Music moods - A Musical Journey - part-4

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Click here for part 3 :

இன்னொருவர் வேதனை
இவர்களுக்கு வேடிக்கை
இதயமற்ற மனிதருக்கு
இதுவெல்லாம் வாடிக்கை

எத்தனை பெரிய மனிதனுக்கு
எத்தனை சிறிய மனமிருக்கு
எத்தனை சிறிய பறவைக்கு
எத்தனை பெரிய அறிவிருக்கு
 

This is a song which comes in the movie Aasai Mugam,an MGR starrer.Lyrics were penned by Vaali.Vaali has just taken a dig on mankind,in this song.The meaning of the song goes like this.Only people without any feelings and heart will make fun of others problems.Its quite usual for them.Man(also woman),who is God's superior creation,has lot of cheap thoughts and his heart is just too small whereas a small bird is sensible.There will be a stanza in this song explaining the good qualities of some birds.This is the lyrics :

கோழியை பாரு காலையில் விழிக்கும்
குருவியை பாரு சோம்பலை பழிக்கும்
காக்கையை பாரு கூடி பிழைக்கும்
நம்மையும் பாரு நாடே சிரிக்கும் 

Whenever I am angry on someone and not in a position to do anything against them due to situations and circumstances(sometimes the anger will be towards politicians),I will listen to this song only.It gives a sense of satisfaction to me.

 பாசமுள்ள பார்வையிலே

கடவுள் வாழ்கிறான்

அவன் கருணையுள்ள நெஞ்சினிலே

கோவில் கொள்கிறான்

These meaningful lines are from the song "Idho Endhan Deivam" from the movie "Babu".The lyrics were penned by,again Mr.Vaali.This is the best possible simple explanation about God.Meaning of these lines - God lives in our affection and love and the heart in which there is love and sympathy,becomes temple.

Well there is some magical touch in this man's words.Again its all pure gift of God.After a great struggle, he got a chance to write songs in Tamil Cinema in late 1950s and he is still the most preferred lyricist in Tamil Cinema.The most recent Harris Jeyaraj,Yuvan Shankar Raja and G V Prakash also prefers Vaali. Not only movies,he has written so many other poems.Once veteran director K Balachander called Vaali and told a situation and asked him to tell a poem for the situation through phone itself.This was the situation,a mother is writing a letter to her baby which she is carrying.Vaali started off with the following lines and told a complete poem through phone itself.K Balachander,a man who has directed 100 movies,himself told this in an interview.These were the lines :

தாய்ப்பால் வருவதற்கு முன்

தபால் வருகிறதே என்று

திகைக்கிறாயா?

There is another incident which I would like to share here.While looking for an opportunity to write songs in Tamil Cinema,Vaali wrote a song and was waiting for the opinion of a music director M P Srinivasan.After a deep thought,M P Srinivasan sir replied to Vaali that the song didn't impress him.Vaali didn't give up the hope.Infact once the great MSV sir himself,on seeing some of the poems of Vaali sir, told to Vaali's friend that, Vaali can better do someother useful job, instead of trying for a chance in cinema.Vaali didn't lose his hope.He was confident about himself.He always had the hope that he can make it big in cinema one day or other day.Later on,same MSV sir,during a composing, asked Vaali that where he was all these days, that Tamil Cinema has been badly missing this great poet.Vaali wrote the same song,which was earlier rejected by M P Srinivasan,to another movie.The song became a super hit and now it is regarded as an evergreen classic. Later on even MPS regretted missing this great song.The song is :

கொடுத்ததெல்லாம் கொடுத்தான்

அவன் யாருக்காக கொடுத்தான்

ஒருத்தருக்கா கொடுத்தான் இல்லை

ஊருக்காக கொடுத்தான்

Why I narrated these incidents here means,we should never lose hope as long as we have perfect knowledge about what we are doing.As Vaali himself says,only his words has been a visiting card for him always.If I start writing about Vaali,this will not look like a blog post,it will go on like a novel.I have written a detailed post about Vaali sir in this link[CLICK HERE].If you want to know more about him,go through that link.

This is how the songs were in black and white period.Lyrics had equal importance as that of tune.And the Tamil Cinema fans were able to get a Kannadasan,Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram,Vaali,Pulamaipithan etc.

In the meantime,Hindi songs started dominating in Tamil Nadu.The Hindi songs had a great response and people started giving more importance to Hindi songs.The Tamil songs were also influenced by Hindi tunes.The scenario changed in 1976.The entry of one man, gave a new lease of life to music in Tamil Cinema. His songs had a great impact that once again Tamil songs started becoming chart-busters.This man didn't enter cinema just like that.He struggled a lot to get an opportunity.Once veteran director Bharathiraja said,he along with this music director, struggled a lot that they didn't even have enough money to buy food for them.He worked in some orchestra troops.He is a master in playing guitar.He is a complete music director who gave a new dimension to music in Tamil Cinema - he is none other than the musical genius,legend - 'Isaignani' Ilayraja sir.

He is a creator of close to 4500 songs and he has scored music for around 950 movies.His musical hits speaks volumes about him.I can very easily quote the songs from the movies like Uyarntha Ullam,Padikkathavan,Thamibikku Endha ooru,Oru Kaidhiyin Diary etc.These movies had Superstar Rajnikanth and Ulaganayagan Kamalhassan in the lead roles.But there are lot of movies in which Ilayaraja's music alone can be considered as a real hero.There was a hero in Tamil Cinema,who gave consecutive blockbuster movies.Though he had some fans,he was not a kind of hero whose movies will do business only because of fans.It was Ilayaraja sir's music which was one of the main reasons for the success of his movies. The hero is none other than 'mike' Mohan :D.His movies like Idhayakoil,Udhayageetham,Payanangal mudivadhillai(Ilayanila is enough to show what kind of genius Ilayaraja sir is) etc and all had songs of exceptional quality.

There was also another hero who gave some huge hits.There are many comedy scenes from various movies which made fun of his dressing sense and also some fans will mock him for the kind of 'shining' dresses he wore.His name is Ramarajan.The movie 'Karagattakaran' in which he was the hero,was a huge huge hit.It ran successfully for 1 year.Ilayaraja's music is one of the main reasons for such a resounding success.Of-course the comedy track in the movie is an evergreen one,thanks to Koundamani-Senthil(who can forget the 'Vaazhapazham' comedy :D).The reason for mentioning these details is not to ridicule the heroes,but to stress the fact that Ilayaraja sir's music was able to create heroes.

Not only in cinema,he also has a great command in 'Shastriya Sangeet'.Kanchi Mahaperiyava Jagadguru Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Swamigal himself praised Ilayaraja sir.He asked Ilayaraja sir to sing saying that he wanted to listen to his songs.This swami is considered to be an incarnation of God(don't confuse yourself with some fake babas who claim themselves to be Gods,this Swamigal never claimed himself to be God and all).Such a great Kacnhi Mahaperiyava himself praised Ilayaraja sir means,that says what kind of gift Ilayaraja is for us.Even one of the greatest music directors had a lot of affection and respect for Ilayaraja and his music[Ilayaraja has praised R D Burman sir in so many interviews].One of the greatest personalities in Carnatic musical world,Shemmangudi Srinivasa Iyyer,also has praised him.Imagine what these people are going to gain by praising this music director?Its a comment from their heart - I respect it :-).

I can keep on mentioning names of so many great personalities who praised Ilayaraja like anything.But then, that itself will take quite a long time.

The combination of Ilayaraja-Bharathiraja-Vairamuthu was a terrific one.A musical genius with one of the greatest directors and an intelligent lyricist(Vairamuthu).Alaigal Oivadhillai is an excellent movie.Directed by Bharathiraja sir.It was a bold movie and it had a path-breaking climax.But music is the heart and soul of this movie.The aaiyiram thaamarai mottukkale song bgm is still fresh in my mind[in the minds of many].

The movie Mudhal Mariyadhai is the best.I was watching this movie last month.Couldn't even move here and there,its such a fantastic creation.Bharathiraja's brilliant portrayal of the characters,Vairamuthu sir's meaningful lines and Ilayaraja's magical music and Sivaji Ganesan - one of the greatest actors in India[in my opinion he is the greatest] playing the lead role(hero) - everything put together made the movie an evergreen classic.

என்ன சொல்லுவேன்
என் உள்ளம் தாங்கல
மெத்த வாங்கினேன்
தூக்கத்த வாங்கல

How meaningful these lines are!!!Vairamuthu is an excellent lyricist.Such a meaningful lyrics with the soulful composition of Ilayaraja will definitely leave an impression in the mind of the listener.After listening to these songs,Sivaji sir himself praised Ilayaraja and said one can't score music better than this.

His Raakkamma Kayyathattu song, from the movie Thalapathy, ranked 4th in BBC radio's top ten songs of the world.Just listen the way violins has been used in this song.He is rightly called 'Isaignani'.Ilayaraja has found (I don't whether the word 'invented' or 'discovered' should be used here,because I don't know much about music) some new Ragas - heard this from veteran Carnatic singer BalaMuraliKrishna. Ilayaraja was the first person to introduce Reethigowla raaga in cinema.The song 'Chinna kannan azhaikkiran' from the movie Kavikuyil, is based on this raaga only. Source of this information - lyricist-poet Vaali.He has mentioned this in one of his books.Just listen to the song.It was sung by BalaMuraliKrishna sir.Just observe the flute part in the song..I have just one word - AWESOME.

Ilayaraja has composed almost all genre of songs.Carnatic,Western,Folk,Devotional etc..Infact his Thiruvasagam symphony oratario is a fusion of Indian classical with western classical.In his initial stages he didn't get many awards.To be honest,he was not given awards in India.Dirty politics can be the only reason for this.He was awarded just 3 national awards for best music direction,out of which two awards were for Telugu movies.A man who scored music for more than 900 movies was awarded just 3 national awards and that too just 1 for Tamil cinema.Can there be anyother reason than crap politics?He is the first person to win a national award for Best Background Music.I consider,its an honor to that award,that it goes to Ilayaraja.As A R Rahman said, Ilayaraja's music is something bigger than oscars and awards.

One interesting information I would like to share here.The oscar award winning music director A R Rahman was a keyboard player in Ilayaraja sir's troupe in his initial days.He played the keyboard for Punnagai Mannan theme music and it is said that he used the synthesizers for this theme music.Its a great theme music,composed by Ilayaraja and played by A R Rahman.

KamalHassan starrer 'Sagarasangamam' was a huge hit in Telugu.Again its a product of legends - K Viswanath,the director,Ilayaraja the music director and Kamalhassan - the hero.It was dubbed in Tamil and the movie went on to become a huge huge blockbuster in Tamil too.In Tamil,the lyrics were penned by Vairamuthu and they have used some songs Thyagaraja swamigal.But for Ilayraja's music,I don't think the dubbed version might have become such a huge hit.I have seen this movie so many times and I will watch it again and again hereafter too.This is my favorite Kamal movie.His expressions and dance still remains in my eyes.Marvelous acting by Kamal sir.Watch this video friends.Especially when Jayaprada says,'ivarum periya dancer thaanga',Kamal will cry,holding her hands,emotionally.While watching this scene,many times I was moved to tears.Also listen to the song which comes after the scene. Absolute masterpiece.Infact I would recommend you people to watch this movie fully(if you have not seen this movie before).The directorial touch can be felt in every scene,especially when the end card appears as "NO END FOR ANY ART".

I would like to stop with this about Ilayaraja sir.Imagine what will happen if  I start describing about all his 950 movies.

Again this is not the end of the musical journey,it will continue in my next post too.Will come up with some more informations.

P.S. :  In my previous post,I have mentioned that I was not sure about who wrote the song "Enakkoru Kaadhali Irukkindraal" and also have mentioned that it must be either Vaali or Kannadasan.I got the answer for this.It is Vaali.Got this info from veteran singer L R Eswari.She said this while presenting a program in Captain TV.

(To be continued..)

Music moods - A Musical Journey - part-3

Click here for part 1:

Click here for part 2 :

எனக்கொரு காதலி இருக்கின்றாள்
அவள் ஏழு ஸ்வரங்களில் சிரிக்கின்றாள்
கீதம் அவளது வளையோசை
நாதம் அவளது தமிழோசை

On seeing the above lines don't think that I am describing about my lover here[Meaning of the song is something like I have a lover,she smiles in my tunes].Actually I don't have any lover or lovers  :P.Well this a Tamil song tuned by veteran music director M S Viswanathan(MSV).The song was sung by again MSV and S P Balasubramaniam(SPB). Well this is an ultra-cool song which many might not have heard.If you listen to this song carefully,you can observe the way the instruments,violin and piano,used. The song comes in the movie,"Muthana muthallavo",I still have a confusion on who wrote the lyrics for this song.I have checked with some sources,some say its Kannadasan and some say its Vaali.So couldn't come to a conclusion on this.But it is one among these 2.Lovely lyrics is what I feel.Listen to this song here.

This is the speciality of MSV sir.Using a single instrument throughout the song in the background.If you listen to the song Kalyaana Naal Paarka sollalama from the movie Parakkum Paavai,you can feel the usage of Saxaphone and a "tak tak" music playing in the background right from the beginning of the song till the end.He is a master in using instruments.While describing about MSV one can't ignore Mr.Ramamurthy. Viswanathan-Ramamurthy - this was a great pair those days.That's why they are called as "Mellisai Mannargal"(king of melodies).Mr.Ramamurthy is a master in playing violin.This song,for which the musical score was by Viswanathan-Ramamurthy, became a huge hit and the no. of violins used for this song was a record those days(of-course after that Rakkamma Kayyathattu came).The song is "Enge Nimmadhi".

Viswanathan-Ramamurthy has worked together for so many songs,but unfortunately they parted ways due to some personal issues.Working individually MSV sir became successful in the beginning itself,but Ramamurthy sir couldn't shine immediately,but he too tasted success after some struggle in the industry.But individually, MSV was more successful as a composer compared to Ramamurthy.

MSV has composed music for so many movies.The movie Ninaithale Inikkum is a genuine musical hit.The movie had around 15 songs and all the 15 are hit songs. Imagine a movie with so many songs nowadays.Will the audience have patience to hear so many songs?But MSV's music made it possible,those days.The songs were such a huge hit that one song from this movie has been remixed(to be precise,it was rehashed in a little amateur manner) recently.The song is Engeyum eppodhum from the movie "Polladhavan".

Once Ilayaraja and A R Rahman themselves said in an interview that travel in the path shown by the legend M S Viswanathan sir. He is also a nice singer.Some of his popular songs as a singer include Enakkoru Kaadhali,Sambo siva sambo, Vasantha kaala nadhigalile(he was the play back singer for Rajni in that song),Aalalakanda aadalukku thagappa,Meghame oh meghame(from the recent movie Madarasapattinam).His voice has still not lost the magic. Its too difficult to list out the popular movies which had the musical score of MSV sir,as the number is too large.Still I would like to list out some movies Ninaithaale Inikkum,Moondru mudichu,Thillu Mullu,Simla Special,Varumayin niram sivappu,Billa(Rajni starrer),Enga Veetu Pillai,Avan thaan manithan,sumaithaangi etc.

Though I don't belong to the era of music,when MSV was at his peak,I am still happy that his songs still attract people of the current generation too.

This is a very small description about the legends MSV-Ramamurthy.It is possible to publish a series of books describing their works.Now let me get into 'Mama' Mahadevan.The song "Mama mama mama" from the movie Kumudam was a huge hit and till today it remains one of the most popular songs of Tamil Cinema.The music director of this song is none other Mr.K V Mahadeva.As this song became such a huge hit,he was fondly called as 'Mama' Mahadevan.K V Mahadevan was also equally popular as MSV.He too has composed for so many MGR-Sivaji movies and all.

He is also a very popular music director in Telugu cinema too.His works with director K Viswanath are absolute masterpiece.His Shankarabharanam is my favorite.The songs in Shankarabharanam like Manasa Sanchanare , Shankara Naadha shareeraaparaa are evergreen classics.Shankarabharanam is a movie based on music.All the songs are in Carnatic style and all the songs were sung by man with golden voice Mr. S P Balasubramaniam.Point to be noted is,SPB sir didn't learn Carnatic music formally.But the songs are simply awesome and none will believe that this man didn't learn Carnatic music formally.Pure hard work.When we listen to such songs in a relaxed mood,we will feel like living in heaven(atleast I felt like this so many times).

He has scored music for lot of Tamil movies too viz.,Vivasayee,Thiruvilayadal,Kandhan Karunai,Thiruvarutchelvar etc.His "Mannavan Vandhaanadi Thozhi" from the movie Thiruvarutchelvar is a song which I would recommend everyone, who likes good music, to listen.What an extra-ordinary composition it is.This song has an important space in my personal life too.In my school days,when I was in town,I used to watch lot of cultural programs in schools,temples,halls etc.Atleast 2-3 girls will dance for this song in every function.Simple love this song.Whenver I listen to this song,I just want to go back to those good old days.Am sharing the video link for the song below,don't hesitate to listen the complete song.The song exactly starts at 1.52sec..What a brilliant dance performance by Padmini madam.Do watch it friends :-).

Still so many singers and music directors like Seergazhi Govindarajan,S Varalakshmi(singers) and V Kumar,Papanasam Sivan,Sudharsanam,Vijayabaskar etc.But am not getting in depth about them,if possible will try to add up some info here and there about him.This doesn't mean that these people are not so popular or they don't have such a great reputation and all..I like all the above mentioned music directors and singers too.But I just want to cover up some more things related to music,so only I am not writing much about these greats.

Well after so many years,these songs are able to attract even the current generation.One of the main reasons for this success is the space given for lyrics.Lyrics and tune had equal space those days.Music never dominated the lyrics.Sound never suppressed the song those days.That's why these songs never fade away. Sometimes a song can bring about a change in our personal life too.This is one such song,which was written by a great lyricist.

மயக்கமா ? கலக்கமா ?
மனதிலே குழப்பமா ?
வாழ்க்கையில் நடுக்கமா?

வாழ்க்கையென்றால் ஆயிரம் இருக்கும்
வாசல் தோறும் வேதனையிருக்கும்
வந்த துன்பம் எதுவென்றாலும்
வாடி நின்றால் ஓடுவதில்லை
எதையும் தாங்கும் இதயமிருந்தால்
இறுதிவரைக்கும் அமைதியிருக்கும்

One man was looking for an opportunity to become a lyricist in Tamil Cinema.But he lost all his hopes at one stage(its no mean task to get a chance in any field in cinema).He packed all his luggages and he has decided to return to his native,out of frustration.Singer P B Srinivas came to his room exactly when he was all set to go.This man had a good contact with so many cinema personalities,but still he couldn't get a chance.He didn't reveal his plans of going back to his native to PBS and instead,he asked PBS to sing some good song which he sang recently.PBS started singing the above song 'Mayakkama kalakkama'.This person after listening to the song completely,dropped his plans of going back.This song gave him a new hope and he decided not to go back without achieving in Tamil Cinema.He worked hard,he faced lot of obstacles,but finally he achieved it.He is none other than the evergreen young lyricist Mr.'Vaali' A meaningful song written by a legend,has created another legend.

I will translate the meaning here in the best possible way.'Are you depressed?Are you confused?Are you scared of your life?In life there will be thousands of issues.Problems are there in every house.Whatever be the problem that you are facing,it will not run away from you,just because you are depressed.If you have a heart to accept everything,your life will be peaceful forever".Reason for translating this song is,this song might give a new lease of life to some depressed soul,who is reading this blog.As I mentioned earlier,the translation is only for people who doesn't knows Tamil.

கம்பன் ஏமாந்தான்
இளம் கன்னியரை
ஒரு மலரென்றானே
கற்பனை செய்தானே 

What a meaningful lines written by Kannadasan sir again :D.Every male reader will like this song from the movie 'Nizhal nijamaagiradhu'.

Always one has to be careful in dealing with poets and lyricists.God's greatest gift to them is their powerful words.Once Mr.Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram wrote a song and gave it to a producer.That producer told him to get the payment for that song the next day.His(Mr.Kalyanasundaram's) economical condition was very bad at that time.When he went to get the payment,he delayed it purposefully.The producer asked his watchman to tell him that he was not in the house.Pattukottayar wrote the following lines in a paper and kept it on the bench and left the place.The next day ,the producer settled the amount without any further delay and also apologised for what has happened.This is what Pattukottayaar wrote :

தாயால் பிறந்தேன்
தமிழால் வளர்ந்தேன்
நாயே நேற்றுன்னை
நடுவீதியில் சந்தித்தேன்
நீ யார் என்னை
நில்லென்று சொல்வதற்கு

This is the best example to show his self-confidence.Even when his economical condition was too bad,he never gave up his self-respect.கெட்டாலும் மேன் மக்கள் மேன் மக்களே!!!

When you are going to play with the self-respect of someone,be prepared to get back nicely something like this.Pattukottayaar was highly influenced by Communism.That's why he wrote songs like,

கொடுக்கற காலம் நெருங்குவதால்
இனி எடுக்கற அவசியம் இருக்காது
இருக்கிறதெல்லாம் பொதுவாய்ப் போனா
பதுக்குற வேலையும் இருக்காது
ஒதுக்குற வேலையும் இருக்காது
உழைக்கிற நோக்கம் உறுதி ஆய்ட்டா
கெடுக்கிற நோக்கம் வளராது
மனம் கீழும் மேலும் புரளாது  [from the song Thirudaathe paappa thirudathe,movie Thirudathe]

This song will be surely in my playlist if am listening songs in night.This song is one of the best lullabies I have ever heard.A lullaby with a strong meaning.This comes in the movie Needhikku Thalaivanangu.The situation will be like this,MGR will come out of his home to prove himself.He will work as a servant in heroine's home and she will ask him to sing a song.He will sing this song and will make her sleep.Actually there are 2 versions of this song.The female version was sung by S Varalakshmi madam and the male version by K J Yesudas.The lyrics of female version will be something like a mother describing the powerful character of her son while singing the lullaby.Specialty of the female version is that,the lyrics will appear as if it was not only written for the character but also to MGR personally.Yes it is the song,"Intha pachaikilikkoru sevvandhi poovil".I am sharing the male version here.

இந்த பச்சைக்கிளிக்கொரு செவ்வந்திப்பூவைத்
தொட்டிலில் கட்டிவைத்தேன்
அதில் பட்டுத் துகிலுடன் அன்னை சிறகினை
மெல்லென இட்டு வைத்தேன்
நான் ஆராரோ என்று தாலாட்ட
இன்னும் யாராரோ வந்து பாராட்ட..

எந்த குழந்தையும் நல்ல குழந்தைதான்
மண்ணில் பிறக்கையிலே
பின் நல்லவராவதும் தீயவராவதும்
அன்னை வளர்ப்பதிலே..

பாதை தவறிய கால்கள் விரும்பிய
ஊர் சென்று சேர்வதில்லை
நல்ல பண்பு தவறிய பிள்ளையைப் பெற்றவள்
பேர் சொல்லி வாழ்வதில்லை

The meaning goes like this.I made a cradle for my kid using flowers and singing this lullaby.Every child is good at the time of its birth.Whether the child becomes good or bad in the future depends on how he/she brought up by his/her mother.If you chose the wrong path,you can't reach your destination.When a person deviates from a moral life and indulges in immoral activities,his/her mother will live in humiliation and the activities of the person will bring only bad name to his mother.Watch this song in the below link :

What a meaningful lyrics!!!If we hear such songs daily it will influence our habits for sure and we might also give up some bad habits.And the above song was written by Mr.Pulamaipithan.

The post has become too lengthy it seems.But no other go,whatever am sharing is just 1%.Many information are there to be shared.So it will continue in my next post too.


P.S. : The English translation for the songs might appear childish.As I said already,the translation for people who find it difficult to read Tamil and people who doesn't know Tamil.




(To be continued...)

Music moods - A Musical Journey - part-2

Click here for part1 :

 

"அந்த நாள் ஞாபகம் நெஞ்சிலே வந்ததே
நண்பனே ! நண்பனே !

இந்த நாள் அன்று போல் இன்பமாய் இல்லையே
அது ஏன் ஏன் நண்பனே "

What a song to start with the second part of this musical journey!!.Now if you don't know Tamil,don't get puzzled,am translating it.Am just cherishing the memories of our olden days my friend,but the present days are not as happy as those days.This song was composed by 'Mellisaimannar' M S Viswanathan and the lyrics were written by none other than our evergreen young poet Vaali.Today we have so many new instruments.Lot of facilities in composing a song,recording etc.But those days,these many advancements were not the songs just remain immortal.Even after almost 40-50 years of its release,MGR's Naan Aanayittal song remains the favorite for many music lovers(preferably fans of Tamil movie songs).This is not the case with Tamil songs alone,in every language we have such songs.Mohammad Rafi's songs remains evergreen classics.

If these songs are able to attract the people of this modern era too means,its not only because of the music director or singer.It is a teamwork.Of-course,every achievement is a result of team work,that is different,but here I would like to share some of the incidents and the factors responsible for the success of these (g)old songs.Nowadays we have the facility to mix the music separately,the track can be sang separately and everything can be mixed together later.But that is not the case during those days.

Once recording was going on for a song.And the composition itself took lot of time to get completed.To bring a co-ordination in everything,the chorus section,instruements,the main song etc itself, it took a long time for this particular song.Everyone were already hungry.After the composition was over,everyone started moving out, but suddenly the person who was incharge of the recording part stopped everyone and said that there was some error while recording,so the entire song has to be recorded again.And they didn't have anyother option than to redo the recording and they did.Unfortunately I don't remember the song but the singer was veteran Tamil singer,T M Soundararajan.

This kind of hardwork and man-work is one of the main reasons for the success of these songs.And I have quoted a song at the top of the post,andha naal nyaabagam,a unique incident is associated with this song.The visuals of the song is such that the hero just runs in a joy and he breathes heavily and sings the song.To make it natural,the singer ran from steps in the studio and sang this song with a heavy breathing.Again the singer is Mr.T M Soundararajan.Just watch the song with visuals,you will understand how perfectly the visuals and the audio matches.

This is a unique quality of  TMS.By listening the song itself(without seeing the visuals),we can identify whether its an MGR song or a Sivaji's.For Sivaji,he will sing in high pitch and for MGR he will sing with a relatively soft voice.Something like this.Watch these 2 songs,you can easily identify the difference.

MGR's : 

 

Sivaji's :

 

Not only like this,he has differentiated his voice to suit the mood of the song in different ways.In a movie called "Gnana Oli",see the way he sings for the younger Sivaji and just observe the way he has modified his voice to suit the oldman character of Sivaji in the same movie.Just listen these songs,amma kannu summa sollu and Devane ennai paarungal below.

Amma Kannu :

Devane ennai paarungal 

He sang for a variety of heroes and he worked for a variety of music directors including the legends like M S Viswanathan,K V Mahadevan,Ilayaraja etc.He also has worked with T Rajendar,who is a very good music director.Also he sang for heroes including MGR,Sivaji,Gemini Ganesan,Jaishankar,SSR,Rajnikanth etc.The combination of MGR/Sivaji+Kannadasan/Vaali+M S Viswanathan and/or Ramamurthy + TMS/SPB was a terrific one those days.Just watch these songs,TMS sang for Jaishankar and SSR respectively.What a voice it is!!!.Its all God's gift.

Jaishankar in Naan Malarodu Thaniyaga :

SSR in Gnyayiru enbadhu Kannaga :

One suggestion,watch these songs with little less volume.It will be an awesome feeling.

I am a huge fanatic of TMS' voice,that's why when I started off with black and white songs,I started focusing on him bit more.Well so many great singers are there apart from TMS like C S Jayaraman,P B Srinivas,T R Mahalingam , A M Rajah etc. If you want to listen their voices,just click on their names,I have shared a song sang by these people.You people must listen to the voice of C S Jayaraman,its such a unique voice and it might also appear bit funny to fans of modern day songs,still give a try,he is a great singer.In the link,listen to the "Kaaviyama Nenjil Oviyama" song of C S Jayaraman.

If I leave with this,then people might accuse me that am a male chauvinist :D.To be honest,I simply love the voice of so many female singers like P Susheela,S Janaki,Vaani Jayaram,Chitra,Jensi etc.

Just watch this song, Maalai Pozhuthin Mayakkathile.Singer is P Susheela madam.

This song is a true masterpiece.When a private channel(I think Vijay TV or Raj TV am not sure of this) conducted a felicitation function to Susheela madam for her 50th year in cinema,Isaignani Ilayaraja sir requested Susheela madam to sing this song only.Its not only his favorite,but also my favorite.Amazing voice.Especially observe when she sings "kanavil vandhavar yaarena ketten kanavarendraar thozhee kanavarandral avar kanavu mudindhadhum pirindhadhu en thozhee".It is not only Susheela madam's voice,but also 'Kaviyarasar' Kannadasan's meaningful lyrics and Viswanathan-Ramamurthy's soothing music has given life to this song.This what happens when great people work together in a song : the song remains immortal and it attracts more and more generations.She has sang so many popular songs like Nenjam Marappadhillai,Naalai Intha Velai Parthu,Sonnadhu neethaana etc.

Also watch this song,which is yet another masterpiece.

It is from the movie "Nizhal Nijamaagiradhu".What a voice these people are gifted with.Vaani Jayaram madam and SPB sir.Beautiful voice and meaningful lyrics is what again made this song a huge hit.Just listen to the lyrics too."Maniyosai enna idi osai enna edhu vandha podhum nee kettadhillai"[meaning : "you haven't heard either the sound of bell or thunder",that is he has not heard any sound]  - these lines itself indicate the artiste who takes care of the heroine is a deaf person.Also just listen the lines,"thalladum pillai ullamum vellai thaalaattu paada aadhaaram illai Deivangalellam unakkaaga paadum paadaamal ponaal edhu Deivamaagum" -[meaning: you are like a kid with pure heart and there is no evidence for singing lullaby for you. God will sing lullaby for you,if not then nothing can be called God] these lines describes the good nature of the character.Man what a genius this Kannadasan is.

Just watch this song,you can know the power of Janaki madam's voice.I am not sharing the video song from the movie,this is a stage show performed by her some yrs ago I think.See how beautifully she sings even at an old age.Simply love her voice.

Stage show:

Original song :

I really regret for not writing much about the legend P B Srinivas.His songs for Gemini Ganesan are popular even today ex: Manithanenbavan Deivamaagalam etc.As I am writing about music in general,couldn't write complete details about all the singers.And it will be meaningless if I don't write much about the "Mellisaimannargal" M S Viswanathan-Ramamurthy , "Mama" Mahadevan etc.Now don't confuse yourself for the reason associated with the prefix "Mama".I will tell that in my next post.In my next post,I will be dealing with M S Viswanathan-Ramamurthy,Pattukottayaar,Kannadasan,Vaali etc.

P.S. : Pardon me for a pathetic translation.As I am posting the translation of a song,I couldn't phrase the sentences properly.The translation is only for people who don't know Tamil.Others feel free to ignore it :-).

To be continued :

Music moods - A Musical Journey

First time am attempting to write about music.Well to be honest,I don't know to 'compose' a song,also I don't know to play any musical instruments.But I love good music.I love songs.I believe, to enjoy good music one need not be a trained musician or singer.I would just like to share my views and some of my experiences related to music through this post.

Music plays a major role in everyone's life.Infact there is music in everyone's life.Every individual has a liking towards music,some people like Carnatic music,some have a liking towards western and some towards folk songs etc.But the reality is,depending upon our mood,the type of music we listen,varies.For me,the day starts with some meaningful songs.During the days,when I used to go in train or bus in the mornings,I created a playlist in my mobile and I would hear the same set of songs daily in the morning.It would start with either Ilayaraja sir's Thiruvasagam or his soul-stirring 'Janani Janani'.If its Thiruvasagam,first I would listen 'Putril Vaazh Aravum Anjen' then only other songs.But this playlist only when am travelling in bus/train.

If its a Margazhi(mid December to mid January) month,I will not miss my favorite singer Nithyashree Mahadevan's devotional songs in the TV channels.Its a great feeling to hear the likes Nithyashree or Bombay Jayashree's songs during margazhi month.Best part of the margazhi musical programs is Nithyashree singing Mahakavi Bharathiyar's songs.In the above video she is singing Bharathiyar's song.She is not only a great singer,but also a woman with great dignity.On seeing the way she appears in musical shows and the way she sings,at times I have felt like "Saraswathy Devi" herself is singing.She is so modest.See the way she answers about Mahakavi in one of the functions.I will not hesitate do a Namaskaram to this lady if I see her.

She is the grand-daughter of the veteran Carnatic singer D K Pattammal.D K Pattammal madam's Aaduvome palli paaduvome is one of the most popular Tamil songs,the lyrics of which were penned by Mahakavi Bharathiyar again.Pattammal passed away in 2009.But her legacy lives on.Though she is no more today,her songs are immortal.It is possible to write a series of posts about Pattammal madam itself.She was the first brahmin woman to perform this genre of music publicly.The brahmin society restricted woman from performing such music publicly and they considered it a taboo.She won all the odds and has left lot of immortal songs for us.You can watch Aaduvome pallu paaduvome in the below link(watch it from 5.36 sec).

When we think about Carnatic music,it is highly impossible to forget M S Subbulakshmi madam.She is widely known for her devotional songs.She has also acted in some movies and the popular movie is 'Meera'.Her 'Bhaja Govindam' will create divine mood while listening itself.Most of the people listen to M S Subbulakshmi's version of Venkatesa Suprabatham in the early morning.Whenever I listen her 'Kurai ondrum illai marai moorthy kanna',I would forget almost all the difficulties.One may be an atheist.But this lady's voice has some magic and it will surely have a great impact on the listener.Here is the song:

When one starts thinking about classical music,one can't restrict himself with just these songs.I mentioned about 'Margazhi' month,so just related these legends.

It will be a real sin,if one forgets K J Yesudas or UnniKrishnan,when writing about Carnatic music.An Yesudas song in the early morning is a great joy.In my 'devotional songs' playlist,Raama Naamam , Aadal Kalaye and Guruve Saranam  songs will always find a place.Not only these songs,he is popular for his "Ayyappan Songs".During the Tamil month 'Karthigai'(comes in November),the devotees will go on fast for Swamy Ayyappan and they will take a pilgrimage to Sabarimalai.Devotees will take the pilgrimage only in groups and they will be hearing lot of Ayyappan songs. Most of them would be K J Yesudas sir's.A group of religious fanatics fight in the name God.K J Yesudas sir is a Christian and Ayyappan songs in his voice only many will prefer to hear.Without true affection and devotion towards Swamy Ayyappan,Yesudas sir could not have created this magic, and , this golden voice of Yesu anna(that's how many fondly calls him) is definitely a gift of God.

His most popular Ayyappan song is Harivarasanam . And just watch the video below.Its an evergreen classical song from the movie called "Mogamul".I couldn't get the exact video of the song,but listen to the audio.Song was composed by Isaignani Ilayaraja.

Still so many Carnatic singers are there.Lot of other language singers are also there.I will try to write about them too,as this post is going to be continued.Let this be the first part.I have started with Carnatic music and in the upcoming posts,I will try to include all other genre of songs.

To be continued...