Bahu Dustare, Krupaya Pare Pahi Murare

http://www.filefactory.com/?40e30e

11. Pleasant raagas

I wanted to highlight two of the pleasant/happy ragas this time – Brindavana Saranga and Ananda Bhairavi. Raja has used Brindavana Saranga to represent the mental happiness and Ananda Bhairavi for functions like marriage, valaikappu, thalattu, etc. I understand there is only one note difference between these two ragas on arohanam, avarohanam is the same. Within these parameters, he has given us many, many memorable songs. Surprisingly, all are in female voice.

First, let us hear Brindavana Saranga.

Konjum kuyil pattu – Kanna unai thedugiren
The two female voices (one Bhava) is awesome with their harmonious singing. Classical instrumentation.

http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=4d5be339544abd601b2c1247

Manathil ore oru – En purushanthan Enakku mattum dhan
I discovered this song also only recently. Sung by P.Susheela. Very lilting tune, epecially the pallavi.

http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=27f08add538f7d9ce567201f

Poongatre theendadhe - Kunguma chimizh
I don’t remember the film and situation. In many places, Tabla tarang and shenai will give you goose pimples.

http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=a3dc5b9d8cd6bdd36d6989d1

There are few other good song in this raga – Kannukkulle vandha eeram enna from Manidhanin marupakkam. Beautiful orchestration. And then, Thanga nilavukkul nilavondru from Rikshaw Mama, with a nice chorus with classical arrangements.


Next comes Ananda Bhairavi.

Chittu pole – Iniya uravu poothadhu
This is obviously a valaikappu song, before completion of pregnancy. The rhythm in the beginning of 2nd interlude fascinated me very much. Nice chorus. “Than potta thottathil poo pootha santhosham” – great lines! Raga name is also there in the lyrics.

http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=4e8d5436390b122f9eb4f935

Parthale theriyadho – Sri Raghavendrar
I think this song didn’t feature in the movie. The saint’s wife gets mocked by her friends after her consummation. Manorama and chorus have sung this song. I think gottu vadhyam is used in many places, which is mainly used for sad situations.

http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=62bd7c2f38e543b17b19949c

Ananda Bhairavi in BGMs:

Ananda Bhairavi was used very aptly for the following situations in the movie background score.

1. Scene: Seetha Kalyanam – Movie: Rajarishi
When Lord Rama breaks the bow, this music follows, to signify finalizing of Rama’s marriage with Seetha. Just brings the scene in front of our eyes.

http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=0ec0e418e78435ab40412d0e


2. Scene: Wife enters her husband’s house, Movie: Ammal kovil kizhakkale
Radha deserts her father and comes to stay with Vijayakanth. All his friends are surprised at her sudden entry. Very nicely done, underscoring the comedy element in the proceedings.

http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=70d3b3a7286cc7b45b7141d6


Nobdoy attempted to guess last week’s mini quiz. The answers are here: All the movies were produced by yesteryear movie personalities.

a) Pudhiya Ragam – Jayachitra
b) Pudhiya Swarangal – Vijayan (of Uthiripookkal fame)
c) Nee Sirithal Deepavali – Malaysia Vasudevan
d) Kannukku Mai Ezhudhu – Late P. Bhanumathi (she also produced Periyamma)
e) Krishnan Vandhan – Thengai Sreenivasan (this movie had couple of beautiful songs, I don’t have them)

For all these movies, Maestro helped them his best by contributing beautiful songs and receiving no / lesser remuneration. His magnanimity is truly marvellous.

10. Songs from 90s

Today's songs have a commonality. If anybody can guess it, please post here.

Malligai maalai katti:
This song is from Pudhiya Ragam (1991). Leading pair of the movie was Jayachitra and Raghuvaran. Raghu acted as a cruel husband who tortures his wife at every opportunity. This is a great song poignantly sung by Raja summarizes her plight and the story of the movie. Raja’s humming is also very nice. The violins (imitating the melody) in the middle of charanams is beautiful.
http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=18a22be146cfbeb438326cac


Oh vaanam ulla:
This is from Pudhiya Swarangal (1992). I don’t know the cast and story. This song sung by Yesudas and Uma Ramanan has a pathos version also. The song flows as usual with beautiful melody lines with the help of his tabla.
http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=5af8eb7144e6728cd25aca47


Sindhumani punnagayil:
This song is from Nee Sirithal Deepavali (1990) starring new faces (I think Harish and Soniya). I have seen it long back in some channel but don’t remember the other songs in this movie. The violins in the charanam creates musical tension and reflects the mental feelings of a separated lover. Good singing by Yesudas.
http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=5fc9aa574ee88b8bc8e8eb31


Vaada malliye:
This is from the movie Kannukku Mai Ezhudhu (1986), sung by Late P.Bhanumathi. I don’t know about the movie and story. If anybody knows, please mail me. Don’t know why, this song reminded me of Kai veenai endhum kalaivaniye from Vietnam Colony; maybe because both these songs sound Hindustani to me.
http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=e54f914db1dcf2e4225df650

9. Rare non-Film Songs

This week, we shall hear some of the rare songs (outside film scores), all sung by Maestro.

1. Thenpandichingamada - Thenpandi Singam (TV serial)

This TV serial was written by Kalaignar Karunanidhi and telecast in Sun TV during 1996. Starring Nasser and Geetha in the lead roles, it used to be telecast at 6pm daily. Due to office timing, I could watch only couple of episodes. I don’t remember much about the BGMs now. The title song by Maestro was awesome. Lyrics are by Karunanidhi. I think it was based on Mu.Ka’s Ponnar Sankar story, which used to come in Kungumam magazine. All other songs are in carnatic ragas like Ananda Bhairavi, Shanmugapriya, Kalyani, etc. This song praises the hero and his efforts to remove British from the Indian soil. Some discussions are found here:

http://www.tfmpage.com/forum/7746.27001.21:24:10.html

http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=56bfd85ae53c28b3931b449c

2. En paava kanakkukku – Geetha Vazhipadu (devotional)

Though this is found in Echo’s Ilayarajavin Geetha Vazhipadu album, it used to be broadcast in All India Radio sometimes. You might remember Kamal referring to this in Guna composing talk which was in the Guna audio cassette (while composing Appanendrum ammayendrum song). Here, Raja laments about sins committed by humans. http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=59eb4ae0f79e1054fc0cb34c

3. Naadi vandha selvam – Krishna Gaanam (devotional) – music MSV

Krishna Gaanam? Yeah, you are right. It’s the same devotional album by MS Viswanathan, which has great songs like Aayarpadi maligayil, Pullanguzhal kodutha moongilgale, etc. That album was re-released few years later, with some additional songs. In this, Maestro has sung a song in MSV’s music. This song has great interludes. Especially the guitar bit reminds me of the prelude of Kamban yemandhan song. Superb singing by Raja. http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=aa7f11e5d6dabb083894d4ee

Bonus song:

En maname, en maname – Vishwa Thulasi

This great song featured in the music cassette of Vishwa Thulasi, but was not used in the movie. Its my favorite song in the movie and deserves a special mention here. Lyrics and music by our Maestro, sung by Tippu & Poornima. The rhythm captivated my attention on the first hearing itself.
http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=093b4f74a6034b837c4dc05a