Thursday, July 31, 2008

Dhanam - Music review

Ilamai kanavugal - Karthick and Rita. Lyrics - Valli

…..begins with spick and span voice of Rita. Soon after manual rhythm and funky synth bass give the lead for Pallavi. String orchestra and bass guitar are used as filler. Former for 1st interlude and later in betwixt the handsome Charanams. Normally, any music lover can extract hidden or candid pleasure in the 2nd interlude of any Raaja sir’s song. Very peppy/mind blowing interlude for melody songs. Soft native cadence/stupefying interlude for {electronic} rhythm oriented song. This song falls on the second huddle. Staggering synth chord progression and strings arrangement do follow call and response rule with live bass drum at 2nd interlude.

Interesting fact: It does have tines of turntable sound, might be made through synthesizer, which I have neva expected {at least in this album}. It does not bother the lead melody, though {smile}.

Ulagam kedakuthu – Sunitha sarathy. Lyrics – Valli

…begins alike contemporary electro funk song and changes path as energetic pop. 1st and 2nd interludes have interesting middle-eastern lute kinda instrument {Oudh…eh?}. At 2nd interlude, well structured Brass instruments along with bang band orchestra are more away from usual pattern. Programmed percussion and chipmunk voice mix change the color of the song. However, Sunitha’s put-on accent/slang let down the song.

Dhanam Dhanam – Karthick. Lyrics – Valli

It is not a normal run-of-the-mill kinda song. It does have interesting rhythm pattern with south Indian earthy instruments with Djembes and synth bass as bassline.

Koothu onnu – Raaja sir and Feji. Lyrics – Palani Bharathi.

I guess after the song - Velli kizhama from Shiva, Raaja sir’s attempt for dis genre of the song. It has more tribal nuances say de flute prelude, peppy programmed & live rhythm during vocal part and Djembes at 2nd interlude and reed sound through synth. Stunning usage of bass guitar {synth bass…eh?} is simply rocking.

Unnakulle irukirein – Sriram parthasarathy – Bilsenday. Lyrics – Mu.Metha.

…yet another mesmerizing romantic composition from Raaja sir’s music factory. First a couple of lines strongly strike de melody de song Kommallo koyila - Ninnu choodaka nenundalenu, later so much of twist both in lead melody and rhythm/orchestra. Pallavi has both synth rhthym and manual percussion. Chord progression with piano/synth, bass guitar, string orchestra, live percussion at first interlude is Gorgeous. After 2nd line of Charanam, de melody, poly-rhythm wid miruthangam and synth bass steal the spotlight. Awesome, alluring, passionate, zeal and lovely 2nd interlude has mild accelerando of flute, string orchestra with embellishment of synth chord later dazzling live percussion joins to completely change the ambience so romantic. My pocket is already filled with so many numbers like this {of course Raaja sir} song. This song turns on greediness within me to acquire it as well {giggle}.

Kannanukku enna vendum – Bhavatharini, Prasanna and Sriram Parthasarathy. Lryics – Vishali Kannadasan.

Song of the album.

This semi-classical song would make your day very meaningful and momentous.

Charanam:

Nadhi vazhi oru oodam povathu pole, vithi vazhi en ullam un pugal {pugazhil} paadum.

As a boat goes according to de direction of stream, my soul would praise your overwhelming according to the destiny.

Thurigaigal theetatha oviyum neeye. Paaril unnai paadatha kaalangal veeney,

You are work of an art, which was not painted by brush. Day without singing about you is futile.

Unnai potra manin methu ullam undu khodi khodi, unthan ullam enna vendru sollu Kanna {smile}.

There are crore crore soul onto this earth to praise you. Kindly, tell us about your ideology.

Actually, I have just imposed Raaja sir on the place of protagonist {Krishnah} for the above lines. So, day without listening to your compositions/not singing about you is meaningless.

Even, the second charanam has evocative lines as your melody through flute would evoke water flow even on moon and my desire is longing for that lullaby. Raajasaranam.

This song prevents me to lament about my misdemeanor and more like declaration of guilt. I should say it is a divine magnum opus.

Kattilukku thana pombala – Raaja sir. Lyrics – Muthuligam.

It is a very situational song with philosophical lines, which script depends. All about social issues of mercy/pities women and bad gestures of male-chauvinist. Interesting ethnic rhythm with synth bass and distortion guitar apt for this rational song.

A mixed album with many alluring interludes, contemporary output and fulfilling melodies.

always

~~Raaja rules!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Vishwanathan Anand: Mind over matter.

Vishwanathan Anand's all-time favorite:

Maestro. Ilayaraja and old Hindi film songs are among his all-time favourites.

Source: The Times of India.

Byline: Gayatri Ramanathan

P.S: Mind games {smile}.

always

~~Raaja rules!

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Meaning for my tears :' (

rajasaranam wrote: என் அவா சிக்கிரம் அவர் கடலாய் சமுத்திரமாய் மாற வேண்டும் என்பதே. ஒரு பத்து பதினைந்து 'சிம்பொனி'களாவது அமைக்க வேண்டும், என் வாழ்வு தீர்வதற்க்குள் கடலாட வேண்டும்.

I was not able to control my tears when I read the above statement. It is al about Raaja sir and He should compose atleast 10-15 symphonies before end of my life. Actually, I was listening to HIS compositions until now and lastly I listened to "Muthumani maala" from chinna gounder. I just changed FM station to western classical works and at the same time got to see this message. Currently I am listening to a flute concerto {allegretto}. Its pleasure evokes my interest that Raaja sir should stop composing music for b-grade movies and should come out with a couple of symphonies or orchestral works.

Anyway, our so called music lovers and critics would not be able to understand its significance. Still, hardly ppl like me longing for such compositons.

When western classical era started, its composers were blaming/commenting Baroque composer - Johann Sebastian Bach's compositions as boredom without knowing its complicatedness. However, after 100 + years, during Romantic Era {1827-1900}, its composers started recognizing His work's stature/merit. Raaja sir is being follower of Bach {as well}, shares same position as Bach did during and after his period. However, who is the loser???

always

~~Raaja rules!

Raaja sir's miracle

July 16, 2008:

A Tamil couple living in Germany thanked maestro Ilayaraja, which also left the music director stunned, for the great medical miracle that he performed unwittingly. The incident was reported in a well-known magazine recently. Well, it seems that a few months ago the young couple was told by the doctors in Germany that the child in the mother's womb showed no movement. The worried couple went back home and turned on their music set to listen to Ilayaraja's Thiruvasagam. Surprisingly, the lady started to feel the baby kicking. They repeated the music many times and felt the same result. The doctors were also surprised when the lady delivered the baby a few months later through normal labor. As a token of gratitude, the couple recently visited the maestro to pay respects and express their gratefulness. Now, that's a true medical miracle from the maestro!

Source: Behindwoods...

~~Goosebumps! Overwhelming!! Astounding!!!

Actually, there is a movie called "Maadhangal Ezhu", which was directed by Yugi sethu and co-stars are Naseer and Ramyakrishnan. Music by Vidhyasagar. Thing is that, there is a scene in which yugi would play a flute and {7 month} baby in Ramyakrishnan's womb will shake its leg. Wut a coincidence? {smile}.

Shri. Balamurali Krishna said that if a baby listen to Raaja sir's Thiruvasagam in Oratoria from its babyhood then that baby would become a(n) prodigy/intellectual. True!!!

Raaja sir said Western classical music has dominance to activate the brain cell {especially Mozart's composition, it was proved scentifically} and of course, stereotype/monotonous pre-recorded loops/pre-set rhythm oriented songs will dumb the brain cells. HE has now proved it, HE is not insisted to testimony de dominance of HIS compositions, though. {Yugi sethu, would you get an opportunity to read dis?}

Thanga veenai aanalum thaanaai paadathu meettavum Ketkavum oruvan veendumey,
Even Gold veenai {lute} cannot sing by itself; someone needs to play it and someone to listen it.

Raagam 100 irunthaalum thaanaai paadathu raagangal therinthavan oruvan veendumey,
Eventhough, there are 100 Ragams, it cannot sing by itself; someone is needed who knows about raagam,

Isaiyale mayangatha manam than Ulakil yethu? Irunda manthinil isai nuzhaiyathu,
How could a soul without spellbound by Music? Music will not go into obscure soul {devil},

AVAR padal sellatha idam than Ulakil yethu? {Athai thodarinthu yaaaaaaarum sella mudiyaathu},
Where is a place in this world wherein HIS music has not reached? {No one can go behind it}.

After all HE is an incarnation of music. If HE cannot then who can do it?

always

~~Raaja rules!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Uliyin osai - Re-recording - A layman's view

Howdy!

I wanted to watch the movie - Uliyin osai for only two reasons - 1) Raaja sir's music score and 2) Kalaignar's dialogue. Fortunately, it happened on the first day {July 4th 2008} itself. The ambience and number/genre of people made me to doubtful whether I have made a mistake to watch such a movie. No proper promo pixels/banner at theatre.

Fortunately, without any commercial advertisement, movie was started. The very first second of the movie, it starts with a mind-blowing flute more-like colorful butterflies flying around me and its melody stimulated some chemical reaction throughout my soul. Within me, I said: WOW, OVERWHELMING, AWESOME and it’s my Raaja sir and so, I am into the theatre.

This Medieval era story-oriented movie has interesting western string accompaniment, {Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp}, diplomatic usage of Guitar {only B, e strings, I guess, at last part of 1st scene}, Contrabassoon {which I have never heard in recent movies}, Oboe, French Horn, Tuba, Big Bamboo flute, Piano, Harpsichord or is it synth? Sarangi {most of the scenes}, Santoor, percussions other than Miruthangam, Tabla Tarang, Bass Drum, Kanjira, Snare Drum, Cymbols (hit-hat), Tambourine and Timpani, a couple of percussions were used, which I was not able to follow them and of course synthesizer {smile}. Raaja rules!

Heroine - Samundi (Keerthi chawla) Introduction:

WOW, certainty this could be everyone's expression for usage of flute and percussion in this scene. Melody through flute was Outstanding. Actually, Remo fernandos has released an (x) album, which has a track called "The flute song" {tabla and flute}, it is an ancient composition by unknown composer. The original "The flute song" was well inspired by Raaja sir's for Samundi's introduction dance. This music piece would provoke everyone to snap their fingers or slap onto their lap. It is an Amazing {“A” capital} composition and such a haunting piece.

There is a particular scene wherein Iniyan {Vineeth who was commissioned to make 108 dancing sculptors at Brihadeeswara Temple} makes a sculpture on seeing Samundi's gesture/pose {Abhinayam}, its re-recording would start from its previous scene itself. Actually, it has been attempted by Raaja sir in many of His movies, I mean the re-recording for a particular scene would start from its previous scene {instant example Soorasamharam, in a villian's scene programmed rhythm would be played from last few seconds of its previous scene}. In this movie, Rhythm of tabla tarang and sarangi starts from its last scene and the composition transforms to string orchestra ----> veena ----> re-recording of Kallai irunthen, its charanam noor raandugal....would be played through violin and synthesizer.

Manoramma {Azhagi}:

Manoramma reveals her wish to the other sculptors that even she is also willing to participate with their work by giving a feast. By that time, enhancement of flute melody is note-worthy. It is Raaja sir and of course, it is Raaja sir and so, there is separate theme music for Manoramma who will sell her goats for feast's expenditure. Initially, flute and kanjira would bring color to that scene and later, a sold out goat would run back to Manoramma...Sarangi and percussion were played, which made salt waters to cross my lower eye-lids. For two more Manoramma's scence, Sarangi and Kanjira were played. There is one-more song called Maanaada mayil aada had been added in the movie, which was not in audio/album. Manoramma and Kovai sarala were featured in it. Kovai Kamala has rendered voice for Manoramma. When Manoramma watches the stimulation {Brihadeeswara Temple model} with surprise, oh no,,,Raaja sir is my God! That scene has Amazing orchestration!!!

Kanja Karuppu:

Soodamani (Kanja Karuppu) who is helper for Iniya. Even for Kanja Karuppu, theme music with Santoor (kinda instrument) and Kanjira had been played for his scenes.

Rescue:

2nd heroine - Muthunagai (Akshaya) attempts for suicide. Iniyan would rescue her and by that time, an inspiring western string orchestra would be played like Adagio movement {slow tempo or mabbie Andante, moderate slow tempo}.

Snake dance:

Movie has an interesting snake dance, which reveals malicious thought of Muthunagai. It has quick movement of string orchestra {mabbie allegro/presto movement} as background score.

Usage of Contrabassoon:

1) It comes when King Raja Raja Chola {Sarath babu} regrets as he was not able to get a dancer {model for pose} for sculpture, contrabassoon gives gloomy feel.
2) When Manikandan (Thalaivasal Vijay - Muthunagai's brother) challenges to defeat Iniyan, usage of Contrabasson reflects vijay's cunningness.
3) Muthunagai would hit Iniyan's hand with hammer. She will reveal it to Kovai sarala and by that time Contrabasson discloses her pessimistic thought.

Repenting:

Muthunagai repents for her bad gestures once she aware that Iniyan has rescued from her suicide attempt, strong western element was performed through Piano, flute and string orchestra.

First Aid:

Typical cinematic style: Samundi would tear a cloth from her saree to tie on Iniyan's hand, which was wounded by Muthunagai. BGM starts with synth and string orchestra and ends with string orchestra + veena, which were played such way in the manner, a real healer for wound. You bet!

Sneak-peak:

Muthunagai sneak-peaks Iniyan, song - Kaalathai Venra's melody would be played through sythn with typical Raaja sir's pattern of improvisation.

Muthunagai's dream:

She dreams as if Iniyan makes a sculptor from herself. An un-usual string instrument would be played, which has Chinese nuances of violin. Similar to the one, which come in Azhagi, when Shanmugam was informed that Dhanam became matured.

Silence as BGM:

Which I expected from Raaja sir and of course, not in this scene. I mean I am talking about silence as BGM. Raaja sir is an intellectual composer in handling silence as BGM. Iniyan will remove the bandage (saree cloth) and Samundi would enter in the hall and watches him. Then, common dialogue as "Hows yer health and wound" and so...wherein BGM supposed to be played to enhance the rrromantic feel, however, it was not made it out and because of this intellectual prediction/decision by Raaja sir, I was totally drenched with romance {wink}.

Parrot catching:

Even if anyone who do not see this scene and listen to its re-recording alone would come to a conclusion that it is a bird-oriented scene. Of course, it is because of usage of flute. Its melody could easily be imposed on fluttering of parrot's wings {smile}. Parrot will take the saree cloth (bandage) from Iniyan, flute and percussion as backing orchestra. Parrot flees to Muthunagai's place same melody of flute and tabla tarang continues. Muthunagai would be in swiming pool, re-recording of Kallathai veedra {eh?}....would be played through string orchestra and ends with sythn chord and tabla tarang.

Raaja sir, King of melody!!!

When Iniyan enters to Muthunagai place in search of parrot, an ancient percussion was played. Iniyan asks "Shall I catch the parrot"....Jesus! A chord progression among synthesizer and solo violin were splendid, incredible, delightful/blessed to listen it… Raaja sir, King of melody!!! Again flute plays a melody to create the ambience of parrot flying.

Samundi poses as Iniya makes a sculpture, all of sudden a scorpion come closer to Samundi. So, she tries to escape from it and slips from the floor. As usual, Iniyan would catch her...Sarangi ---> Veena and Tabla Tarang combine to make an amazing melody, which is like new baby's smile {gives lotta pleasure}. AWESOME!!!

Arrest:

When Iniyan was arrested, re-recording with Timpani, cymbals, cello/double bass (was not sure) were played to enhance the seriousness of that shot.

Ringing the Bell {Aarachi mani}:

Mabbie Chimes was used to make Bell sound. As we all know that it is an ancient norm that King would come when the bell was ringed. It means someone appeals for case/needs a judgment. In this movie, Rich/heavy orchrestra was played during King's entry >>> French horn, String orchestra, tuba was played.

Iniyan's escapes and repents:

Cello/viola and string orchestra was played when Iniyan escapes from the soldiers and Sarangi was played when he repents for his gesture.

Climax:

Muthungai cries when Iniyan punishes himself, their theme melody was played through Flute and string orchestra...Bhavatharini's cute voice sum-up the movie by singing Kaalathai venra song!!!

Songs:

Canon rule {change of pitch/rhythm for same melody} was used in last part of Alaiyelam chozhavala nadu as like – Yejaman kaaladi and En jodi manja kuruvi {vikram}.

Pularginra Pozhuthu: For a few seconds, Raaja sir’s voice is so catchy.

Aganthaiyil Aaduvatha: Pick of the album especially Raaja sir’s contribution.

Kallai irunthen – Charanam, adding ice to the cake.

Kaalathai Venra – ppl would understand its pallavi if and only if they watch the climax of this movie.

I am afraid the song - Abinayam kaatukinra was edited while I watched the movie.

Fresh, romatic, sensible, apt, inspiring, outstanding, simple and majestic music score had enhanced the standard of this ordinary movie.

Have a good one!

always

~~Raaja rules!

Friday, July 4, 2008

Raaja sir Vs MJ

Someone at orkut wanted to compare the song MJ's The way u make me feel with Raaja sir's Aasai Athigam - Marupadiyum.

The way u make me feel:-

Its my VERY favorite song in MJ's composition {its his own composition, infact}.
It has well structured poly-rhythm. It has rhythm programming, Synthesizers, Synclavier {which is a sampler and has pre-recorded rhythms and sounds} and trumpet. It is a typical electro-pop. It also has vocal harmony and vocal counterpoint/contrapuntal.

BTW, have you ever heard de song - Vennila ennodu vanthu aadava from Nyaya tharasu, Charlie would dance for it? It has ditto same Rhthym programming/loop of "The way u make me feel".

Aasai Athigam:

Prelude & pallavi have 4 different rhythms, one is finger snap, which should have been made through drum machine or synthesizer, 2 different rhythm pattern play same melody/tune, however, wid different range. One mabbie produced by Rhthym programming and other by pad or drum machine. 4th rhythm is through live percussion {bass drum}. Highlight of de song is usage of Bassoon {eh?} at de 1st interlude. Interludes have cute banjo as well.

1st interlude and charanam have live percussion {kinda bangos} wid bass drum. 2nd interlude has bass guitar and banjo make harmonic structure. Does Janaki hum de improvised melody of banjo at 2nd interlude? It is a folk song makes tribal ambience through tune and orchestra. This mabbie, hi-profile tribal song {smile}.

always

~~Raaja rules!