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How to Listen to Thiruvasakam in Symphonic Oratorio

By Swaminathan Narayanan

Location : Chennai

E-mail : swamin@arcot.com

Here are the do's and don’ts!

1. Buy and encourage everyone to buy ONLY the original CD as a mark of respect to "The Artist" who had conceived this great idea. Hence, don’t lend your CD/Cassette to any of your friend/relatives to listen or copy. Request them to buy Original. Or else, you may buy one original & handover to them.

2. It is preferable if you read the lyrics and familiarize with this too before listening to enjoy the concept.

3. First-time listening please make sure you have access to a good sound system possible to enjoy the full effect!

4. DO NOT listen in your computer at the first time!

5. Late evening setting, is preferred for the fist time listening. Sit in a quiet place, light a candle and some incense sticks, dim the lights, turn the sound system and just close your eyes for the next 60 mts.

6. Control your urge to replay the second song immediately but listen to the entire CD in one sitting to enjoy the various dimensions IR has reached

7. Now, [after wiping away those tears you would have certainly shed by this time, as you are a true IR, music and Tamil lover!], read again the lyrics and marvel at how IR has captured the 'life' of these great verses in his music and how everyone else who have worked for this album has captured the spirit equally!

8. Remember, this is a great gift idea for the next few months on your list!!

9. Please feel free to send this mail / share this information to everyone you care, as a promotion too!!

10. Last but not the least; please write a line to us at tis-usa@gmail.com of what was your experience on your first time listening without fail! We are planning to bring out a book on this soon and your opinions will feature in that.

11. Share your wonderful experience thru’ e-mail to ilaiyaraaja@yahoogroups.com.

Highlights:

a) The blend of Tamil and English verses in the 2nd song .

b) Musical aspects of the 2nd song (ragaas, symphonisation, change of beats - introduction of kanda nadai when maasatra jothi starts.

c) The chorus and its chilling electric effect in the 2nd song.

d) Resemblence of Kadal Ovium song when Namachivaya vazhga is sung.

e) Raagamalika of the 4th song (I could identify Hamsanandhi and Mayamalava goula) in 4th and 5th Stanza of Umbarkarase.

f) The beautiful symphonic background for a folk like 5th number.

g) Resemblence of vanthal vanthal raajakumari in the 5th song.

h) The divine duet 3rd number that comprises the manikavasagar's representation to lord shiva thru an insect (thumbi). This song is based on the raga “Suddha Dhanyasi”.

i) Simplification of the symphony with a oral humming by the maestro in the sixth number.