Wanted : Illayaraja Article...
Balaji Thirumalaikumara
Hi:
Last year Around this time, someone posted a series of
articles on Illayaraja analyzing his work from Annakilli
to Singaravelan. Can that person ( I think that his
name is Kannikeswaran ) or anyone who's saved those
articles please post that again or send me those
articles by email.
Thanks,
Balaji.
---
"Everything I need to know, I learnt on the Internet"
David Chute
: Hi:
: Thanks,
: Balaji.
Please post. Others are interested.
--
------------------------------------------------
DAVID CHUTE - HUNGRY GHOST PRODUCTIONS
------------------------------------------------
213-739-1896 fax 213-739-8639 ch...@netcom.com
------------------------------------------------
Francis
ok folks here's the 'ilayaraja' article....
enjoy...
-Francis
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Article 10443 of soc.culture.tamil:
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>From: kan...@uceng.uc.edu (k kannikeswaran)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.tamil
Subject: Illaiyaraaja.. (long..)
Summary: First of a Five part series
Message-ID: <CAxMG...@uceng.uc.edu>
Date: 29 Jul 93 15:17:22 GMT
Organization: University of Cincinnati
Lines: 215
In this article, I am going to trace through most of his hits, with a
brief analysis of trends that shaped his music, and the trends that
that he created, which shaped the rest of the film world..Most of what
is written here is (actually all of it is!) recalled from memory; i
dont have any references to crosscheck. A lot of my own opinions are
also included in here..It is impossible to sum up his achievements as
he has accomplished a lot in close to two decades.
I am going to post this article in five parts.
Illaiyaraaja - Annakkili to Sindhubhairavi
Illaiyaraaja - Sindhubhairavi to Singaravelan
Illaiyaraaja - Singaaravelan to 1993
Illaiyaraaja - Playback singers
Illaiyaraaja - Lyricists
Illaiyaraaja - Annakkili to Sindhubhairavi
His origins in Annakkili, kind of rocked Madras, what with 'Machhanai
paatteengala' booming over loudspeakers all over the place. 'Devan
Tiruchhabai Malargale' - does anyone remember this song? What a sweet
song! I remember, as kids we used to wait for Christmas or Good Friday,
to watch this song on 'Oliyum Oliyum', as they stopped broadcasting this
song on AIR in the late 70s. 'Oru naal unnodu oru naal' is another song
that I remember from his early years. The song that really brought to
me what they call 'Name recognition' is 'Manjal Nilavukku inru orey
sugam' from the film 'Mudaliravu' . The first time I heard it was on
'Neyar Viruppam' the weekly program on Sundays (Madras A, 4-5pm). This
song was electric, at that time. Hits of this period include 'Chittira
Chevvanam', 'Kaatriniley varum geetam' . Around this period, came the
super hit song 'Naaney Naana' from 'Azhagey unnai Aaradikkiren'. There
was a small.. small controversy, that this song was based on the
signature tune of 'Vayalum Vaazhvum' of Chennai Tolaikkatchi Nilayam.
This was explained in one of those 'Ediroli' programs. 'Idil enna
sandegam? Vayalum vaazhvum nigazhchikku title tune pottavarum
Illaiyaraaja taan' enru. 'En kalyana vaibogam unnodu taan' from the
same movie was also a super hit. By this time, a definite style was
taking shape. Annakkili started with much emphasis on folk music,
while the maestero made his way into the late seventies, he had
diversified into several other domains. As Panju Arunachalam once
remarked in 'Sirappu Tenkinnam' on 'Vividhbharatiyin vartaka oli
parappu' sometime in the 80s, 'Karnataka isai vendum enru kettargal. Udaney pottuvittar illaiyaraaja - Chinnakkannan Azhaikkiran '. This
song sung by BMK, is probably known to one and all.
Elaborate orchestration, crisp catchy tunes etc. were the selling points
of Illaiyaraajas music. 'En kanmani en kaadali' from Chittukkuruvi,
'Sentaazhampoovil', 'Adi Penne' etc. were hummed by one and all. The
biggest hits were probably from 'Padinaaru vayadiniley' and 'Priya'.
Priya was supposedley the first tamil movie with stereophonic sound.
Priya again saw another new level in orchestration (remember the 2nd
interlude in the song). Sendoorappove was a super hit. Although branded
a folk song, this song has definite baroque music influence at least
in the second interlude, which begins with a major string section.
Rosaappoo ravikkaikkari, kizhakke pogum rail, etc. had a number of
good songs too. At this point in time, there was a marked use of the
scales of Karnatic music based raagams in his music; esp. Kovil Mani
Osai, Maanjolaikkilidano, (KPR), Ennullil engo (Rosappoo ravikkaikkari)
Tamtananam (Pudiya vaarpukkal), Solaikkuyile (Ponnu Oorukku pudusu) etc. Ponnu oorukku pudusu had some excellent songs, which I had never heard
on AIR. (Onakkenna taane innerama).
Now let us take a look at the retalliation from other music directors.
Comparable superhits of that period were 'Ninaittale inikkum' by MSV.
I have had many feverish fights with my then classmates over who was
the best music director Illaiyaraaja or MSV. The MSV defendants would
usually come up with Ninaittale inikkum for their argument. Shankar
Ganesh have always been around. KV Mahadevan came up with Enippadigal
somewhere during this period.
'Uravugal Todarkadai' from 'Aval Appadittan' is an evergreen song. this
song showed a marked influence of Western music and this was to continue into Johny 'En vaaniley' in 1980 (gosh! iis it that far back in time-
these songs are still fresh). 'Germanyin Senten malare' from
Ullasa paravaigal, 'Engengae sellum' from pattakatti bairavan
, 'Illamaiyenum Poonkaatru' are some of those songs still fresh from
1978 -79 -80.
There was this film called 'Kannil teriyum kadaigal' where each song
was tuned by a different music director. Shankar ganesh tuned the
song 'Naan onna nenachen' sung by spb, vanijayaram and jikki, while
illaiyaraaja tuned the song 'Naan oru ponnoviyam kandaen'.
TRajendar made his appearance in 1980 with his Orutalai raagam. His
next film 'Vasanta Azhaippukal' didnt have too many hit songs. More
on TR later. Oru talai raagam kind of took over Madras..
'Katril endan geetam' by Janaki, from Johny, (1980) is still remembered
by her as one of her best songs (apparently she was interviewed on
TV last month or so).
'Moodu Pani' - was Illaiyaraaja's nooravadu padam. By this time, he
had begun to use synthesizers and keyboards to a large extent.
The point to note however is this. The superhit song all over India
at this time was 'Aap jaisa koi mere' from the film 'Qurbani' which
introduced synthesized beats for the first time. All music directors
followed suit, while Illaiyaraaja didnt...
Moodu pani again - En iniya pon nilave - still a fresh song. Nizhalgal
was released at the same time. 'Poonkadave', Ponmalaippozhudu ,
(Vairamuttus first song), 'Madai tirandu' and 'Doorattil naan kanda'.
Poonkadave is a fantastic song, one of his career best songs I would
say. Excellent orchestration, beautiful flow, etc. etc..; This was
a Deepavali release, and the movie was a flop..
There was a small lull in hits after this film, and then the next
biggest hit of Illaiyaraaja's career was 'Andi Mazhai Pozhigiradu'.
I heard it for the first time on a hand held transistor, a 1000
miles away from Madras, and was more than impresssed. This song
is probably one of the landmarks, in the shaping up of his style..
there was a marked influence of Indian Classical Music, Jazz,
W. Classical music at this point in time.
Gangai Amaran made his appearance as a music director at this time
with his Mouna geetangal.
The post 'Andi Mazhai' period saw the emergence of Alaigal Oivatillai.
Aayiram taamarai mottukkale - what a song, kaadal oviyam,
puttam pudu kaalai (not picturized in the movie), vizhiyil vizhundu
etc. Almost during the same week, the film Panneer Pushpangal was
released. Wonderful songs again. Kodaikkala kaatre, Poontalir aada,
Aananda raagam.. (even Aananda vikatan mentioned Illaiyaraaja's use
of the scale of the ragam Simhendramadyamam in this song)..
Around Aug 15, 1981 came the films Netrikkan, Karaiyellam Shenbagappoo.
The songs in Karaiyellam shenbagappoo were kind of washed away because
of poor publicity. The film had some good songs to talk about. There
was a low for some time again, and by Apr 14, 1982 there was a new
harvest - Ninaivellam Nitya, Tooral Ninnu Pochu, Payanangal Mudivatillai Moonram Pirai etc.
Kannadasan passed away in late 1981, and the partnership between
him and Illaiyaraaja ended with Moonram Pirai (posthumously released).
Tick Tick Tick, Bharatirajas move had 'Idu oru nilaakkalam' - a novel
concept in itself.
By this time, Vairamuttu was the leading lyric writer for Illaiyaraaja. Ilaiya nilaa was an instant hit, so were 'Ei aatta', Togai ila mayil,
Tangachhangili, En soga kadaya kelu, Erikkara poongatte, and of course
Pani vizhum malarvanam, Needane etc. etc. The style of songs at this
point in time was totally different from those in 1979. There was a
marked use of keyboards etc. etc.
Moonraam pirai was probably the first record produced by ECHO rec.
studio.
Illaiyaraaja's influence on other music directors can be seen from
the songs 'Rendu kannam sandana kinnam' and 'Kanaa kaanum kangal'
etc.
Oops. I forgot to mention AVM's Murattukkalai, with the folkish
song 'Poduvaga en manasu' . AVM came out with Sakalakalavallavan
in 1982. This movie ran for 25 weeks at Alankar theater.., and
the songs 'Kattavandi', 'Ilamai ido ido' were the ear catchers.
The song 'Amman Kovil kezhakkala' is kind of reminiscent of the song
'Solam vedakkaiyile' from padinaaru vayadinile. At the same time,
was released the rajini film which had the songs Pattu vanna
selaikkari and Taayum naane etc..
At this point in time most of the strong teams had split, and
former assistant directors were beginnning to direct movies - such
as Gopurangal Saivatillai, Raagangal Maaruvatillai etc.
Illamaikkalangal had some good songs. At this time the style
of music had undergone another transformation.
Hit songs of the early from other music directors include those
from films Uyirullavarai Usha, and Anda Ezhu naatkal, Darling
Darling etc.
For a while, Illayaraaja was not scoring music for any of Sivaji's
films. (after the Tyagam Deepam Naan vazha vaippen era). His
music resumed in Vellai Roja, with Malaysia Vasudevan singing for
Sivaji Ganesan.
Taai Mookambikai, came out in 1983 i think ; this movie had a whole
assembly of artistes singing together (balamurali, seerkazhi,
ms visvanathan etc.). Salangai Oli, came out in 83 too. So did a
whole host of films such as Malaiyoor Mambattiyan etc. Illaiyaraja
was always the music director for AVMs high budget films - Sakalakala,
Paayum Puli, the block buster Mundaanai mudichu.
Early in 1984 or was it late 83, Illaiyaraaja toured around the world.
Upon returning he authored a book titled 'En Innisaikkanavugal' or
something like that. It is an interesting book, where he talks about
his experiences and how the French liked the song 'Edo Mogam' from
Kozhi Koovudu. Mann Vasanai, was Bharatiraajas come back in 83.
Early 84 didnt have too many hit songs to speak of. Pudumaippen saw
hits appear again, and so did Nallavanukku nallavan. At this time
there was another change in style, this time absorbing some of
the elements of the 78-79 period. Songs such as 'Chittukku', 'Kaadal
Mayakkam', 'Devan tanda veenai' etc. bear testimony to this.
Illaiyaraaja's 200th movie was 'Aayiram Nilave Vaa'. The 250th
was a Motherland Pictures movie with the songs Paadum Vaanambadi
, Paada vaa (1984?).
Sadma was released in late 1983 I think ( a remake of Moonraam pirai).
A song from Sadma, was recreated as 'En vaazhvile' for Tambikku
enda ooru - a rajni film.
There was again a change in style, Kaakki chattai, Selvi,
Pagal Nilavu etc. The 300th movie was Udaya Geetam again a
Motherland creations, in 1985.
1985 was probably a landmark year, with Sindubhairavi winning
awards left and right. Other hits of this period, Poove Poochooda
Vaa, Idayakkovil.
By this time Illaiyaraaja had firmly established himself as the one
and only music director dominating the tamil film industry.
(to be continued)..
--
fortune
exit
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Article 10558 of soc.culture.tamil:
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>From: kan...@uceng.uc.edu (k kannikeswaran)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.tamil
Subject: Illaiyaraaja - Part 2 - Repost - Upon request
Message-ID: <CB5pM...@uceng.uc.edu>
Date: 3 Aug 93 00:06:10 GMT
Organization: University of Cincinnati
Lines: 154
Illaiyaraaja - Sindubairavi to Sinkaravelan
The post Sindubairavi period is what I would label as the Illaiyaraaja
glorification period where, all his achievements over the previous
decade began to gain recognition and to bear fruit in some form or the
other.
I still regard 1979 - 1982 as the Golden age of Illaiyaraajas music
. After Sindhubairavi, his relationship with the press changed.
Earlier on, in the seventies, there were interviews with Illaiyaraaja,
wherein he described how he came up with songs such as En Kanmani,
Taamta teemta (Pagalil or iravu), where he described the talents of
his playback singers, incidents where Janaki's soulful rendition of
certain songs mesmerized and moved the entire orchestra, so that some
of the players even forgot their pieces (eg. Mada un kovilil)..
For a period, ie. early 80s through 1986 or so, there was no contact
with the press at all as far as I can remember. Gangai amaran wasa the
pr man. This trend changed in around 1987, where articles on him started
to appear in English journals. Illaiyaraaja, did feature in a number
of articles in 83/84, where he organized a fund raiser for the Srirangam
temple though.
Titles came pouring in; he scored the music for one other hindi film
Mahadev, where the song 'Anda Nelavattan naan kaiyila pudichen' is
dubbed in hindi. I believe that he did also score the music for
Rajni's hollywood debut 'Bloodstone'.
To summarize, his status changed from that of a new innovative music
director to a well established household name, whose product always
sells no matter what. Well, with a decade of achievements, why not..
About the movies, remember songs like 'Aarumadu aazham illa'..,
'Devanin kovil moodiya neram', songs from Chippikkul Muttu,
'Kallukkulle vanda eeram enna', etc. from 86. 86 also saw the
emergence of Mani Ratnam with his Mouna Raagam.
We always had this impression that 'periya director enraal, specialaa
poduvaar'. Well, with KB, Bharatiraaja, Sridhar, Maniratnam, SPM,
etc., this reasoning has never failed. But music directors always
claim that 'naanga podura ovvoru paattum, hit aagum engira nambikkayodu
taan poduvom'.
Mouna raagam saw a whole new breed of songs. In this period, also came
a series of very melodious songs such as 'Mandira punnagaio', 'Anbu
malargalin solai idu', 'Maanada' very much like the songs of the
late seventies.
This was the period during which, Bharatiraaja's first non Illaiyaraaja
movie came out. The music director was an assistant of Illaiyaraaja.
1986 was a landmark year, with the release of 'How to name it'.
It was in 1987 I think that Mano was introduced with the song 'Taen
Mozhi' in Solla tudikkudu manasu. Wonderful songs in this movie,
although the movie was a disappointment. Poove sempoove, Vaayakatti
vayatakatti, etc. etc.
Enga oor pattukkaran was probably another landmark movie, with
Asha Bhonsle singing 'Shenbagame' a wonderful song. In this movie the
song that takes the cake is 'Madura marikkozhundu'. At this time
the Ramarajan Gangai Amaran Illaiyaraaja combination was flying really
high.
poovizhi vaasalile, by Fazil - songs such as 'Oru kiliyin', 'Chinna
Chinna' etc. belong to this period. Balachanders Manadil Urudi
vendum had some good songs like 'Kanna varuvaya', 'Sangattamizh',
etc.
MSV and Illaiyaraaja teamed up to produced songs in the film Mellat-
tirandadu kadavu. (Vaa vennilave etc.). Bharatiraaja's Satyaraj
film had good songs like 'Adi aattadi', 'Kodiyila malliyappoo'
etc.
87 - 88, mano and chitra were the lead playback singers for the
most part, with songs like 'Vizhiyil oru kavidai', etc.
The landmark film in 1987 was Naayagan, raaja's 400th movie. 'Ten
paandi seemaiyila', 'Naan sirittal', 'Nee oru kaadal'.
Satya had some good songs too, and Lata Mangeshkar sang the famous
duet 'Valaiosai kalakalakalavena'. She had also sung the song
'Aararo aararo' in the Prabhu starrer 'Anand'.
Although Agninatchatram came out in Apr 88 or so, the songs came out
much earlier. These songs started a new trend altotether. No Indian
percussion was used in anyof these songs for the most part. The song
Raaja, is based entirely on percussion, and human voices...
1988 also saw the release of Nothing but wind, where Hariprasad
Chaurasia played the flute for the entire recording that lasts
more than 45 minutes. Nothing but wind is an album to be enjoyed,
especially the second piece..
En Bommukutti ammavukku, by Fazil came out during this period.
The next big harvest was in 1989 what with Apoorva Sahodarargal,
and Idayattai Tirudade. Idayattai tirudade featured Mano out and
out. Apoorva Sahodarargal, marked the beginning of a new round
of partnership with spb (pudu mappillaikku, onna nenachen etc.)..
lkamalam? 'idazhil kadai ezhudum', 'Unnal mudiyum tambi' etc. then
came on. It was rumored that MSV was working with Illaiyaraaja
during this period and later. One can only guess. The song
'Muttamizh kaviye varuga', and the song 'Eerettu Padinaaru (90s)
do have some msv stamps in their interludes..
Soora samharam had some very good songs. 'naan enbadu' is still
a fresh song..
'Keladi kanmani', 'Guruvaayurappa', 'Nallanbe taan tayanadu',
'Siru kootila ulla kuyilukku', 'Pattukku naan adimai',
etc. are some of the hits of early 1990 (probably late 89 too)..
Then came another landmark, 'Anjali' the 500th movie with songs in
a whole different style altogether. Together with it came a whole
host of songs such as 'Vandade', 'Nikkattuma', 'Mannil inda' etc.
Mannil inda was a great favorite, with the storly line that spb
sang the whole stanza in one breath. The film Keladi Kanmani had
some very good songs. 'Vaaranam Aairam' - a bunch of Alwar Pasurams
(Andal specifically) was very beautifully set and used.. Nee padi
Naan padi kanne was a good song too.
Karagattakkaran took TN by a storm, with Manguile being a super hit.
In this film (probably in the title song), illaiyaraaja sings a
song, that kind of describes himself..
'Paattale buddi sonnar, pattale bhakti sonnar
Pattukku naan padu patten anda pattukkal pala vidam taan'..
1991 saw the emergence of Maragatamani, a new music director who
scored the music for KBs film Azhagan. Chinnatambi songs were
hits and were reflective of the kind of songs churned out in 1991.
Guna had some good songs, and so did Talapati. The songs 'Yamunai
Aatrile', and 'Sundari' deserve special mention, although the
popular hit was Rakkamma..
April Mayile, was a hit in 92; the biggest hit in 92 was probably
Singaravelan, with songs such as Puducheri kacheri, sonnabadi kelu,
Innum enna. My favourite song in this film is 'toodu selvadaaradi'..
Asha Bhonsele and Lata Mangeshkar sang a few more songs for
Illaiyaraaja during this period..
Thus, this article covers Sindubariravi to Singaravelan - almost
a seven year period. The next one will cover current trends..
--
fortune
exit
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Article 10523 of soc.culture.tamil:
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>From: kan...@uceng.uc.edu (k kannikeswaran)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.tamil
Subject: Illaiyaraaja - Part 3 of 5
Summary: Singaaravelan and beyond
Message-ID: <CB2zJ...@uceng.uc.edu>
Date: 1 Aug 93 12:47:27 GMT
Organization: University of Cincinnati
Lines: 61
Illaiyaaraaja - Singaaravelan to July 93
Third in the series of five articles on Illaiyaraaja
An interesting observation with respect to the various transitions in
Illaiyaraajaas career. If you look at the album jackets, you will see
his picture on all of them. The late seventies and the early eighties
showed him as a young man clad in a kurta or a shirt, playing a guitar,
with a smile. In the mid eighties, the picture was of a slightly older
more serious looking person, and in the late eighties and in the ninties it is that of a godman like person. The most used pose is that depicted
in the background on the album covers of Howtonameit and Nothingbutwind,
.
While music was an incidental item fifteen years ago, and the music
director was an essential but not a prominent ingredient in a movie team things have changed now. It is Illaiyaraajas picture that is promptly
displayed. He has been adorned with titles such as Raagadevan,
Isaignani etc. There is a dialogue by Gowndamani in Singaaravelan,
'Isaiyila aarvam ullavan ellam isaignania aaga mudiyuma?'
Singaravaelan was another milestone in the successful partnership
between Kamal and Illaiyaraaja. The next big hit in this partnership
is Tevar Magan, with a host of folk songs, all delightfully tuned
and beautifully orchestrated, esp. 'Potripparadi penne' where the
folk violin slowly blends with a major string section in the first
interlude. The song Manamagale is very different from any of his
other songs in that importance is given only to one instrument..
To sidetrack, one of the very few songs without any interludes
- composed by Illaiyaraaja is 'Kaattuvazhi pora ponne kavala padade'
from Malayur mambattiyan. Also, the first song where Illaiyaraaja
repeated a music interlude was 'madana moga roopa sundari' from
Inrupoi naalai vaa .
Koottukkoru pattusattam, Chinna chinna etc. were the hits from
the Prabhu film Sentamizh pattu while Walter Vetrivel boasted of
'Chinna raasaave' a catchy rythm based song.
1992 also saw the arrival of Roja and Raghumaan with his hit
Chinnachinna aasai. Deva apparently a former assistant of Illaiyaraaja
also began to score music for a number of films.
There have been a number of melodious songs in this period
reminiscent of early Illaiyaraaja such as Ellorum Sollum Paattu,
Nalam Vaazha ennalum en vaazhtukkal and so on.
The emphasis of today's hits seem to be more on catchy tunes and
beats for the most part.
To summarize these three articles, we have briefly traced the
career of Illaiyaraaja starting with his debut in tamil films.
Today he stands poised to hear his Grand Symphony performed by
the Royal Symphony Orchestra and this is by no means a small
achievement..; Originating in in tamil films, establishing a
firm, indisputable, indispensable, invincible lead locally,
at the same time gaining international recognition from established
institutions etc. etc.; i believe firmly that there is much more
to come and that there is going to be much more for us to enjoy.
--
fortune
exit
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Article 10524 of soc.culture.tamil:
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>From: kan...@uceng.uc.edu (k kannikeswaran)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.tamil
Subject: Illaiyaraaja - Part 4 (Singers) Playback singers)
Summary: Article 4 of 5
Message-ID: <CB33B...@uceng.uc.edu>
Date: 1 Aug 93 14:09:32 GMT
Organization: University of Cincinnati
Lines: 201
Illaiyaraaja - Playback Singers.
Here is a list of playback singers who have worked with Illaiyaraaja.
TMS: TM Soundararaajan who was one of the leading playback singers
when Illaiyaraaja made his debut, did initially sing a lot of songs
with Illaiyaraaja. Starting with the sad version of Annakkili Onna
Tedude, his hits include 'Nallavarkellam', 'Neramidu', Aimbadilum
Aasai varum, Endan Pon vanname, Sindu nadikkarai oram, Ten mallippoove,
Amma - Nee sumanda pillai, etc. Looks like the last he sang for him
was in Naan Vaazha vaippen. There was a break of nearly a decade after
which, he sang a song in the Sivaji Padmini starrer (a tune along
the lines of Unnai Onru ketpen, with nostalgic lyrics).
S. Janaki : Her dominance was established firmly by Illaiyaraaja.
Starting with Annakkili, it may not be a wrong guess to say that she
is the play back singer with whom Illaiyaraaja has worked the most.
A versatile singer, she has covered a range of songs from 'Amma Nee
Enge' (as a 3 year old kid), 'Poda Poda' (Udirippookkal - as an old
woman), Pon Meni Urugude , Sangeetame (Koil Pura), Nila Kaayudu,
Doorattilnaan kanda, Kaatril, Toodu Selvadaaradi (Singaravelan). Of
late we seem to be hearing more of her again. One of her best songs
ever, is Tumbi Vaa (a song in Malayalam) in the film Olangal. Very
well orchestrated, beautifully, powerfully, effortlessly sung. This
song was originally 'Sangattil Paadada kavidai' sung by Illaiyaraaja
and Janaki in the tamil film 'Auto Raaja'. I remember hearing it on
Ilangaioliparappukkoottuttabanattin tamizhchevai irandu .
She has sung a number of duets with Illaiyaraaja such as kannmalargalin
azhaippidazh (taippongal), Sorgame vandaalum (oor vittu oor vandu),
Metti oli (metti) etc. There is much more to write about Janaki,
but I shall stop here.
P. Susheela: Many a golden melody has been produced by the Illaiyaraaja
Susheela combination. Maane mani mangala chippi from Kadal meengal,
Raaja chinna raaja, Sugamo Aayiram, Kannan enna sonnan, Kannan oru
kaikkuzhandai, raaghavane ramana, ninaittu ninaittu varainda oviyam,
En kanmani en kaadali (with SPB), Kannukkulle yaaro with Shailaja,
Tennankeetrum with Malaysia, Neer kodukka pirandadamma (Bala Nagamma),
Kaalaittenral (uyarnda ullam), Gangai aatril (1000 nilave vaa),
Per solla vanda pillai (magane magane). She has been a lead singer
for decades.
All of the above singers were featured in Annakkili.
SPB: Was his first song with Illaiyaraaja 'Naan pesa vanden"?
Probably one of the most used male playback singers. 'Poo pole'
from kavarimaan - what a song..; his first song for a Bharatiraja
movie was 'Mudan mudalaaga kaadal duet paada vandene' ! A versatile
singer with a whole range of songs from 'Ilamai enum poongattru'
to 'Illamai ido ido' - covering such melodies as Pani vizhum malarvanam, Raaga deepam, Togai Illamayil, Paadum vaanambadi, Nada vinodangal,
takita tatimi, raakkamma kaiya tattu, Onna nenachen etc. and a host
of 'koottu' songs such as Ei aatta!
Yesudoss: Kannan oru kaikkuzhandai, Poovizhi vaasalil yaaradi vandadu
were his early hits. This went on with Sentaazhampoovil, Uravugal
todarkadai, Engum Nirainda iyarkaiyil, azhage azhagu, kanne kalaimane,
Poonkaatru, Vellaippura, Poomalai, Marimarininne, Manadil urudi vendum,
Kanna varuvaya, Pottu vaitta oru vatta nila, neepadi naanpadi kanne,
etc. etc. only to name a few. A wonderful singer. The above mentioned
songs are soft songs; some of his koottu hits include 'Vachha paarvai',
and 'Tanni totti', 'Nadu rodu' etc. and his semi classical hits include
'Sridevi en vaazhvil', 'Vedam nee', Alai paayude kanna. An all time
favourite is 'Manida manida' from Kann sivandaal mann sivakkum.
Sirkazhi Govindarajan: As far as I can recall, he has sung two sungs
under Illaiyaraajas music direction; the first is a song from Bhadrakali while the second is from Taai Mookambikai (Tiripura Sundari nee).
Balamurali Krishna: Chinnakkannan Azhaikkiraan from Kavikkuyil was a
very popular song. He sang again in Taai Mookaambikai.
SP Shailaja: Sister of SPB was introduced in Ponnu Oorukku Pudusu -
Solaikkuyile was a nice song. She had a number of hits to her credit.
Aasaya kaatula toodu vittu, Malargalil aadum illamai pudumaiye,
Raasave unna naan ennittan, Naada vinodangal, Vaan pole vannam kondai,
Kannukkulle yaaro, Mottu vitta mullaikkodi.
Jency: was also an early intruduction. A number of hits such as
Iru paravaigal, Idayam Pogude, Aayiram malargale, Nyan nyan paadanum,
Ennuyir neetano (priya). There was a long break and then she sang
the song 'Aattoram kaatada' in 1982.
Poorani, Indra, Vasanta: Have sung songs such as Devan tiruchhabai
malargale. Vasanta sang Tamtananam with Jency.
Malaysia Vasudevan: got his break with Aatukkutti muttaiyittu etc.
Again a versatile singer with songs such as Aahaan vandirichu,
Oru Tanga radattil, Aagaya gangai, Kattavandi kattavandi,
Devanin koyilile (Vellai roja), Koyil Maniosai, Inda minminikku,
Kodaikkala kaatre etc.
Kamalahasan: Ninaivo oru paravai in sigappu rojakkal, Panneer
pushpangale in aval appadittan, Vikram, Pottu vaitta kadal tittam,
Inji iduppazhagi, Sonnapadi kelu, vizhiorattu kavidai, raaja
kaiya vachha etc. and more.
BS Sashirekha: Sang several songs in the late seventies and in
the very early eighties. 'Vizhiyil vizhundu' from Alaigal oivatillai, 'Tottiram padiye' again from Alaigal oivatillai were good hits.
Remember 'Vaazhve maayama' from whats the name of that movie
Gayatri ? (a Sridevi starrer).
Sujata: Oru iniya uravu isaiyai anaittu sellum from Johny. Also
'Kaadal oviyam kanden' - from Kavikkuyil I guess.
PB Srinivas: 'Kangale Pesu' from the film Kadavul Amaitta medai.
beautiful song.
Jikki: I believe she sang a couple of songs for Illaiyaraaja in the
late 70s and i am not sure what the songs are. There is a song sung
by her in 1989 'Raattiri poottadu kaattu roja'.
Vani Jayaram: Roaring hits in Azhage unnai aaradikkiren, Illamai
Oonjaladugiradu (Nee kettal naan matten, Orey naal), Rosappoo
ravikkaikkari (Ennullil engo) and a number of others. There was a
long long gap where Illaiyaraaja and she didnt work together, and
later on the comeback was in Balanagamma (Sangeetam en deivam anro),
and later on again in 'Vaa vaa Pakkam vaa' in tanga magan.
Uma Ramanan: A singer with a sweet voice and expression, with such
hits as 'Aananda raagam', 'Manjal veiyil' from Nandu, 'Poonkadave',
'Aarumadu aazham illa' etc.
Bhrammanandam: A singer introduced in Metti (Sandakkavigal paadum).
Radhika: A singer introduced in Aaradanai (Illam pani tuli vizhum).
Krishnachandran: Edo Mogam in Kozhi koovudu, with SJanaki, and a
few other songs during the three year period 82-84.
Deepan Chakravarti: Poonkadave was a super hit. There were a number
of other songs that he sang including some in Kaadal Oviyam.
TL Maharajan: songs such as Meri pyari dil ki rani from Inru poi
Naalai vaa.
Gangai Amaran: Lyricist and a brother if Illaiyaraaja he has sung
songs such as 'Solai Pushpangale' and 'Tekku teru machane' with
PSushila.
Jayachandran: A number of hits in the early years such as 'Geeta
Sangeeta', Raaja Ponnu, Vellinilavinile, Tavikkudu tayangudu,
maanjolaikkili taano, Taalattude (Kadal meengal) etc. A long pause
and then a comeback with songs such as 'Raasaatti onna' from Vaidehi
kaattirundaal and then the song 'Undadu vizhi vazhi mele' from solla
tudikkudu manasu.
Chitra: Poove poochooda vaa and Geetanjali made waves while Sindubairavi won awards. She soon became an established singer. One of my favourites
is 'Madura marikkozhundu vaasam' from Enga oor pattukkaran. Other hits
include Ededo, Singalattu chinnakkuyil, and several several more.
Mano: made his debut in the song 'Ten mozhi', soon became an established
singer again, with hits such as Singaarapenn orutti, Madura marikkozhund and many more.
Swarnalata: again a recent introduction in the last few years. Maalaiyil
yaaro from sattiriyan was a hit.
The singer that sang 'naan enbadu', 'Aararo pattu paada' etc. is also
a recent introduction.
Lata Rajinikant: Introduced in 'netru inda neram' Tick Tick tick,
also sang 'kadavul ullame' in anbulla rajnikant.
Asha Bhonsle: Introduced to tamil in Shenbagame Shenbagame (Enga oor
pattukkaran), she has had hits such as Mazhai megam, Adi kaalai unnai,
O Butterfly etc.
Lata Mangeshkar: Introduced to Illaiyaraaja with 'Aararo Aararo' has
hit such as 'Engirundo azhaikkum', 'Valaiosai kala kala kalavena'.
Bhupender: A hindi singer, sang a duet 'Kaise kahoon' with S. janaki
in the film Nandu.
MS Viswanathan: sang a song for Illaiyaraaja in the film Tai mookambikai
Finally
Illaiyaraaja: has sung a number of songs himself. Of late each film
scored by him seems to have one song sung by him. He sang all songs in
the film Geetanjali (tamil - not the telugu one).
Starting with Solam vedakkayile, he proceded with 'Anbu mugam' in Rusi
kanda poonai, 'Kann malargalin' in Taippongal and then a whole host of
other songs - Saamakkozhi, Onakkenattane and other songs in Ponnu oorukk pudusu, Kaadal oviyam in alaigal oivatillai, Metti Oli in Metti,
Amman koyil kezhakkala, Kanniyila sikkadayya (Pudumaippenn), Oomai
megame (kairaasikkaran), Aattadi paavada, Aarumadu aazhamilla,
Adi aattadi (with janaki and multi track recording), Kalyana maalai
and finally songs such as Ten Paandi seemaiyile, and 'Pattale buddi
sonnar'.
This list is probably incomplete. I just recalled and wrote this up
in one sitting. Omission of names is not at all intentional. I would
like to discuss more about each of these singers, but it would go on
for ever.
Let us move on to lyricists in the next part of this series.
kanniks
--
fortune
exit
From JUTS!amdahl!rtech!decwrl!wupost!uwm.edu!linac!att!att-out!ucbeh.san.uc.edu!ucunix.san.uc.edu!uceng.uc.edu!kanniks Mon Aug 2 12:42:16 PDT 1993
Article 10525 of soc.culture.tamil:
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>From: kan...@uceng.uc.edu (k kannikeswaran)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.tamil
Subject: Illaiyaraaja - Part 5 - Lyricists
Summary: Article 5 of 5
Message-ID: <CB36I...@uceng.uc.edu>
Date: 1 Aug 93 15:18:05 GMT
Organization: University of Cincinnati
Lines: 61
Illaiyaraajaa - part 5 - Lyricists, Conclusion
This article is much shorter than the others in this series.
Panju Arunachalam: had a major share of the lyrics to Illayaraajas
songs early in his career. Most, if not all of his movies were scored
by Illaiyaraaja. Kalyanaraman, Ellam inba mayam, Ananda raagam etc.
etc. had songs written by panju arunachalam. There is a fairly long
list here..
Kannadasan: This partnership lasted until 1981 till the end of the
poets life. Sentaazhampoovil, Radha Radha nee engey, Azhagiya kanne,
Poonkatru, Kanne kalaimane are some examples that come to my mind.
Gangai Amaran: Illaiyaraaja's brother. This was excellent team work
and is going strong even today. This lyricist diversified into
siningin, music composing, directing, producing and even acting.
Muttulingam: Maanjolaikkilidano, Raga deepam etrum neram etc. are
the songs that come to my mind.
Vairamuttu: introduced in 1982 with his Ponmalaippozhudu is probably
the most successful lyricist of today. There was a strong partnership
between him and Illaiyaraaja for several years. Illaya nila,
Panivizhum malarvanam, Andi mazhai, Manida Manida, Kasturi maane,
Naanoru sindu etc., the list is very long.
Vaali: is another lyricist that has a whole list of Illaiyaraaja
songs. Of late, he seems to have wrtitten a lot. Apoorva sahodarargal,
etc. are some examples.
Paavalar Varadaraasan: Illaiyaraajavin moota sagodarar. 'mannil inda
kaadal inri' is probably his greatest hit.
Mu Mehta: Ten aruviyil nanaindidum malaro from Aagaya gangai.
This list again is an incomplete list.
It takes a lot to produce a popular song. Lyrics that have meaning,
lyrics that are beautiful/attractive and above all catchy. A tune
that gives life to the lyrics, appropriate orchestration to give
life to the tune, and voices with expression to bring all of this
to full life, and finally the idam porul aeval in the film (context)
that leaves an everlasting expression or atleast an expression that
creates pleasure during every single recollection. To get all these
factors working for you, and to last for a long while doing this,
at the same time coming up with innovations - (not random experiments)
but innovations that please millions of the listeners, to create
expectations among the audience, to fulfil those expectations only
to create more, to become a household name, to earn the love and
respect of millions using music as a medium is just something great..
All that i can conclude that we are very fortunate to have had
Illayaraaja score music for tamil films..
Thanks
kanniks
--
fortune
exit
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Article 10593 of soc.culture.tamil:
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>From: kan...@uceng.uc.edu (k kannikeswaran)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.tamil
Subject: Illaiyaraaja - Background Score - (Addendum to 5 part series)
Message-ID: <CB8FJ...@uceng.uc.edu>
Date: 4 Aug 93 11:21:02 GMT
Organization: University of Cincinnati
Lines: 99
Addendum to the five part series
Illaiyaraaja - Background Score
In the five articles, we discussed the glory of Illaiyaraaja's
contribution to the world of music. Most of our discussion was
focussed only on songs that he tuned in movies.
Let us now switch gears and talk about his background score. Raaja
gave a new dimension to background scores altogether.
Illaiyaraaja's music
lends wonderful support to the flow of a movie..
Raajapaarvai: There is this violin piece that Kamal plays at a
recording, that is on the movie record too. (Its proabably a 78rpm
with andi mazhai on one side and this piece on the other; ive seen
only badly scratched discs!). VS Narasimhan (who later on was to
direct music himself) played the lead violin. This piece is
probably known to one and all. Now, there is another violin
piece which is only on the soundtrack. The accompanying scene is
one wherein Madhavi watches with appreciation Kamals rendition and
breaks into applause and disturbs the recording..; also, the
theme music in this film is based on a little hymn like song sung
by the school choir; this song directly precedes andi mazhai;
a much grander version of this piece is played at the conclusion
of the film. Remember the song 'Vizhiyorattu kavidai'; A theme
based on this song repeats throughout the film, growing in
intensity/richness, as the relationship between Raghu and Nancy
develops; played several times on several instruments, this piece
repeats during the church scene at a faster pace. The background
score in this movie is worth paying attention too.
The above illustration should give a general outline of what to
expect in Illaiyaraaja's background score. The title music is
usually special. There are themes for various contexts and these
themes repeat themselves in various forms. Such conscious scoring
frame by frame really builds up the power of a movie..
Nenjattai killade: Title music, along the lines of Paruvame, -
with appropriate sitar/guitar pieces, coming to a grand end with
a lead violin and strings in the baroque style. There is also a theme
that is used to show the growing warmth between Suhasini and Pratap
. This tune has been reused in the Penn Serial which came on TV
several years later. The first interlude in Paruvame - was later on
reset as a portion of a song 'Malaiye paniye alaigalin nuraiye' -
in the song 'Alaigale vaa' for the movie Kavidai malar or so (i think)
that was never released..
Going forward 6 years, lets look at Mouna raagam. The haunting
music that echoes throughout the Kartik flashback still lingers
in my mind. There is also a theme based on the scale of pantuvarali
that shows the affection that revati's family has for her..
Alaigal Oivatillai had a very good background score. So did
Salangai Oli. A choir based humming in the scale of keeravani
interspersed with powerful mridangam, with small counter melodies
on the synth, dominate the section first half of the movie..
Again, it is in these background scores that a music director has
a full unlimited range of options (is it an appropriate word?) to
create a listening experience, with his choice of the medium, in
order to get the emotion/event at that point in time, at that
situation get to the listener in a very powerful manner. It also
calls for a great deal of creativity on the part of the director
to capitalize on the music director's skills to express his message
more effectively. There are scenes in films where there are
no dialogues, no songs (of course no fights/chases), where music
alone dominates. you can see a lot of such scenes in bharatiraaja's
films. The interlude from the song 'idayam pogude' is used
repeatedly in Pudiya vaarpugal for example..
The lp from the film 'Ninaivellam Nitya' has a number of small
instrumental pieces, from various films. One of these, if I am
not mistaken, is the title music from the film Ullasapparavaigal.
Raaja has also contributed a lot to the orchestral interludes in film
songs. Most of these are highly intricate (especially during the
Golden Age); some of them deviate from the main theme, wander
systemmatically (not aimlessly - imitations meander aimlessly!),
sometimes involving (in technical terms what is called) a modal shift
and finally return to a comfortable starting point for the next
passage. Take the second interlude in Aananda raagam from panneer
pushpangal for example. Other memorable interludes are those
from my all time favourite Andi mazhai and Poonkadave. One other
song with a striking contrast in the interlude is 'Engum nirainda
iyarkaiyil'. In most cases the deviations are subtle; it often
seems like each interlude (actually each line) has a story to tell.
Nenjattaikkillade - Yen tenrale- effective use of a choir..
There are songs that i listen to, primarily for the orchestration..
such as 'Kaadal oviyam' in alaigal oivatillai and 'Metti Oli'
from metti; togai illamayil from payanangal mudivatillai;
unakkenattane/saamakkozhi from ponnu oorukku pudusu; Adi Penne
from Mullum malarum..
This is a never ending topic. Let me stop here..
--
fortune
exit
--
----------------------------------------------------
email: fc...@duts.ccc.amdahl.com
These are my opinions, not necessarily my employer's
----------------------------------------------------
Sriram Ganapathy
---
__ __ __ __
\ \ \ \/ / / / Sriram Ganapathy
\ \ ____ \/\/ ____ / / 630 Merrick, #609 Detroit, MI 48202
\ \_/ /\ \_/\/\_/ /\ \_/ / ----------------------------------
\___/ \___/\___/ \___/ gan...@eng.wayne.edu
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY t...@cs.wayne.edu
URL : http://www.cs.wayne.edu/~trg/