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Illayaraja
Illayaraja: The maker of melodies
By: sivakumar
Popularly
known as 'Isaignani' and 'Maestro Illyaraja' , a veteran in Tamil music
is one among the greatest musicians. He is known for the revival of
Tamil music when Tamil cine field was starved off melodies and were
banking on Hindi tunes .His entry into the Tamil cinema resembled that
of God sent at the crucial hours.
Illyaraja made his debut
with "Annakili" which scored well for its music. Soon all the eagle-
eyed producers were on the young debutant whose fresh music made them
look upon him for novel tunes. Not to forget, the listening hearts who
indulged their ears in his soul stirring music. The 1980s can be called
the era or the reign of the Raja of music whose fingers on the
harmonium created meters of melody rather spontaneously and
effortlessly synchronizing with the music of his heart which was
nothing other than music itself. His tunes changed garbs from melody to
folks, from contemporary to classical from discos to breaks depending
on the needs.
Soon there were
films that hit the box office solely because of the musician's melodies
which brought many an actor and director behind his back. The trio
Illayaraja, producer Kovaithambi and actor Mohan was a great hit
bringing film fans flocking to the show houses. One could say that his
tunes were the real heroes of the films. Payanangal
Mudivadhilai,Udhayageeyham, Idhayakoil,Unnai naan sandithane and Azagi
are a few of his hits among a hundred others.
A winner of many an
award including a couple of national awards the musician stepped out of
the borders of just cine music to other realms of music. After having
caused quite a flutter on the silver screens the music director
directed his tunes towards devotional as well as instrumental music
which soothed and rocked many a hearts to recess and relaxation.Guru
Ramana Geetham, Rajavin Ramana maalai, Geethanjali and Amma Paamaalai
are a few of his devotional hits that entertained spiritual ears One of
his instrumental albums "Nothing but the wind" speaks languages that
transcends words themselves taking the listener beyond the boundaries
of mere listening; to the space less, timeless and limitless arenas of
the infinite .His creation on "Symphony" and "Thiruvacagam" serves as
mile stones in his career and yet another feather in his hat;
compositions that renders peace and solace to many souls.
With a lot of
tenderfoots making their entry into Tamil cinema, who look upon him as
a source of inspiration, he stills stands undaunted and unique in his
style of making melodies .There are many a young and old souls who rave
about his compositions. Some who could relate to his music at all
times, some who harkened during times of distress and a few chose to
hear it in times of joy and revelry. Whatever the circumstance be, his
music is the music of the soul, perdurable that stands a threat a real
test to time. Undoubtedly, the history books would take pride in
holding his achievements.
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