This blog is centred on topics pertaining to Food, Astrology, Music, Sport, Stock Market Index and random ramblings.
I love exploring culinary food trails and like to give my unique perspective on diverse epicurean adventures. I am fascinated with the way universe works and hence inclination towards astrology. I adore good old school classical film music from bygone era. As for sports, I have a huge fetish for numbers and hooked on to it. And I enjoy tracking moves made by market indexes.
Missed out at Mumbai, Oh so near yet so far at Oval, Stumble at Sydney and finally that much awaited ton at Dhaka.
Yes the 100th 100 should have been at a higher pedestal and definitely a more glorious, grandesque larger than life affair.
It did not happen but still a ton is a ton and a hundredth international hundred is something every Indian should be proud of and deserves a huge round of applause.
Lets celebrate and congratulate the Master Sachin Tendulkar for being the first cricketer ever to reach 100 International Hundreds. This feat may never again be surpassed in the history of cricket.
'Forelsket' is a beautiful Norwegian word which describes the feeling of Euphoria when you fall in love for the first time. Whether or not you have fallen in love before, you will experience a real feeling of love when you listen to this title score.
The honey dripping humming, the sweetness of the flute, the serenity of the guitar, the beauty of the bass and the confluence of all of them coming together harmonises a reaction so magical and heavenly that you just can't help but falling in love :)
Ultimate Pattaya Kelappyfying !!
Pularips O Pularips !!
We have listened to classical pieces of Bach, Mozart and others which have delighted and spell bounded us. Raaja is one Indian Composer who has not only paid tribute to many of these great composers but also defined an identity of his own through his remarkable creativity and usage of WCM techniques. Many of his creations truly undermine his skill, repertoire and potential in Western classical music. Like the above mentioned composers, Raajas brand of WCM is also epoch making and should truly stand the test of time. Lets explore and celebrate some of his greatest WCM based compositions/re-recordings.
1) Title Score - Ullasa Paravaigal
A re-recording score to get this underway. Royalty and grandness all over this score, just the immediate piano transports you to Europe and feels like you are having vineyard wine at Paris or strawberries and cream at Wimbledon with this man's music for company. Absolutely delightful and soul stirring. Great drumming, brass sections and lovely keys. The softness in the tone elevates the score to an all together another level. Beautiness and royaltiness personified!. You can hear the full background score here.
2) Pon Vaanile - Anbin Mugavari
The baroque era captured in a shade under 5 minutes. Listen to the instruments all coriscating along to give a fillip submerging the beauty of WCM in all it's splendour. Vintage and Victorious!
3) Teaser Music - Happi
Unfortunately this movie never saw the light of the day. Just the teaser is enough to transport you to the golden era. This is Western Classical Music in its Purest Form. Such Intricate harmony of Violins, violas & Oboe.
4) Eriyile Elandha Maram - Karaiyellaam Shenbagapoo
Absolutely lovely this composition is. The prelude and interludes are so WCMish whereas the singing is so folkish but not once does it feel out of place with all the harmonization and choir going in a glorious sync.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDAMwSek4sk
5) Azhagiya Malargalin - Ullasa Paravaigal
Everything about this song is just a sheer delight. The salad days, IR in replete WCM form. The sounds of the marching drum, those violins traversing across octaves, the flute prancing joyfully, the la la chorus in the background, the sounds of the bell, major scale blues, S Janaki's brilliant rendition etc etc all transport you to Euro Land in a whisker. 3 and a half minutes of sheer ecstasy and joy. This is World Class Music at its most enjoyable and pristine form.
6) Jiske Sahare - Kamagni
Closing this thread with a golden agmark classic slathered with western elements. The prelude just knocks you out cold with it's soul stirring orchestration. You just can't but smile at the way the composition flows like a free flowing river with the la la chorus handing the baton beautifully to the prelude portion. There are also some fun bits of musical xylophene created for a slightly softer touch. This one is sheer wizardry in the evergreen major scale Shankarabaranam.
Phaser Effect is a technique used to create an extra effect mostly by modulation.Vamping is generally a repeated musical sequence or progression. These are techniques which drive a song making it extra special and giving the desired punchy effect it requires. As usual Raja's usage of these technique makes us go high in spirits. We shall see the employment of these techniques in some of Raaja's vintage compositions.
1) Bulbul Maine - Sandhyakku Virinja Poovu
Starting this thread with this miraculous malayalam composition rendered by KJ Yesudas which to be frank is a pretty unknown commodity. But wait till you give it a listen, as I'm sure you'll fall hook, line & sincer listening to the vamping and phasing touches beautifully caricatured by Raaja. It is flooded with unbelievable effects throughout the song. The guitar portions are especially mind boggling and out of the world.
2) Senorita - Jhonny
This is an evergreen favourite. The effects are in full flow right from the start and goes at a razor sharp pace accentuating the pep making the song listening experience a truly remarkable one. I believe scissors could have been used to create that effect. You would find lots of wacky sounds throughout but it just doesn't deviate from the flow of the composition one bit.
3) Naalo Chinukulatho - Darja Donga
I don't really have to say anything much on this. Just the opening bits itself transport the aural experience with fluid vamping effects. This composition also has a breezy bass touch to go on top of this and the pace of the song undergoes turbulent phases. A vintage classic from Andhra Land.
4) Aye Zindagi - Sadma
The Vamping appears just before the pallavi portion giving a trigger as well as a pulsating effect. The little bits complementing the singing also uses a bit of these techniques. A song for the ages.
5) Poo Malarnthuda - Tik Tik Tik
Poo Malarnthuda is a fantastic illustration employing these technique. The 1st interlude Violin is just freaking out at a frenetic level.
6) Netru Indha Neram - Tik Tik Tik
While speaking about Poo Malarnthuda, it is difficult to ignore the classic Netru Indru Neram also from the same movie. It has some Wowwww effects flooded especially interlaced in the 1st interlude. A kick ass funky song in all respects.
7) Manadhil Enna Ninaivugalo - Poonthalir
Now coming to a literal stunner in F Major Manadhil Enna, a song composed over 3 decades ago but even when you listen to it today it'll shake and stir you. Vintage Raaja of the highest order.
8) Summa Nikathinga - Thoongathe Thambi Thoongathe
A total riot of a song, an entertainer right from start to end. Check out the rippling sound created as soon as the singing starts of Summa Nikathenga which has a teasing kind of effect and you witness this through the whole of the composition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaPWpVWJT-4
9) Paruvakalangalin - Moodupani
Paruvakalangalin has amazing effects interspersed all through the length & breadth of the composition. It is a bit sad that it never enjoyed a run time as much as its illustrious counterpart En Iniya Pon Nilave. A song that has always fascinated me. There are trademark Vamps appearing fleetingly, in fact the entire song has different guitar usages throughout. An ephemeral but everlasting song.
10) Endrendrum Anandame - Kadal Meengal
Probably a song known more for its complex cross rhythm patterns, it also has some amazing effects and Malaysia Sir has literally freaked out in rendering this. Kamal must have been upset that a composition of this magnitude was perhaps not pictured on him. Wah re Wah! - What a composition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxAQOrkpBrk
11) Solla Solla Enna Perumai - Ellaam Inba Mayam
This is an absolutely sensational retro classic. Some wonderful vamping touches there appearing time and again with the rockstar SPB just pushing his limits to another level. Another song worth praising to the sky.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2phTrVo_X4
12) Irandum Ondrodu - Panakkaran
Ending on a high note with this composition from a Rajinikanth film. The song instantly signals your dancing instincts. Listen to the tonal quality and simply be beduffled. All these sounds just don't fall out of place and only enhance the crinkles even further.
Sigappu Rojakkal released this day on 28th Oct 1978.
Before this film,it was believed that Raaja was clubbed by the name 'Gramathu Raja' and he was criticized that he was suitable only for folk/village based songs. But it was with this movie and later Priya which released a month later that Raaja truly showcased his repertoire by unleashing some stunning WCM based songs/re-recordings and proving that he was more than just a one genre wonder and make the critics eat humble pie.
This movie in a way is a cornerstone in Maestro's career.
Just 2 songs tuned for this movie but both had the stamp of class written all over it and to this day it remains the favourite of many a Maestro fan.
The movie directed by BharathiRaja was a psycho thriller and much ahead of its times . A gripping entertainer Kamal Hassan as the Mysterious Businessman 'Dileep' and Sridevi as Salesgirl 'Sharada' remain etched in memory.
A truly landmark movie in all respects.
With respect to Ilaiyaraaja compositions, it's not just about the aural listening experience which is always a delight but also on the detailing and technical mastery woven around a number which makes the experience so very special especially if you're a lover of music. As there is an IR composition for every mood and feeling, there is also an IR song touching upon virtually every musical concept in existence. That is an extreme speciality and a hallmark with respect to his music. You invariable learn so many new things through his musical embellishments.
Apart from the core of the song, it's always been breathtaking to see the intricacies swirled around his masterful compositions and is always a joy to experience his experiments, techniques and concepts. Sharing a few of the ideas that the Maestro has deployed through his music
The above are just a few techniques I can think of and in no way is closed ended and exhaustive. If you know how a particular musical form works and when you infer the same in IR's music, it's a pleasure and finding of another level. Whether it's western classical or Indian classical, the man has mastered the art of producing stunning layers of pieces ensuing that it's within the boundary of musical definition.
If you want to experience music at it's deepest, it makes best sense to jump into the sea and explore the ocean that is Ilaiyaraaja!
There are different Isaignani songs which kindle our emotions in different ways. For every situation, mood, feel, thought etc his music always comes in handy. One can always start forming their very own Raaja playlists from his mast oeuvre. A theme can be undertaken and it could be anything ranging from songs on a rainy day to a long distance drive or maybe an instrument usage such as Guitar Ragalai/Violin Convergence or perhaps foot tapping dance chart busters or even numbers apt for a festival occasion like Pongal, Diwali etc and lots more. It can be made more interesting by having various themes to enjoy one's own self and thereby also celebrate some of his greatest creations. Start music!
One particular theme which Raaja has walked the walk and talked the talk is with regard to flower songs. The Govt of Tamil Nadu can consider providing a honour to Maestro Ilaiyaraaja for beautifying and glorifying the 'flower' or 'poo' to such an extent in his compositions.
Similar to this a bucket load of many different playlists can be considered as IR compositions have so much muster in them that it not only captures varied emotions but also captivates the senses.
Bass generally means sounds at a lower frequency. They act like a harmonizing effect to the main melody. In Raaja's case, the bass by itself sounds so rich and when combined with the song it reaches proportions of enormity. Raja's usage of Bass is unparalleled and his idea of composing bass is an experiment by itself. Let's take a look at some of his bass based bazooka bastions.
1) Devanin Koil Moodiya Neram - Aruvadai Naal
One of the first songs which pierced my heart with absolutely breathtaking Bass is Devanin Koil Moodiya Neram. The song opens up with some wonderful chanting by Maestro. When Chitra sings in her super sweet melodious voice, its hard not to notice the Bass seeping up in parallel from the other side and providing ample harmonic backing transcending the song to an all time high. Its a feeling of ecstasy listening to this composition. Bliss of the highest order!
2) Vaan Megam - Punnagai Mannan
Talking about Bass, its tough to look beyond this stunner! This is epitome of Bassness personified. The bass track by itself is mind boggling and goes twinkling along on its own merry way. I somehow feel Raja's bass in Rain songs is extra special and they sound like the nectar filled droplets. A hallmark song in Maestro's career. Every time you feel so refreshed and rejuvenated listening to this. A composition which makes you absolutely stupefied.
3) Dhegam Pon Dhegam - Anbulla Malare
A super hard hitting Bass Track. It happens to be a very rare song in an hitherto rare ragam Revagupti rendered absolutely masterfully by S Janaki with the bass beautifully complementing
and painting the perfect picture throughout the song. Enigmatic, Erotic & Enthralling!
4) Penmaane Sangeetham - Naan Sigappu Manidhan
Sometimes i wonder as to why he even writes a Bass track for these sweet sacharine Shankarabaranam kinda melodies like Penmaane Sangeetham? The song already sounds so melodious and you tend to think what else do you need and then you realize that you missed out on the lovely breezy Bass Guitar which goes by the side as S Janaki does the humming that is simply unimaginable. To even imagine that so much is packed in a mere 4 1/2 mins makes you truly wonder 'What this man is made of'.
5) Aala Asathum - Kanni Raasi
A classic in Chalnaatai, this one's a bombshell. Check out the finesse bass touches (surprising it includes a lot of Ma2 in the form of a bass chromatic which goes Ga2 Ma1 Ma2 Pa which does not form part of the Chalnaatai scale, but the result is wow). In the 1st interlude the Bass seems to act as the counterpoint partner to the main melody. A song which lifts your spirits and makes you go full throttle. Freeflowing freakoutness!
6) Chinna Chinna Vannakuyil - Mouna Ragam
This song from this evergreen movie simply has a superlative bass track. A song not very popular as the other tracks in this masterful album but the bass here is absolutely gob smacking stuff . Have always been fascinated by the Bass track making it have a special place in my heart.
7) Megam Kottatum - Enakkul Oruvan
The bazz bedazzles and makes you dance joyfully in the rain. The bass lines are a sheer delight and they flow in their own merry way. Awesomeness beyond Awesomeness. Enjoy the Pouring Rains with this bass beauty.
8) Kannan Vandhu - Rettai Vaal Kuruvi
You just cannot but not drooooolllll over this Bass Beauty. Simply Superb and lost for words.
9) Vaanile Thenile - Kaakhi Chattai
A Bass beauty, its just impossible not to tap your feet when listening to this one. Bass magic written all over the soul.
10) Anjali Anjali - Anjali
Anjali Anjali cannot be classified under one genre alone, its a spectacle in every way and is a song which is always addictive and I can listen to this riveting Shankarabaranam any moment any time of the day. There is some wonderful bass throughout the song and especially notice the portion from 01:53 to 01:59 where there is an absolutely breathtaking Bass played along the notes Pa Ga Ma Ri Ga Sa Pa Sa. Also there is a nice bass playing the notes Pa Ni Sa Ga (repeat twice) and then Pa Pa' Ri' Ni when the lyrics go Nadakum Nadakum. Can listen to this song a gazillion times and feel so ecstatic still listening to it the next time.
In music, an arpeggio is a technique where notes in a chord are played or sung in sequence one after the other rather than being played simultaneously. For instance C Major Chord consists of C E G . Instead of playing it in unison, if we play by breaking it and playing as separate notes it constitutes an Arpeggio. There are plenty of Maestro's songs which have Arpeggios/Broken Chords where we will take a look at a sample few:
1) Vinnaar Amudhey - Baba Pugazh Maalai
Hear the melody going in parallel with the song. This is a wonderful illustration of using a broken chord or Arpeggio.
2) Maamanukku Mylapore - Velaikaran
An absolute fun riot song with rollicking lyrics, its impossible not to tap your feet when you listen to this. The song also has some really catchy Arpegios, hear the Bass Arpegios from 01:07 to 01:16
and also the trumpet has fun between 02:44 to 02:46
3) Minmini Paarvaigal - Julie Ganapathi
Minmini Paarvaigal is a gem from Raja in the 2000s and is a really nice composition where the starting notes themselves represent a Broken Chord. It utilizes the notes
Sa Ga Pa (C Minor) Minmini
Sa Ga Pa (C Minor) Paarvaigal
Sa Ma Da (F Minor) En Nenjam
4) Nilave Nee Vara Vendum - En Arugil Nee Irunthal
Check out the soul ridden broken chords on this soul stirring number Nilave Nee Varavendum from En Arugil Nee Irunthal which is another 90's beauty. Look at the delectable prelude using chordal break ups and forming a melody Pa Sa Ga2 4 times (C Minor), Ni2 Ga2 Pa (E Minor) Ni2 Ma1 Ga, Pa Ga Sa (C Minor), Pa Sa Ni. You also hear the broken chord Pa Sa Ga2 (C Minor) going continuously during the 2nd interlude and acting as a counterpoint to the lush filling mellowy guitar melody moving in parallel. Truly a camaraderie between the Guitars, Violins and Flute.
5) En Gaanam - Eera Vizhi Kaaviyangal
Absolutely wonderful layering with broken chords playing a major role. Hypnotically bliss listening to it all by yourself.
Trills are rapid alternation between 2 adjacent notes. It generally occurs at a very fast pace . For instance continuous repetition of the notes Da & Ni (Carnatic) or A & B (Western). Maestro has used Trills mostly in his WCM compositions and its more prevalent in his background music where he uses trills to communicate an emotion or convey a feeling. We shall now explore some of his Trills which has truly thrilled us.
1) Title Score - Nenjathai Killathe
Whenever i listen to this piece , get a feeling of ecstasy.The piece keeps getting better as you hear more and when it finally ends with the Trill , its like attaining Nirvana. Check out the trill towards the end 2:02 to 2:04 which thrills us to bits. The notes go A Bb or Da2 Ni2 continously and ends .So Awe-inspiring and Heavenly!
2) Title score - Azhagarsamiyin Kudhirai
I also spot a small Trill in the awesome ASK piece. Another BGM piece which tears your heart.
Check out the Trill at 01:06-01:07 and the same again at 01:32-01:33.
3) Jeevitham Manogatham - Time
Stumbled across another stunning WCM Based composition Jeevitham Manogatham from Time ..
Check out the excited Trills at 0:02 and 0:09 ..A brilliant Western composition sung by Sujatha , not to be missed.
4) Putham Puthu Kaalai - Alaigal Oyvathillai
Talking about Trills , how could i miss this one? Infact its the trills played on the flute in the prelude right from the start which acts as the gateway to the beauty that is about to unfold soon. There is a marriage happening between the Trills and Chromatics during the prelude. First its a Trill between the notes Sa and Ri2 it goes Sa Ri2 multiple times and ends on Sa , now ri1 is introduced and the notes play a chromatic Ri1 Ri2 Ga2 , to be taken over by the trill again which plays Ri2 Ga2 numerous times and ends on Ri2 , and then there is a downward chromatic starting from Ri1 and goes Ri1 Sa Ni3 Ni2 Da2 Da1Pa Ma2 Ma1 and then there's a trill again between Ga2 and Ma1 continously which leads the way for another chromatic Ri2 Ri1 Sa and then the violin slowly open up. One of the most heavenly songs ever created. Period. All this happens in a matter of 15 seconds. What a heavenly composition!.
In a nutshell Trill (Sa&Ri)-> Short chromatic forward ->Trill (Ri&Ga) -> Long Chromatic backward -> Trill (Ga&Ma) -> Short Chromatic backward
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwr17VHk8GY
5) Maniye Manikuyile - Nadodi Thendral
This is trills of the reverberating kind to thrill your senses. Hear from 01:30 onwards to experience it.
6) Hey Indha Poongatru - Uthiri Pookal
There are trills throughout this short song between different swaras. First by the flute at 00:19 when there is alternation between the notes Sa and Ri , then between Ri and Ga at 01:19 , 01:21 and 01:23 , then between Pa and Da at 01:27 and then between Da and Ni at 01:30. Listening to this dries up your heart and leaves you with a lump on your throat. Just love this song
7) Dhoorathil Naan Kanda - Nizhalgal
The trills in this song capture the emotions so perfectly in this soulful number.Probably the least known number from this movie but no less from the other three in terms of histrionics. Check out the trills appearing in the 1st interlude. Check out the emotion filled Trills on the flute at 01:32
8) Yamunai Aatrile - Thalapathi
Yamunai Aatrile starting there seems to be a flute trill. Just love this song for the sensory aural treat and the amazing picturisation.
9) Thendral Kaatre - Kumbakariah Thangiah
Check out the the lovely folkish trills on the flute at 1:05, so native and so feel good.
Maestro's folk based compositions generally have some a tinge of a western touch and this song truly exemplifies that by using some WCM techniques in a rustic atmosphere and he makes it sound so serene.
10) Theme Music - Raaja Paarvai
Something to get mesmerised, 1 and a half minutes of pure bliss. Close your eyes, open your ears and travel with Raja sir somewhere farrrrrrr away where everything else ceases to exist. There is a small resonating trill on the violin towards the end of the piece at 01:26 with the notes playing Ga and Ma in alteration. Simply Superb!
