Classical Extemporization 4m Roja 2 Yuvvraj's ARR *October 26, 2008….12:17
P.M.*, at this point of time, if you ask any person well versed in various
forms of Indian Classical Music (probably a guru or a maestro) that is the
same pattern which was actually contrived by Muthuswami Dikshitar and
Thyagaraja still being taught to this generation, the answer would be a
clear NO…because there has been a sea change in the time frames and
generations and thereby, a few changes were evolved in teaching the music so
as to vibe well with the tastes of the generations. Ofcourse, there was no
change done to the root part, the swaras and the raagas being the same!
It was in 1992 when the music wizard *A.R.Rahman* composed the tunes for his
first filmy album Roja...He was 26 then. Now at 42, he composed the tunes
for his latest offing, Yuvvraaj. So taking a cue from the above stance, one
can wonder the amount of change that had been evolved in his composing
styles in this time-gap of 16 years!
Now its 2008…Down the lane after 16 years, I feel that I have harnessed a
commendable knowledge in analyzing the songs of Rahman. So, please take your
valuable time out to go through this piece! There are many styles of music
in which Rahman had forayed into but I would like to throw light only on his
classical compositions
The first song of Rahman to which I listened was "Nila Kaigirathu" from
Indira ('coz that was the first ever film I watched)…At that point of time,
I don't know who Rahman was but that song did haunt me like a diva in my
sporadic dreams!
The first raaga I learnt was *Mayamalava gowla* and that was followed by a
chain of raagas after which I took a break to analyse the songs based on the
learnt raagas…Indeed, the first song I analysed was "Nila Kaigirathu" . It
is strongly based on *Hamir Kalyani*.
Pudhu Vellai Mazhai from Roja was a master-piece based on *Kapi*. The moment
I heard Mannmohini Morey, I thought it was a rendition on *Kapi*. But after
a few times of hearing made me confirm that it was the alaap of *Aabheri (Ni
Sa Ga Ma Pa)*! Rahman composed only one song, Kannodu Kanbathellam from
Jeans based on *Aabheri*. It requires quite a high pitch. Nithyashree
Mahadevan was absolutely great in that song as is Vijay Prakash in this
song. When I compared the composing styles of Rahman in both these songs, I
felt that he mixed that song with *Sudha Dhanyasi* and made it a raagamalika
while he made a fusion of Aabheri in western in Mannmohini! What a
transition!! I rate it as the best number of the album.
The moment I heard Tu Muskura…It made me remind of the Sonnalum
Ketpadhillai from Kadhal Virus which was based on *Nalinakanthi*. The
interludes embedded in the song are purely western yet the base of the song
is in *Hamsadhwani*. I was flabbergasted at the way Rahman mixed this song
on such low notes with western loops. Then I realized that only a Rahman can
do this sort of song! Alka Yagnik sounded better even on such low note and
Javed Ali is apt for his Hindustani alaap. The song is best suited to have a
perfect evening!
*Melody-Rhythm-Lyrical Beauty*…these are the 3 pillars on which Carnatic
Music is based on…and that is exactly what I have witnessed in Zindagi….Gulzar
explaining the various modes of life and Srinivas taking you through the
modes while Rahman is providing the fuel to the song. The song is etched on
the raaga *Saranga*….It made me reminiscent of Azhage Sugama (based on *
Dhwijavathi* and *Sahana*) from Paarthale Paravasam. The varied styles in
the pace of the song make it a celestial number! Here one can witness the
contemporary style of Rahman, composing a melody!!
An euphonious song is what I can say about Tu Hi Meri Dost Hain…It is
probably the best example of western symphony Rahman is talking about these
days and I guess this is the theme which he is trying to infuse in KMMC.
This song can be simply listened for its lyrics…
*Kabhi dil ka hai saahil, Jahan shaam utarti hai
Kehte hain samundar se, Ek pari guzarti hai
Wo raat ki raani hai, Sargam par chalti hai *
Gulzar Saab can be credited with his impeccable work. Without his lyrics,
this song wouldn't have been rooted in the ears of listeners. A hundred time
listener… I might be sounding vague coz its more than a hundred time
listener! Wish that Rahman will come up with some more songs of this genre
in his forthcoming albums.
How can I forget the resplendent works of A.R.Rahman in Kandukondain
Kandukondain? Kannamochi (based on *Nattakuranji*) and Thongi Choose (based
on *Kathanukathagulam*) deeply evoke my feelings till date…The same Rahman I
get to hear listening to these master-piece songs from Yuvvraaj although in
a different way! The way Rahman is blending his music with different genres
since Roja is simply breathtaking and quite amazing. That indeed makes a
striking difference between him and other composers who are into producing
some strident sounds
So as the notion says, *the change is only about moving forward*…one has to
move forward adapting to the styles of the current time-frame one is living
in without being able to forget one's moolah! It applies universally, be it
an A.R.Rahman, be it a Raghav or anyone else.
Rahman has instigated various styles of music in him according to the
changes and he is making his music move forward with them and along with it,
he is transcending places. One has to cogitate before flinging frivolous
comments on his music.
With that, I take a leave to meet you with my next article…thanks for going
through this!!
(*This article is dedicated to the community on request of some of my dear
friends!*)
Courtesy :- RAGHAV in orkut
--
regards,
Vithur
ARR in my Heart;
His Music in my Blood;
