Rekindling the 7/8 memory - 'Kai Veenaiyai'

'Kai Veenaiyai' is an ethereal classically laced number soaked in divinity. This used to be a preferred choice of listen during my night time traverse in the bus between Chennai to Bangalore. I've always gotten a pleasant feeling listening to this scintillating number. The raga for this song is Hameer Kalyani which is derived out of the 65th Melakarta ragam 'Kalyani'. This one however uses both the Madhyamams in patches and gives a real divine feeling and when Ilaiyaraaja handles it, you can be rest assured that it will be elevated to majestic levels. The song has been rendered beautifully by Bombay Jayashree.

One thing however which I never realised despite my numerous listens to this song is the rhythm portion. I kind of surmised that it was in the normal 4/4 cycle only to give it a deeper keen ear and then figuring out that it actually follows the 7 beat cycle making this song appear more awesome than what it already was. Just took a small stab at attempting the Swaram with the Tala pattern highlighting on the Misra Thalam (7/8). With Raaja you always discover new things :)

Swaram : Sa Ri2 Ga3 Ma1 Ma2 Pa Da2 Ni3
Ragam : Hameer Kalyani
Thalam : Adi Thalam Misra Nadai 

Lyrics -   Kai             Veenai
Swara -   Sa Ga Ri | Ri Ma1 Ga ~
Thalam - Ta Ki Ta | Ta Ka Di Mi

Lyrics -   Yai            Yenthum
Swara -   Ga Pa ~ | Ma2 Pa Ma2 Pa
Thalam - Ta Ki Ta | Ta Ka Di Mi

Lyrics -   Kalai           Vaani
Swara -   Ga Ma1 Ri | Ri Ga Ma1 Ga
Thalam - Ta Ki Ta | Ta Ka Di Mi

Lyrics -   Yai            sustain
Swara -   Ga ~ ~ | Ri ~ Sa ~
Thalam - Ta Ki Ta | Ta Ka Di Mi

The same lines keeps repeating again.

In effect 1 Avartana of Adi Thalam consists of 8 Aksharas
1 Akshara = Ta Ki Ta Ta Ka Di Mi
(For eg Kai Veenai is one Akshara , Yai Yendhum is another Akshara)

Each of these Aksharas is divided into 7 Maatras which is the Misra Nadai (Ta Ki Ta Ta Ka Di Mi = 7)

To illustrate on the Tala Pattern:

Kai Veenai = 1 Akshara = 7 Maatras
Yai Yendhum = 1 Akshara = 7 Maatras
Kalai Vaani = 1 Akshara = 7 Maatras
Yai sustain = 1 Akshara = 7 Maatras 

Repeating the same portion below: 

Kai Veenai = 1 Akshara = 7 Maatras
Yai Yendhum = 1 Akshara = 7 Maatras
Kalai Vaani = 1 Akshara = 7 Maatras
Yai sustain = 1 Akshara = 7 Maatras 

So totally when we add up everything, we have 8 Aksharas and 56 Maatras resulting in Adi Thalam Misra Nadai (8*7)

Thus, 1 Avartana (Cycle) = 8 Aksharas (Adi Thalam) = 56 Maatras (Misra Nadai).
Rhythmically Beautiful!

Sharing this beautiful composition to enhance the listening experience
Song: Kai Veenai Yendhum
Movie: Vietnam Colony
Year: 1994

Memories of an amazing turnaround at Lords

This day, a decade ago on the 13th July 2002 India won a remarkable final against England in the Natwest Trophy at Lords. Coming into this championship clash, India had lost 9 finals consecutively and it looked like a similar script was about to unfold as the Englishmen posted a mammoth score of 325 batting first. The score looked too daunting and at that stage of time only once before was a total in excess of this was ever chased by a team to win a one day international. Considering the pressure of a big match final at the Home of cricket in addition to India's immensely meek predicament in recent finals, it certainly didn't lift the spirits one bit.

India however got off to a fine start with the openers Ganguly and Sehwag blazing their way to a rollicking stand of 100 within the first 15 overs. And then it all started caving apart with wickets being lost at regular intervals. It was virtually another tale of good riddance when Sachin Tendulkar was castled by Giles to leave India reeling at 146/5. This dismissal brought in two young future hopes of Indian cricket Yuvraj Singh and Mohammed Kaif to the crease. They had brought glory to India by being part of the victorious Under 19 world cup team. Frankly, not much was expected of these two except for a reasonable fight to simply ensure it doesn't yield towards an embarrassingly landslide defeat.

Slowly but steadily, from a precarious position where India were virtually under the cosh these young turks started ticking the runs off the scoreboard. The partnership started blossoming and these guns rose up to the occasion by playing the innings of their life to give India a semblance of hope. When Yuvi held out, it again looked like a 'yet so near yet so far story'. However his dismissal didn't hinder the momentum and India kept chalking in the runs with the lower order providing a stable ground to Kaif at the other end.

It came down to the last over of the innings with Zaheer on strike and 2 required off 4 deliveries. He got a touch off the bat off Flintoff and scampered his way to the other end to give his partner the strike. The throw from the fielder was however long enabling India to get the additional run and seal the win. It was a remarkable comeback considering the circumstance and it was beyond disbelief that India could really pull this one off. It was back then the 2nd highest chase in One Day Internationals.The match is also well remembered for Sourav Ganguly's shirt twirling act at the Lords Balcony. A truly unforgettable day in the annals of Indian Cricket History. Gives goosebumps even today watching and reminiscing that nostalgic day which took place on a sunny Sunday at the Home of Cricket.

Discovering a Lost Gem!

I used to watch this serial 'Sahana' by K Balachander as a kid and I was a big fan of the title song. But there was one episode where a song specifically appeared only on one particular day. It was such a bewitching melody but somehow I never got the opportunity to listen to it again. Fervent attempts of searching the song on the internet proved futile. And then the moment finally arrived thanks to a good soul who uploaded it on Youtube.

The happiness of discovering a lost wonder after virtually a decade. What a feeling it was to finally manage to listen to this absolutely scorcher of a spectacular composition "Äasai Arakki" by Rajesh Vaidya from K Balachander's serial "Sahana". A blend of Suddha Saarang (i think), Charukesi and Sarasangi. Haha Enna Arumai :)

♫ Celebration of 36 Years of Musical Excellence !!! ♫

This day dating back to 14th May 1976 witnessed a musical wave hitting the Tamil Music Industry.
The movie was Annakili and a new composer from Pannaipuram in Theni District emerged who was christened with the name 'Ilaiyaraaja'.

There has been no looking back since then and the rest as they say is history.
The way he revolutionised music making and the impact he created amongst music lovers is vividly etched in musical folklore.

It has been a musical journey beyond comprehension.
There can never be another Isaignani who is truly Gods own Incarnation of Music.

14th May - A day to celebrate Music
14th May - A day to celebrate the musical genius of Ilaiyaraaja
14th May - A day music got a new definition.
Sincerely wish , pray and hope that 14th May is celebrated as India's music day or atleast the Music Day of Tamil Nadu.

Each one of us are truly privileged and blessed to be living in the times of perhaps one of the greatest musical geniuses who ever lived.Its all courtesy Raaja's music which has stirred our emotions in so many diverse ways and made many of our lives so musically worthwhile and memorable.There is a Raaja song for each and every occassion.Thanks to this man , our entire lifetime is secure with good music.

A Raaja song can accentuate your happiness and at the same time it can heal your sadness..
Such is the power of his music which is so divineful and magical.We are indebted to him for providing so many gems , which have sanctified and purified our souls..Thank you so much Raaja Sir for giving us so many wonderful songs to cherish throughout our lifetime ..

He has given us so much of enjoyment/happiness and lovely memories through his everlasting music ..Its a special feeling of pride and happiness for all Raaja Bhakthargals to listen and be associated with his music ..Its time to celebrate and glorify this great man who has given it all for Music ..All hail the Maestro..Lets congratulate the genius on this significant achievement of completing 36 years in the film industry ..

The world may come to an end someday but Raaja's music will live on forever.
Celebrating 36 years of Unparallelled Unimaginable Musical Entertainment.
May all Elements say the name.
Maestro Ilaiyaraaja !!!

FB Note with Pics - https://www.facebook.com/notes/rajiv-shankar/-celebration-of-36-years-of-musical-excellence-/3513274145048

Divine Motherly Experience!

I went to Reliance Time Out store in Park Square Mall, Bangalore a while ago and was just flipping a book. Then suddenly Amma Endrazhikkadha from Mannan was being played and I got a very pleasant feeling. Then the song 'En Thaiyenum Kovil' from Aranmanai Kizhi started playing, a song which I've never heard before and it just made me so emotional and moved that I started walking towards where the music was played.

It was a feeling which cannot be explained in words. A fellow shopper asked one of the attendants which CD was this and he immediately purchased a copy. I told this person today's choice of songs played was very nice and he smiled.

There is nothing in this world greater than Mother's Love and Ilaiyaraaja's music infuses the purity and makes you feel so much for your mother. With nobody's music you get impacted so much. There is some sort of divinity and magic in his music which can never be explained.
A divine experience indeed. Vaazhga Raaja Sir.

Wish all fellow Raaja Rasigars a very Happy Mother's Day !!
Love your mother, Love Ilaiyaraaja's music - some of the most purest form of True Love in this world!

En Thaiennum Kovil - Aranmanai Killi

Sachin's long awaited 100th Hundred!

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.

Fireworks please !!!

Forelsket - The euphoria of falling in love!

'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 !!

Mathiya Chennai Title Score

Raaja's WCM Delights!

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.

Raaja 'X' Factor Phaser Effects and Vamping Techniques

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.

Celebrating 33 years of Sigappu Rojakkal !!

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.