Music Composition....

I watched ilayaraja’s concert recently in Jaya TV and just bowled over by his talent. I have always been a big fan of him from my childhood. He is one man who does authentic music composition and perfectly fits to the title called ‘Music Director’. When director Balki was called on stage to talk a few words about him he recited how he prepares background score by hearing a scene. He adds life to the scene by getting the narration from the director and then tunes himself to give the perfect tune by directing the music. No wonder his background scores are so good as he gets into the nitty gritty details.

He relies on actual instruments which bring out sounds and also ‘n’ number of people to play the instruments to get the appropriate tune. Now that is a creative work – we have three things over here – No.1 is the actual scene or song in the narration of the film; No.2 is the lyrics which at times may be ready before a tune is ready; No.3 is you have instruments and people to get the desired music. To blend all of these and give it in a way that we all enjoy is a real magic. Software creates music by some sort of algorithm but does not have the sixth sense to predict the emotions instead throws out music by mixing whatever it has in its repository.

I always used to wonder why does he not do lot of concerts and do world tours by that way people will enjoy his music. It took me a while but think now I got the answer. Every sponsor wants to make big bucks – with Ilayaraja’s concerts you can still make lot of money but the Profit margin can be low as he needs lots of people which in turn take lot of money to get visas, lodging, food and other expenditures. Also he needs lot of instruments to get the correct sound which in turn may take lots of money for baggage. I earnestly hope he does worldwide tours by that way people like me can enjoy his music.

I like AR Rahman too and he is the pride of our nation. But I esteem Raja sir’s music very much. Awards are given by individuals and jury members and no matter what the award is I deem there is lot of factors goes into deciding who needs to get a particular award. Raja’s sir music can be matched to any music in International standards and if he did not receive any award the award is not lucky enough. His music has a big fan following and I don’t think any award can give him more happiness than people’s admiration for his music.

I consider to be blessed to hear his music and I cannot keep count of how many of my car commutes, flight travels and road trips I enjoyed his music. His background scores for ‘Mouvna Raagam’ will always remain close to my heart. I wish him lots of good health, joy and happiness and wish he keeps entertaining us with his lovely music …..

Reality Shows ....

Reality shows have become so popular these days that every television is trying to come up with creative shows on prime times. By having more Reality shows they are bringing in the actual public and giving them the opportunity to exhibit their talents. This in turn draws lot of people because everyone wants to exhibit their talents on the bigger stage. Television wants to cash on this by having public votes and other gimmicks to have public watch these programs to spawn more revenues. There are both good and bad things about these and goods things first – gives the common man to showcase his/her talents, opens doors to get into something big like opportunities to sing in Tamil movie, gives a chance to meet bigwigs which they have always admired etc.,

I am at times not comfortable with the way television paint the whole picture. Anchors saying time and again “40 lakhs to win a big home”, “Opportunity to sing under so and so” etc., concerns me as I believe this is where it gets diluted. No matter one is a chain smoker but the very first time when he took a puff that’s where it all started; same in the case of a drinker the very first time he took a sip that’s where it got started. So I believe there is a chance that these big prizes and alluring package can make things diluted and one starts to chase money and eminence losing sight of the actual passion. Channels they got to make a program really interesting by making more eyes watch the program so they will go to the extent of adding lot of commercial elements and as participants people especially kids and youth have to be matured enough to handle.

I am sure the parents will take care of the kids but this is kind of drug which is injected into everyone’s body – they have been normal citizens so far and all of a sudden name and fame made them popular overnight. They are recognized everywhere they go and they are centre of attraction everywhere. When they enjoy this period and suddenly face a downward slope if people are matured enough then they will take it sportively else they will really be thrown aback since they could not accept the sudden change that ensued to them.

But Reality shows are good because new talents are identified and recognized. Just that people have to be careful in handling name and fame. A kid who is 10 years old may not even know how many zeros are there for 40 lakhs. As always good and bad are there in every damn thing and we have to pick and choose – ‘Eat the fruit and throw the seed because seeds are hidden inside the fruit”