Song: Thendral Vanthu
Movie Name : Avatharam
Singers : Illayaraja
Music Director : Illayaraja
Why revisit this song after I have heard it so many times ? Because of this video of Nasser talking about this song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJdb0j54RzU). When I heard this song after looking at this video, I heard an instrument in this song that I had never ever noticed before. About 20 seconds in to the song, still at the prelude, The chorus of female singers subsides but for a faint presence in the background. As Illayaraja starts humming the main tune, a violin joins in. Where did this violin come from ? I had not heard that before. I always feel that Illayaraja cheats me. He has an easter egg planted in songs that reveals itself after subsequent listenings.
Singers : Illayaraja
Music Director : Illayaraja
Why revisit this song after I have heard it so many times ? Because of this video of Nasser talking about this song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJdb0j54RzU). When I heard this song after looking at this video, I heard an instrument in this song that I had never ever noticed before. About 20 seconds in to the song, still at the prelude, The chorus of female singers subsides but for a faint presence in the background. As Illayaraja starts humming the main tune, a violin joins in. Where did this violin come from ? I had not heard that before. I always feel that Illayaraja cheats me. He has an easter egg planted in songs that reveals itself after subsequent listenings.
If you cant view the video, here is the summary. Nasser ventured in to direction with Avatharam movie. (He was 37 years old at that time and Illayaraja was 52 yrs old and well established by then - not mentioned in the video). Nasser mentions that he finished the movie before Illayaraja did any work on this movie. He showed the movie to Illayaraja who was impressed and was willing to work on it even before talking to the producers about remuneration. After watching rushes of the movie, Illayaraja asked Nasser to come to his recording studio. Illayaraja was prepared with the right situations for songs even before Nasser mentioned anything, just based on one viewing.
While Nasser waited patiently, Illayaraja scribbled notes (which Nasser later learnt were the notes for the song - Thendral Vanthu). When Illayaraja first mentioned the tune to Nasser, he was disappointed. He mentions in the video that he realized at that point how ignorant he was. He couldnt say whether he liked the music or not, because he had no reasons for either. He mentioned to Illayaraja that the movie is at a fast pace at this point and he would hence like the tempo to be picked up. Nasser also humbly mentions that he realizes he is out of depth while saying this. Illayaraja asked him to return later in the evening. When Nasser returned, he felt like he entered a lavish wedding. Seeing the orchestra made him feel that he was getting his money's worth. Again, Nasser alludes to the fact that he had no depth in music. He did not know what to ask of Illayaraja, and what he should expect. When Illayaraja played the interlude for him, Nasser mentions that he cried. He was amazed at how Illayaraja could create a composition this intricate at such a speed, scribbling notes on paper at a feverish pace.
You can imagine what Nasser would have experienced, if you see this clever edit of this video --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoVhrKGjKT4&t=10m12s (credit to original uploader satz satish).
