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!