Sunday, May 28, 2006

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.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Another Chakravakam song which was marvellous was in FRIENDS: Poongatre Konjam.. (sung by Hariharan), it has wonderful violin and flute interludes, so typical of the genius.Great blog on IR...HATS OFF TO U VENKY- FOND REGARDS...Prakash.

Bharadwaj said...

CRVenky,
Excellent little article.

I'd like to point you to some Telugu Chakravakam songs by the maestro.

Please try to listen to these:

1. Kottha Pittaro Kokko (from Detective Narada)

2. Enadu Vidiponi (from Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Dance Troupe).

Bharadwaj