Raja and the solo violin

Some years ago, I did some extensive research on the use of solo violin by Raja. I had several paths and ideas to present this in my blog. This was one of those inconclusive projects where I could infer very little, other than the fact that he has used in extensively, unconventionally and also in mixed genre formats. Narasimhan, Prabahakar and several others such as Ramasubbu, Embar Kannan have served him well with this instrument. Instead of my research notes collecting dust, I decided to post all of the research notes under this topic. Perhaps, if the group comes up with some conclusions, I may take this back to my blog...

Violin is a western instrument. It is also the western instrument with the deepest penetration in the Indian musical world. There are very few Cutcheris that do not feature the violin in the Carnatic music circles. In the world of Carnatic music, it is primarily used in the solo format. Rarely do you see a group of violins. The opposite is true in the Western classical music world.

 

While there are many Indian composers who have used the violin in the solo format, it is hard to find someone who has navigated such a wide spectrum of use of the solo violin as Raja. We will try and explore his use of it in both film song interludes and background music. Within both these areas, he has navigated a wide range of emotions, to the point that is easy to identify a Raja signature solo violin tune easily.

 

It is worth mentioning, that Raja conforms and deviates from the practices of both the classical musical systems at the same time, thus demonstrating his genius in this matter too. For example, there are several Carnatic raga based compositions, where he has stuck to the solo violin (conformance) and there are many Western compositions, he does the solo violin play (deviation).

 

We will try to approach this subject from three fronts. a) Indian classical Solo violin based scores b) Western classical solo violin based scores and c) Film background solo violin based scores.

 

Under each of these categories, there are several emotions that Raja navigates. We will try to generally classify them as cheerful, pensive, romantic, and devotional. In several background scores, Raja demonstrates that he can navigate from one mood to the other with the same tune using the same solo violin. Such is the mind of the genius.

Western classical solo violin based scores

 

 

Cheerful:

 

Aadungal Padungal from Guru (Tamil 1980)

Kaala kaalamaka from Punngai Mannan (Tamil 1986)

Devathai Oru Devathai from Pattakathi Bhairavan (Tamil 1979)

Mella Mella from Vaazhkai (Tamil 198x)

Endrendrum Anandame from Kadal Meengal (Tamil 197x)

Enna Solli Paduvadho from En Mana Vaanil (Tamil 2003)

Ente Pularkalam from Garjanam (Malayalam 1981)

Ilamai Itho Itho from Sakala Kala Vallavan (Tamil 198x)

Kadhal Vaaniley from Rasaiyya (Tamil 199x)

Kotti Kidhakudhu from Theertha Karaiyinile (Tamil xxxx)

Kodai Kaala Katre from Panneer Pushpangal (Tamil 1981)

Naan Kadhalil from Mandira Punnagai (Tamil 198x)- 2^nd interlude

Neethane Enthan Pon Vasantham from Ninaivellam Nithya (Tamil 198x)

Ninna Choosina Udhayam from Chinnabayyi (Telugu 199x)

Oru Iniya Manadhu from Johny (Tamil 1978) – Interludes!

Oru Naal Maalaiyil from Udhayam (Tamil 2006)

Pani Vizhum Malarvanam from Ninaivellam Nitya (Tamil 198x) – prelude, 2^nd interlude

Poo Malarndhida from Tik Tik Tik (Tamil 198x) – 1^st/ 2^nd interlude

Pothi Vacha Malligai from Manvasanai (Tamil 1983) – prelude,

 

 

Pensive:

 

Manitha Manitha from Kan Sivanthaal Man Sivakkum (Tamil 198x)

Pudhucheri Kacheri from Singaravelan (Tamil 1990)

Kaatu Vazhi from Solla Marandha Kadhai (Tamil 20xx)

Ilavenil Idhu Vaigasi Madham from Kadhal Rojave (Tamil 2000)

 

 

Romantic:

 

Metti Oli from Metti (Tamil 198x)

Naan Kaadhalil from Mandhira Punnagai (Tamil 198x)

Pon Veyilile from Oru Yatra Mozhi (Malayalam 1997)

Aagaya Gangai from Dharmathin Thalaivan (Tamil 197x)

Ade Neevu from Abhinandana (Telugu 1990)

Dheemi Dheemi from Shiva (2006) or Oru Naal Malaiyil from Udhayam (2006)

En Vaanile from Johny (Tamil 1978)

Intha Ulagil from Madhu (Tamil 2005)

Jiske Sahare from Kamagni (Hindi 198x)

Jyothayale from Geetha (Kannada 1980)

Indian classical solo violin based scores

 

 

Cheerful:

 

Aayiram Thamarai Motukkale from Alaigal Oiyvathillai (Tamil 1981) set to subhapathuvarali

Nadham Ezhundhadhadi from Gopura Vasalile (Tamil 1990) set to Sivaranjani

Koondhalile Megam Vandhu from Bala Nagamma (Tamil 198x) - Bilahari

Kadhalil Maatamal from Parvathi Ennai Paradi (Tamil 198x) set to Saranga

Maan Kandaen from Rajarishi (Tamil 198x) - vasantha

Malare Nalama from Urimai (Tamil 198x)

Naan Paada Vandaen from Udhiri Pookal (Tamil 197x) set to Kalyani

Nee Oru Kadhal Sangeetham from Nayakan (Tamil 198x) – 2^nd interlude - Shyam Kalyan

Neela Kuyile Unnodudhan from Magudi (Tamil 198x)

Oru Raagam Padalodu (Tamil 199x) – Second interlude - Mohanam

Poonkathave from Nizhalgal (Tamil 1980) – prelude/1^st interlude/2^nd interlude - MMG

Poovil Vandu from Kadhal Oviyam (Tamil 198x) – prelude, 2^nd interlude - Mohanam

 

 

Pensive:

 

Siru Siru Siragukalil from Konji Pesalam (Tamil 199x) - Keeravani

Thoorathil Naan Kanda from Nizhalgal (Tamil 1980) - Gowrimanohari

Poo maalai from Sindhu Bhairavi (Tamil 1986) - Kanada

Kanavugale Oorgolam Enge from Samanthi Poo (Tamil 198x) -

Kannil Paarvai from Naan Kadhavul (Tamil 2009)

Kuyilai Pudhichu from Chinna Thambi (Tamil 198x) -

Malare Pesu Mounamozhi from Geethanjali (Tamil 198x)

Kelada Manadiavaa from Bharathi (Tamil 2000) - Mohana Kalyani

O Paapa Laali from Geethanjali (Telugu 1985) – 2^nd interlude - Keeravani

Oru Thanga rathathil from Dharmayudham (Tamil 198x) – 1st interlude - Mohanam

Paadi thirindha from Kaakai Siraginile (Tamil 199x) – 2^nd interlude - Simmendramadhyamam

Poguthe Poguthe from Kadalora Kavidhaigal (Tamil 198x) – 1^st /2^nd interlude

Poo Maalai Vaangi Vanthein from Sindhu Bhairavi (Tamil 198x) – 1^st interlude/ - Kanada

Poonkatre from Friends (Tamil 199x) – 1^st interlude/2^nd interlude -

Poon kaviyam Pesum Oviyam from  Karpoora Mullai (Tamil 199x) – 2^nd interlude

Poo vaadigalil from (Malayalam 198x) – prelude, - Kalyani

Poovay Virinjnu from Adharvam (Malayalam 198x) – 2^nd interlude - Keeravani

Prema Ledani from Abhinandana (Telugu 1990) – 2^nd interlude -

Priyathama Na Hrudhayama from Prema (Telugu 1992) – 1^st interlude,



 

 

Romantic:

 

Enge Nee Sendralum from Kannukulle (Tamil 2009)

Minaaram from Guru (Malayalam 1996) - Hamsanadham

Neela Kuyile from Magudi (Tamil xxxx)

Alli Billi Kalala from Chettukinda Pleader.(Telugu xxxx)

Enakku Pidhitha Padal from Julie Ganapathy (Tamil 200x) - Jonpuri

Kannannukku Enna Vendum from Dhanam (Tamil 2008)

 

 

Devotional:

Alai Payuthe Kanna from Ethanai Konam Ethanai Paarvai (Tamil xxxx)

All ragams, courtesy Vel Ramanan

Film background solo violin based scores.

 

Cheerful:

 

Paa score (Hindi 2010)

 

Pensive:

 

Raajapaarvai Violin concert (Tamil 1980)

Kaatu Vazhi from Solla Maradha Kadhal (Tamil 2000x)

 

Romantic:

 

Swarnakamalam score (Telugu 198x)

Folk solo violin based scores.


Cheerful:

 

Samakozhi Koovuthamma from Ponnu Oorukku Pudhusu (Tamil 1979)

Adi Aathadi from Mudhal Mariyadhai (Tamil 1985)

Iru Paravaigal from Niram Maratha Pookal (Tamil 197x)

Maaman Oru Naal from Rosapoo Ravikkaikaari (Tamil 1979)

Machi Mannaru from En Uyir Thozan (Tamil 1xxx)

Aasaiyile Paathi Katti from Enga Ooru Kavalkaran (Tamil 198x)

Potri Paadadi Penne from Devar Magan (Tamil 1993) – 1^st interlude

 

 

Pensive:


Amma Sonna from Solla Marandha Kadhai (Tamil xxxx)

Ellorudhaiya Vazhakaiyilum from Pattukkoru Thalaivan (Tamil xxxx)

As it is obvious, there are duplicates, some errors as this was the rough notes I collected when I did a detailed scan of Raja's work with solo violins in mind. I found it hard to connect the dots and have a stake in the ground to argue a theory. Though this has been one of my failed research attempts, I am publishing my notes here to see if we can get to any collective wisdom on this topic.

Great Ravinat..... Maths and Science Teacher pola......... pirithu parthu list poda mudiyum............

oru dobut....

1. singara pen oruthi.. indha paatil arambathil varuvadhu  solo violin dhanae... 2nd stanza vil varuvadhu violin ilai. sarangi madhiri iruku.......

2. veyyinoka jillalu varaku  ... indha paatil varuadhu... single violin dhanae.....

solo violin.. bgm... from Idhu Namma Bhoomi


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk77GcL3Kjs

NIzhalgal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2-0P1yC30g


Thalapathi

https://soundcloud.com/mohan-mohi/thalapathy-ilayaraja-violin

Netrikann

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HErLC062sSY

Poojaiketha poovidhu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A_4OCLS9jk

siru ponmani asaiyum

water falls ku  IR's violin...... romba azhagu........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mSwGlz05DM

orae naal unai naan .........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz_nC3onQLw

endhan kannil ezhulangangal  - Guru
parandhalum vida maten.....   Glider ku use panni irupar.. 2nd stanza.... nerungi varum  andha speed ku... romba azhagu.....

Malai soodum velai

Naan koduthadha thirupi kodutha.. KC... Maveeran

Kuyile kuyile poonkuyile  -  Aanpavam

karutha machan  - PUdhu Nellau pudhu nathu

Valli valli ena vandhan  -   Deiva vaaku
 
Ennai thottu alli konda  - Unna nenachen Paatu padichen.. Beautiful Violin strokes.......

Manjapodi theikaiyile  en nenja

Helo guru - Nirnayam

 Great topic and thread. Incidentally, PrasannaR_ and myself have been discussing and collecting songs/tracks from Raaja's solo violin forays and plan to release a 1 hr YT with just his solo violins by the end of the yr. And here you are

I'd also add "How To Name It?" as a peak in this thread and an album which does not conform to CCM or WCM and conformance or deviance and hence, it's a wee bit hard to chain this particular beast.

I shall get back with the YT by the end of the yr. Till then, will be reading this thread with keenness.

And just a correction. Under CCM; Pensive, there's a song from Samandhi Poo. The music was by Malaysia Vasudevan. The other song, Aagaayam Boomi Endrum Ondra has had even me confused it was IR till app_engine clarified.

The photo-grab of the LP cover is here: http://www.5eli.com/Lyrics/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/4843bffbb8ac3_47612n.jpg Top right you see MV's name under music (a little unclear but visible). I doubt if overall results would change or form a pattern if we take these extraneous errors (like you mention) out but we can count this song out.

My suggestions:

Film Background scores:

Nenjathai Killadhe's climax BGM. Basically, it's a bass guitar thillAnA and like Violin Vicky mentioned, he uses thillAnA to end the film happily. A case of understanding CCM and the film's situation to seamlessly blend a traditional idea into a new medium like cinema in a neo-Carnatic manner with a thillAnA with a bass guitar. That's the real matter in that score. But there's a soulful solo violin just before the thillAnA that rings in the நெகிழ்வு and pent-up காதல்.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfc5iWzkXpM

Johny's climax theme has a wondrous leitmotif of that evergreen theme. That leitmotif has a solo violin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go6ZDn-CfoA

And is Gurucharanam, Guru (Malayalam), having a solo violin in its 2nd interlude? Or is it a Sarangi?

Some more songs from my end. You may count these in.

Mangala Vaanam, Nizhal Thedum Nenjangal - 2nd interlude (WCM, Romantic):



Daste Dagega, Yugandhar - Prelude (WCM, Cheerful):



Idhu Oru Pon Maalai Pozhudhu, Nizhalgal - 2nd interlude (WCM, Cheerful song, though that solo violin part is partly pensive):



Manjal Veyyil, Nandu - Those fugue laden interludes! (WCM, Cheerful/Pensive?!):



Aagaay Vennilaave, Arangetra Velai - 1st interlude (CCM solo violin but in a counterpoint. idha eppidi solradhu! ):



Aham Brahmasmi, Naan Kadavul - Background (CCM, Pensive). Link not available. Shall upload on YT soon.

Kadhal Oviyam, Kavikkuyil - Interludes! (CCM, Cheerful). An all time favorite  



Able to recollect these from my list (for solo violin on YT). Shall come back with more if I can gather. This obviously can keep going on. But do see if these raw materials help you further

Awesome selections so far !!!

'Nilavondru kanden en jannalil ' has a poignant solo violin in the first interlude that springs up so unexpectedly that we are left wondering with curiosity to know what happens on the screen

Jhonny BGM........lovely one.........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go6ZDn-CfoA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYlJbRmaUTo

Excellent thread Ravi bringing the nuances of Raja's magical orchrestration beautifully!

As I posted at the start of 'Unusual Observations' thread, I am always amazed at some short outbursts of instruments, rather than the prolonged ones. There are countless. He would have used one instrument/idea for just one bar and it will never appear again in the rest of the song. I am very curious to know why he does this way, but without that piece, the composition would look empty. Since these phrases are very short, it kind of jumps over my head whenever I tried to recall, unless I listen to the song again.

Today when I was listening to கஜுராஹோ கனவிலோர் சிற்பம் கண்ணில் மிதக்குதே, I grabbed this piece. There is one short solo violin outburst which happens during the first interlude. It comes for a very short duration and disappears creating the sense of 'கை நழுவி போதல்' but our hands press the rewind button to grab that piece. Such a beautiful phrase which makes us long to play for more duration.

Pacha mala poovu

Unnai naan parkaiyil  - KJY

Unnai naan parkaiyil  - SPB and Asha

Ganam thaenkatrodu  -  IR

Valaiyosai kala kala

Violin Beauty.... in this album........

kodi inbam meni engum

Very Good Audio quality from INRECO

Vanam engae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAJBqlhvwCQ

Marudha manja kezhange

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfY1t

Udhaya kalamae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJai0G0a4LE

Beautiful audio quality.. Nice ......

Manakum malligai manjathil irku - Rikshamama (Beautiful thani avardhanam)

Malligaiyae malligayiae thodhaga poo  - Perfect Carnatic Strokes

Nikkatuma pogatuma

Jal jal salangai kulunga devadhai

kanne idhu kalyana kadhai

Mana marudhaiyile malligai poo

sutti sutti ponnuku

Needhana needhana nenjae nee dhana

varadhu vandha nayagan

engirundho ilanguyilin innisai

oh unnalae naan penaanenae

oh janani

Nilave nee vara vendum

Kanna unnai thedugiren vaa.. BEautiful violin works.......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvfWG-Jm_gg

Unakagave vaazhgiren film bgm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkEEipuAHKM


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkEEipuAHKM

vera vela oduma indha neram dhan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPi5O8j2_M0

Ilanchoolai poothadha

ponnana meni ullasam - Meendum kokila. 2nd stanza.....  Brilliant portiion..........

solai poovil malai thendral

oh maane maane unnai thanae 2nd stanza...... sweetest one...

Nyan nyan adanam .... Soulful strokes........ 2nd stanza..... amazing.......

Ravi,
Kanavugale Oorgolam Enge from Samanthi Poo (Tamil 198x) 


idhu IR music illai... music.. Malaysia vasudevan.

Kodamanjil - kochu kochu sandhoshangal

Olathumbathirun  - 2 version.

karpoora bommai ondru  - 

Uyire uyire - Mella pesungal ... Beautiful one......

kadhal sagadhu....... solla varthai ilai...... violin azhagai patri solla......

Did the good deed finally.



All details in the description. Kindly refer

DM,
What an effort man!   I know how much time it would take to do this. On top of it, you have even mentioned the timings on each clip (for recognizing the musical pieces easily). OMG! 

Thank you so much for your passion and dedication! Thanks to Prasanna_R and Ravi for this wonderful initiative.

Video description took a few hrs yesterday. Wasn't hard. But compiling from the scratch, choosing for an hr's length from the countless solo violin pieces, cutting and pasting and making uploadable on YT took 1 month in the free time. Thanks. Glad you're liking this

DM, I am regular visitor of your YT channel to check if you have added something special from Raja.. And I found this spectacular solo violin collection, the whole day went by listening to it.. And now too its going on in my mind as I type.. Thanks you guys so much for the effort you take for raja fans enjoyment... Apart from the musicality, What I found fascinating in the upload was the time of the individual pieces, it starts from 78 all the way to 2013... And the versatility in terms of languages in which the movie is made.. Overall the feel which the solo violin music pieces created can't be expressed in words..

DM

Good work . I am glad that something I gave up a few years ago, has been compiled for everybody's listening pleasure.

There is another favorite solo violin number of mine which did not feature in my list as well as in this video - Enge Nee Sendralum from Kanukkulle (2009).

I created a 89 Mb mp3 file from your compilation. For those who want to do this, please try this site: http://convert2mp3.net/en/index.php?p=home