Concerts of Raaja

Pre-report on IR's Telugu concert :
https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/news/106525-will-spb-come-to-the-music-fest-of-ilayaraja.html

#No_SPB (as expected)

The show seems to be a success:
http://cinema.dinamalar.com/tamil-news/64155/cinema/Kollywood/Ilayaraja-live-concert-held-at-Hyderabad.htm

Online booking site had some glitches it seems:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/an-evening-with-ilayaraja/article19988666.ece

Fun time for audience, definitely - with symphony orchestra!
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/music/071117/a-pitch-perfect-evening.html

When a singer tried to speak and praise the maestro, Ilayaraaja quickly retorted. “This is the time to sing and not talk. Talking would be allowed only if it comes in the form of a song.

These days, many singers are used to more talking than singing on television shows.” That was the perfect maestro Ilaiyaraaja.

Who else but IR can have such a concert in Hyderabad:
http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2017-11-06/Ilaiyarajas-Hyderabad-Concert-Is-A-Hit/337782

Attended the Concert... It was a treat...

Started at around 19:30 Hrs... The concert went on till 23:30 Hrs... Around 32-33 songs were performed...

IR started with Janani Janani (This was the only Tamil song performed).

Mano (surprisingly he was tolerable except for Jagadanandha...), Chitra, Sadhana Sargam (voice seems to be very tired), Karthik (Pick of the singers, Vijay Prakash (He was totally uncomfortable except for Surumaiye Ankiyon song), Rita and other regular singers were part of the show.

List of songs selected were good (Though few more gems could have been included).

In between the songs, IR quipped "This is my only friend (pointing to his Harmonium petti)... I have no other friends".  SPB absence was not felt.

IR sang 3 songs.  Because of the presence of Hungary musicians, IR's regular violinists were not present.  It was a great performance by the Hungary musicians. 

Chiranjeevi was the only notable personality who attended the show.. All other MDs, who claim IR to be their Guru / Godfather, etc were not to be seen (DSP, Keeravani, etc).  Most of the notable Directors who had worked with him were also not present...

Anyways the show was a SUCCESS.. Still Good Music has its own followers...

I shall share the complete list of songs played later...

app_engine wrote:Fun time for audience, definitely - with symphony orchestra!
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/music/071117/a-pitch-perfect-evening.html

When a singer tried to speak and praise the maestro, Ilayaraaja quickly retorted. “This is the time to sing and not talk. Talking would be allowed only if it comes in the form of a song.

These days, many singers are used to more talking than singing on television shows.” That was the perfect maestro Ilaiyaraaja.

Mano 

Drunkenmunk wrote:

app_engine wrote:Fun time for audience, definitely - with symphony orchestra!
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/music/071117/a-pitch-perfect-evening.html

When a singer tried to speak and praise the maestro, Ilayaraaja quickly retorted. “This is the time to sing and not talk. Talking would be allowed only if it comes in the form of a song.

These days, many singers are used to more talking than singing on television shows.” That was the perfect maestro Ilaiyaraaja.

Mano 

And... There were 4 judges of various TV shows present on the stage...! Mano, Chitra, Karthik & Vijay Prakash

Thank you a lot raga_kann for your first-hand review of the concert. Was S.Janaki there too? Thanks app sir for the links and your tireless effort

My first post in this great forum.... I will first dwell on topics other than music and in the next update, talk about the 'experience'

Bookmyshow did the entire selling of tickets.  While booking the tickets online was a smooth affair, there was one additional activity that the attendees were supposed to do - that is to trade the QR code for the actual ticket.  The entire affair was a very shabbily managed one with no one to guide how to collect the tickets.  For example, I was an early bird buyer and apparently there was a separate counter for that and I did not realise until I reached the head of the counter where the online tickets were being issued!!  - IST 5.30 to 6.20 PM

The second issue was the entrance into the stadium itself.  There were no proper indications on where a certain stall is situated.  It meant that the attendees had to at least walk half a kilometer back and forth before they found their entrance.  - 6.20 to 6.40PM

The third issue was the MCs for the event (while IR was undoubtedly the MC of the day, there were two jokers who were assigned this job before the musicians entered the stage).  They had a scripted text that they had to repeat thrice because there was some delay for the musicians to enter the stage.  I can understand they were trying to fill the gap, but it can't be with repeating the same script thrice and boring the audience.  The audience were getting restless at this time. - 7.10 to 7.30PM. 

The only thing that was great during this time was the sand art by Vilas Nayak amidst a DJ'ed IR music.  The sand art was amazing, to say the least (7.15 to 7.20PM)

Finally the show starts at 7.40PM!! You may be wondering what was happening between 6.40 and 7.00PM.  It was when Karthik Raja was tuning the instruments with the speaker system.  Most of the time Keeravani song was being played and it was so nice to hear it for 20 minutes.  It's as if you could see how the individual pieces form the whole and sent the crowd into a rapture.

Song list and a quick comment (not sure if I have listed all songs)

1. Guru Brahma - prayer song sung wonderfully by the chorus
2. Janani janani - Sung by IR with super ease.  Makes me wonder about the other 75 year old singers (except Balu)
3. Om Sivoham - Vijay Prakash (high energy and the initial percussions blew the audience out!!)
4. Jagadananda Kaaraka - Mano and Sadhana.  While the musicians were superb, I thought the singers sang in a higher pitch making it difficult for the ears to comprehend the song. Balu was certainly missed here, so was Shreya
5. Ninnu kori - This song was a better hit in Telugu when it was released.  And oh boy, Chitra was so good!!! Pick of the day, so far!!
6. Keeravani - Wait, did I Chitra's song was the best. That was because I did not hear Karthik.  Flawless singing and for a moment, didn't even think that Balu is being missed.
7. Sirimalle poova - Senthoorapoove in Tamil. Ironically the music in Telugu was credited to Chakravarthy and I was assuming IR would come up the reasons behind the same.  But there was no commentary on this one.  Superbly sung by Priyanka!!
8. Sundarmo - Andhi mazhai in Tamil.  Again Karthik doing a superb job along with Priyanka
9. Sandhyaragapu Sarigamalo - Indurdu Chandrudu.  Very well executed - Karthik doing a superb job, as usual.  And Rita, what a singer!!
10. Balapam patti - One of the most revered songs in this part of the world!! Mano and Chitra did a good job!
11. Maate mantramu - Whistles whistles.. IR sings this with Priyanka... the original telugu was sung by Balu and Suseela.... the crowd broke into claps the moment IR started singing
12. Jallanta - Chitra at her best and the crowd now really started enjoying the music, sound and the atmosphere.
13. Mounamelanoyi - Sadhana Sargam and Karthik.  Looks like Sadhana had some difficulty pitching the songs right today.  Very unusual of her.
14. Pratikshanam - For whatever reason the background music for this song is the slower tamil version and not the faster telugu one.  For me it lacked energy from the singers (don't remember who!!).  But for me this was one of the less favoured songs in the concert.

Will update rest of the songs later...

No SJ... In fact, she has not been part of any of the concerts of IR (post 2000)... Just a speculation of Media...

1. Guru Brahma – Chorus.  IR appears on the stage

2. Janani Janani – IR’s standard opener for any Concert set the tone for the night

3. OM Sivohom – This song was started without any gap after the previous song.  Vijay Prakash was able to perform only   
    75% of the original rendition.  Crowd could slowly realize the power of Live orchestra which is missing in other concerts

4. Jagadanandha – Both Mano and Sadhana Sargam struggled.  However the orchestra infused a divinity in the atmosphere


Raaja introduced the Hungary orchestra along with the conductor.  IR announced that they will be performing exclusively Telugu songs.  On a lighter vein, he conveyed to the crowd that he is ready to perform till they wanted him to stop..

5. Ninnu Kori Varnam – Chitra got a standing ovation.  Crowd went berserk during both the superlative interludes.  Chitra was flawless

6. Keeravani – This song rehearsal was going on when fans were entering the stadium.  Already the crowd were awaiting
    eagerly for this song.  You can call this as the SONG OF THE DAY.  Crowd erupted with claps at the end of both the 
    Saranams ( where the tune rushes to the climax of the saranam and after a pause, pallavi starts).  Karthik was the pick
    of all the Singers.  It seems he had done thorough rehearsal.

    IR recalled that the director of the film, Vamshi wanted him to use a Tamil song.  IR refused and told Vamshi that he will
    be using a new tune… On a lighter vein, he told the crowd that he never listens to the director… And he sung the Tamil
    song.. Kaatril endhan geetham  and slowly merged with Keeravani…. Great…

7. Sirimalli Poove – Sendhura Poove by Rita.  She was equally matching Chitra’s class.  As VSS mentioned, IR had not
    entered Telugu industry when this film was made by BR in Telugu.  Same tunes / orchestration were used and the music
    was credited to MD Chakravarthy (who ruled Telugu Industry before IR’s entry)

8. Sundaramo – Andhi Mazhai.  Evergreen song and nice composition.  Crowd had by this time completely merged with the
    show

9. Sandhya Raagalu – Second interlude stands out.  Trumphet was sounding as though it is a new instrument.  In current
    day’s music, this instrument has become an antique piece.  Karthik and Rita – Both were perfect

10. Balapam patti – You can call this as a top class Kutthu paatu of yester years..  Crowd were almost dancing… Mano and
      Chitra were perfect..

11. Maate Mantramu – Kadhal Oviyam… IR and Rita.  IR missed out the first line of Saranam.  Again the interlude was
      restarted and IR continued with the singing.  After the song, crowd erupted with “ONCE MORE” request.  IR quipped
      whether he did not sing properly… Hence crowd wants him to sing correctly the second time…

12. Yeh Zindagi – Violin Treat…. Karthik was superb….

13. Hello Guru – This song was one of my internal wishes.  I had told my daughter that it will be great if this song is
     performed.  The drums, Trumphet and guitar pieces in this song is simply astonishing.  This peppy song was performed
     matching the original version.  Mano imitated SPB without any issue

14. Abhanee Thiyani – Most expected song.  Chiranjeevi was the only Superstar who turned up for the show.  He was shown
     on the screen throughout the song.  Mano and Chitra.  Great. 

15. Ekantha Vela – The song where the female singer acknowledges the first line of the male singer with a one word filler…
     Great song..  Forgot who the male singer was …. I think it was Karthik.. with Rita…


For each song I am not mentioning about the stupendous performance of the orchestra.  You can assume that it was as usual ULTIMATE..

16. Jallanta – The unusual second interlude was the highlight of the song.  Chitra did a fine job.  After the song, Mano introduced Arunmozhi
     ( Napolean – the aasthana flutist of IR’s troupe).  Arunmozhi spoke in Tamil and Mano along with IR translated into Telugu.  In brief, IR
     conveyed that in the second interlude, he left a considerable gap while giving the notes.  In the gap, he asked Arunmozhi to just replicate
     the music piece that IR plays with his harmonium.  IR used his Harmonium to produce that outstanding piece and Arunmozhi just played
     the same with his flute… This was the interesting fact shared by IR for this song

17. O Priya Priya – Another song which the crowd had expected to be played… One more song from Geethanjali… Mano and
      Chitra… Orchestra was mind blowing… After the song, IR explained how the complicated second interlude was
      structured… He asked the Male chorus to perform first… Then the female chorus…. Then base violins…. And then the
      violin section… Now he asked all the four sections to play together…. It was something like a miracle… IR conveyed that
      though there are multi structures in the piece, he does not have 2 brains… And this was composed in just 10 minutes

18. Premam Entha Madhuram – At last.. A sad song.. .And what a song… Mano was good.. After the song, IR recalled the
     greatness of Atreya… IR was working on his first assignment as a guitarist with GKV.. Atreya used to take days together
     if he were to write a song for a tune… If lyrics was to be written first, he was very fast… He sung the first line of that
     particular song…For this song, IR wanted Atreya to write the lyrics for the tune… Atreya told that it will take more time
     for him to write… IR readily agreed…. IR praised the lyrics of the song…

19. Maatarani Mounamidhi – A Ramarajan tamil song.. Was eagerly awaiting the sudden change in the rhythm from the
     second interlude till the end of the song…. Seamless transistion… Mano and Chitra rendered without any problem

20. Mounamela – Mounamana Neram… Perfect song for the night atmosphere.. Thoroughly enjoyed

21. Kalaya Nijama – This was the first song sung by IR in Telugu.. Another slow romantic melody… IR sung this song with
      female singer (Was it Sadhana… I forgot)

22. Giliga Gili Giliga – A fast song of yester years… Sung by Rita and unknown Male singer…

23. Prathidinam – Seemed many in the crowd did not know this song.. Evergreen melody which was soothing to the ears…  
     As VSS mentioned the simple Tamil version orchestra was preferred by IR to that of the complicated Telugu version. 
     Surumukhi and Shareth did a fine job

24. Vellalo Godari – Dhoorathil from Nizhalgal.  This song fetched the National Award for SJ.  Singing by Surumukhi was    
     great for this very complex song..

25. *********** - I am unable to recollect this song.  This was sung by Mano and Pooja

26. Jaane Do Na – Perfect orchestration and singing.  A new singer sang this song… Singing was perfect…

27. Enno Rathiri – IR joined Rita for this Maasi Maasam song… Again crowd went into ruptures… After the song, IR quipped
     “Yes… What a unforgettable night is this night..” (connecting with the first line of the song).  Rita’s voice was fresh
     throughout the concert

28. Vatapatra – IR told that he never announced which song will be played next… He was confident that the fans will easily
     relate to the song once it starts… However he announced this song because he wanted to appreciate director K
     Vishwanath for the placement and picturization of this song.  IR was in tears when he watched this song.  He wanted the
     crowd applaud the Director.  Haripriya singing was okay

29. Lalita Priya – Idhazhil kadhai ezhudhum.  Vijay Prakash and Chitra.  Chitra was great.  Again crowd went into applause 
      mode during the transition from Saranam to Pallavi

30. Surumayi – Kannae Kalaimane.  At last, Vijay Prakash did a perfect job… He is more comfortable with Hindi than
      Telugu.  After the song, IR joked whether everyone went to sleep

31. Raagam Rasamaya – Mano introduced the 3-note song composed by IR.  IR briefly explained how the song was
     constructed with 3 swaras – sa, re, ga.  Repeat of previous concerts.  Surumukhi was great…

32. Yamoho – Madhura mari kolundhu vaasam.  Mano and Chitra.  Chitra was perfect.  However Mano missed out the start
      of the last pallavi.  After the song, when IR pointed out, he samalified saying that he got confused with the Tamil
      version


After this IR introduced his orchestra and requested the crowd to applaud.  He also told that the complete notes were prepared by Mr. Prabhakaran and was helped by 2 others (He mentioned the names).  All the singers were also thanked. 

As usual, IR made a silent exit.

33. Botany Paatam – Mano executed the last song.  After the song, he gave a brief thanks speech and concluded the show


 

• IR’s magic ensured that the lackluster arrangement at the venue was overlooked by the fans
  
  
• As usual, he was standing throughout the program (at the age of 74) with only a 5 minutes break
  
  
• Few glitches in the Sound system in a couple of songs.  IR religiously replayed those portions
  
  
• Classy statement of the Day – This harmonium is my only friend… Other than this, I do not have any other friend
  
  
• Water bottle was not allowed inside the auditorium.  500 ml Water bottle was sold at Rs. 40/- inside the venue!
  
  
• SPB absence was not felt
  
  
• Overall, once in a lifetime experience for the fans of Andhra / Telengana
  
  

Thanks raagakann  for filling in.


Karthik definitely stood out as the best singer and to a great extent alliveated SPB's absence, followed by Chitra.  Both Priyanka and Rita sang exceptionally well as well and so did the other chorus singers (Anitha, ???).


Sound quality:  For a large part, the sound was super with each instrumentation being crystal clear to the listener.  The biggest dampener was the mike that also wanted to participate with IR.  It started making some unusual sounds that scared the hell out of the audience.  A few songs got spoiled due to this.  I am not sure how this will come out when played in the TV.


The program also stopped abruptly (well, you can't expect it to go beyond 11.30PM in any case).  I was expecting a much bigger and jazzier closing, but that did not happen.


While the orchestra was matchless, special mention about Napolean (flawless and hero of all IR shows) and the Hungarian orchestra.  With the absence of regular violin troupe of IR, these guys created magic with just a week's preparation.  Not a note sounded jarry, at least to my ears and they seemed to enjoy the songs when they were not playing it.


There were a few other celebrities - Suresh Babu (Venkatesh's brother, Ramanaidu's son, Rana's father and owner of Suresh Productions was seen in Ayyappa attire, Manchu Lakshmi (daughter of Mohan Babu) was seen and so was Dil Raju (a big Tollywood producer).

The crowd was very decent, participative and playful!! They seemed to enjoy every aspect of what was presented.


If at all I have one complaint, it is that the song selection could have been much better. Don't get me wrong.. .all the songs that were played were gems.  But these songs have either been played in Tamil before or in the NJ concert.  There could have been a better homework done to not repeat (or minimally repeat) those songs.  But I guess for those who would have listened to these for the first time in a concert would have been blown away with the magic of the orchestra.

https://twitter.com/ZeeTamil/status/932480699944148992

parka vendum Z tamilil....... Novermber 26 madhiyam 3 maniku.....

ada ARunmozhi....

beautiful...... valaiyosai paatin flute.. notes.. performance........ Great one...


https://twitter.com/satranluv/status/933008758221000704

veetil raja show..  thadangal illamal parka , adhuvum Sunday...... rombbbbbbbbbbbbbbaaaaaaaaaaaa kashtam......(raja songs kaetpadharkae
thadangal iruka kudadhu enaku.. paatu kaetkum podhu.. veru velai seiya maten.. ) 

5 paatu utkarndhu kaeten............

IR's orchestra......  enna oru grand.... Perfect to the core........  violins...  enna oru performance......

Cello........ romba Great...........
'
Guitar........... so sweet...........

Flute.. Arunmozhi............ vaarthai ilai... matra isai karuvi patri kuraivaga solla maten.. analum.. indha flute (and the nadhanswaram)
irandum.. vaasipavarin uyir kaatru........... adhanal 

Arun mozhiyin Flute............. miga miga miga miga miga miga miga Uyarndhadhu...............

kashtamana paatu ellam.. just like that endru... players ellorum  perfect ana performance... 
paatai padiya ilai.. sathamaga mosamaga kathiya mano and yuvankum   arumai theiryavilllai.........
indha paatil enaku romba kobam dhan.......   players ipadi thavaru seidhal.. Raja enna seidhu irupar.... avargal ellorum
perfect performance ku kashta padum podhu.. arumai theriyamal...
vanithamani padiya Mano and Yuvankum thandanai dhan thara vendum..........


poo potta thavani..... enna oru interludes........  camera ... romba azhagaga players ellaraiyum correct aga kaatinargal.... Thanks  a lot....

veetuku veetuku vasapadi.........paatin munbaga.... konnakol  ... Gambeeram.. carnatic.. mirudhangam.. or thala vadhyam katru kondavargaluku than
idhu theriyum......
IR ku.... idhu iyalbaga varugiradhu...... God's Gift...............

vanithamani .. mano and yuvan...  paata padinargal.... kodooram.........

instruments.. enna oru hardwork......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW9M9k5FuAM

Thendral vandhu, nee partha.. meenamma...   enna oru interludes........ beautiful team work.......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkcLXk_ch7Q

from Suresh.... Zee tamil..........
oh butterfly......  paatu mudindhadhum.... karthick kaetkirar.. enna inspiration endru..

with action of butterfly.......... Butterfly.......... otrai vaarthaiyil bhadhil.............. super......

https://twitter.com/Raaga_Suresh

Thanks Usha akkA for the updates . Had to convince my husband to tune in to zee tamil to watch Raja - One Man show concert. Was pleasantly 
surprised when the opening guitars. drums rolled over  for the not so common in concert, "Poo potta dhAvaNi". But all of my enthu became short lived when a butcher named Mano brutally slaughtered the first line itself that instantly made my Mano hater husband to turn off the television. 
"SPB illainna ippidi dhAn" - vendha puNNil velai paichara comment vERa. hm.....

Drunkenmunk wrote:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4s9Vbs0McU

nanRi sir for adding the original and helping one appreciate those fantastic arrangements for the last pallavi!

It's thoroughly enjoyable to watch IR explaining it with his hands

Interestingly, it also gives a little bit of insight as to what goes on in his mind when he writes such scores! His imagination coupled with animation is unparalleled!

It would be wonderful to record him talking and gesturing like this for many more songs and save it for future generations to cherish!

Someone had recorded and posted the whole concert on youtube...until zee hosts it themselves (or gets this one removed for rights violation), this is the link for it :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45KStm4AW6Q

While we've heard before the thing about mukkal munagal being not SJ original but as taught by IR, we get a demo in this concert

What is funny is the follow-up IR does with a demo of iLaya nilA (and a small dig at SPB, without naming him)

I should watch the whole youtube...

app,
thanks for the link....
parkanam....... disturbance illamal

mythila wrote:Thanks Usha akkA for the updates . Had to convince my husband to tune in to zee tamil to watch Raja - One Man show concert. Was pleasantly 
surprised when the opening guitars. drums rolled over  for the not so common in concert, "Poo potta dhAvaNi". But all of my enthu became short lived when a butcher named Mano brutally slaughtered the first line itself that instantly made my Mano hater husband to turn off the television. 
"SPB illainna ippidi dhAn" - vendha puNNil velai paichara comment vERa. hm.....

inga enga veetula oppiste mythila... enaku varutham.....pulambinen. kanavar samadhanam seidhar..
Orchestravai gavani.. IR ai par endru....