Ilayaraja and Sivapuranam
Stephen Schwartz, the Oscar-Award winning playwright of US, is full of praise for Ilayaraja's Thiruvasakam in symphony, the album which is now ready for release on April 14, 2005. Schwartz had done the translation of Sivapuranam into English.
Ilayaraja said in Chennai it was a wonderful experience to hear Sivapuranam in English. "It is not a mere translation from one language to another. I explained the meaning of the Sivapuranam verses in Thiruvasagam in English to the best of my ability, and the English version has attempted to carry the soul and spirit of the verses".
Recalling the words of Vallalar that if one's heart does not melt on hearing the Thiruvasagam, it can never melt on hearing any other 'vaasagam', Ilayaraja said the bare outline of making a musical album on the Thiruvasagam occurred to him four years ago as he heard the verses being recited during his 'girivalam' (a walk around the hill near the Arunachaleswarar temple in
Tiruvannamalai.
"My heart melted, and sure enough I started thinking more about the project. I had happened to discuss it with Rev Jegath Gaspar Raj at another function, and he and others in Tamil Maiyam came forward to support this venture", he said.
While the Tamil Maiyam described his work as momumental since Ilayaraja worked on it for 70 days, the music director himself was all humility as he said it was merely God's gift that he managed to complete it. By a strange coincidence, he prepared the notes for the symphony in one sitting over 12 days while in Budapest, and it was the same period when Manickavasagar is said to have completed the verses of Thiruvasagam. "This showed that God willed him to do the project, and I had no big role in it", said the maestro, whose musical score helped the Tamil film industry produce hundreds of hits over nearly three decades.
Describing the early moments of the Budapest Symphony Orchestra recording the musical score for the Thiruvasagam, Ilayaraja said when they first played the notes, there was a look of bewilderment on their faces. Some appeared to even scoff at the notes, Ilayaraja pointed out as the notes seemed to be repetitive.
However, a few minutes later he explained to them that the music was not complete by itself and that it was an accompaniment to the singer. He then went on to sing a few lines, and asked them to play out the notes, and when they heard the effect of the verses and the music together, they felt it was astounding music and were overwhelmed. Thereafter, the look on their faces vanished and they got totally immersed into the recording. Ilayaraja recalled.
Why Budapest?
No, particular reason. It could be recorded anywhere. However, the dedication and the involvement of the Orchestra was unbelievable. Further, their sound recording techniques and skills were also great.
What was greater in the project?
The beauty of Tamil language or Bhakti music? One can't separate the two. Both were responsible for the greatness of
Thiruvasagam.
Will Raja reduce his film commitments and work more on such projects?
Not at all. Both will go on.
How long do you think it took to compose the music for Thiruvasagam?
Only as long as it takes a film song.
So saying, Ilayaraja walked into the adjoining Prasad Studio to take up recording of a film song!
Following is the text of the letter from Stephen Schwartz to Tamil Maiyam, the producer of the album:
"Last night, at Sony Studios in New York City, I had the pleasure of hearing the
almost-finished mix of IIayaraja's amazing work. It is unlike anything I've ever heard before, a stunning blend of Indian and Western music and instruments. I asked Mr. Raja if this was something different for him too, and he said he had never done anything like this piece before. I don't know If anyone has. So I believe those of you looking forward to this are in for a great treat".
"The section to which I contributed English words is about twenty minutes long and dovetails back and forth between Mr. Raja singing in Tamil and an American singer singing in English, plus there is a large and beautifully produced chorus. Mr. Raja's orchestrations are superb, and the recording engineer, Richard King, has done a spectacular job
sonically. I felt so very proud to be a small part of this project".
"Mr. Raja is a pleasure to work with. He is a quiet and gentle personality, always smiling and,
encouraging, which can make one forget what a musical genius he is. He was extremely clear
with me about what he wanted me to do in translating/paraphrasing the Tamil text, what portions
of Manickavasagar's poem he wished me to emphasize, and what the deeper meanings were.
When he wanted revisions, he was again very clear and helpful as to what adjustments he felt
needed to be made to accomplish his vision.
"The people Mr. Raja surrounds himself with, at least those it was my pleasure to meet,
are also unfailingly positive personalities. The entire project for me has been an enjoyable and
fascinating experience from beginning to end, and I feel extremely lucky to have
been asked by Mr. Raja to participate. I can promise you with confidence you are in for a major treat when you
hear Thiruvasakam in Symphony."
RR
