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Ilaiyaraaja

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Ilaiyaraaja

Ilaiyaraaja ( இளையராஜா in Tamil) (born June 2, 1943) is an Indian film composer and one of India's most prolific. He has composed over 4000 songs[1] and provided background music for more than 800 Indian films[2] in various languages in a career spanning 30 years. He has been pivotal in the shaping of south India's film music landscape in the late 1970s and 1980s. During this period, Ilaiyaraaja's work brought to the fore Tamil folk lyricism, introduced broader Western musical sensibilities to the south Indian musical mainstream and served as a vehicle for some of India's most popular voices. Ilaiyaraaja has won the Indian National Film Award for best music direction thrice.[3]

Early life and education

Ilaiyaraaja (Gnanadesikan at birth, and referred to as Rasaiyya in school records) was born into a poor rural family in Pannaipuram near Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. His early, formative contact with music-making and performance came at 14 when he joined the travelling musical troupe of his elder step-brother, Paavalar Varadharaasan, a propaganda musician for the Communist Party of India.[4][5] In association with his brother, he journeyed through many villages, towns and cities in south India for about 10 years as one of the musical Paavalar Brothers. Arriving in Madras (now Chennai) in 1968, he came under the musical tutelage of a Master Dhanraj who introduced him to Western classical music. The music and compositional styles of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and Schubert, among others, were lasting influences that would later become a motif (as seen in the use of elaborate counterpoint, for example) in much of Ilaiyaraaja's compositions. His classical training culminated in him completing a course in classical guitar (higher local) with the Trinity College of Music in London.

Career and music

A significant turn for Ilaiyaraaja was his hiring as an assistant to the film music director G.K. Venkatesh, an event that marked his entry into the film music industry. During this stint he learnt the practical methods of orchestration, and would hone his compositional ability through frequent experiment accomplished by persuading session musicians to play, during their break times, the scores that he wrote.[6] Ilaiyaraaja also worked as a session guitarist for other film music directors, such as Salil Chowdhury.[7] Ilaiyaraaja's break as a full-fledged music director came in 1976, when film producer Panchu Arunachalam decided to commission him to compose the songs and film score for a Tamil-language film called Annakkili ('The Dove'). This soundtrack, and the others that quickly followed, earned Ilaiyaraaja recognition for his fusion of Tamil folk poetry and music with popular Tamil film music.[8][9] By the early 1980s, Ilaiyaraaja had established himself as the leading music director in the south Indian film music industry[10] which he proceeded to dominate for more than a decade and in which he continues to play a significant part.

Ilaiyaraaja's arrival onto the scene of film music direction broke new ground in the industry. It saw the centralisation of expressive control in the hands of a musical director brought to an unprecedented level.[11][12] The Indian filmmaker Mani Ratnam illustrates: "Ilayaraja (sic) would look at the [film] scene once, and immediately start giving notes to his assistants, as a bunch of musicians, hovering around him, would collect the notes for their instrument and go to their places. When the orchestra played out the notes, they would be perfect, not just in harmony but also in timing - the background score would commence exactly where it should and end at the exact place required... A [film] director can be taken by surprise at the speed of events."[13] The range of expressive possibilities in Indian film music was broadened by Ilaiyaraaja's methodical approach to arranging, recording technique, and ability to draw from a diversity of musical styles. According to Greene (1997), Ilaiyaraaja's "deep understanding of so many different styles of music allowed him to create syncretic pieces of music combining very different musical idioms in unified, coherent musical statements".[14] Indeed, Ilaiyaraaja went on to compose Indian film music in styles that included pop, acoustic guitar-driven Western folk, jazz-inflected tunes, disco, funk, Vaudevillian, cabaret, pathos, native folk/tribal, and Indian classical (in both the predominantly classical and semi-classical formats).

Ilaiyaraaja's music is characterised by the use of a distinctive orchestration technique that is a synthesis of Western and Indian instruments and musical modes. He pioneered the use of electronic music technology that integrated synthesisers, electric guitars and keyboards, rhythm boxes and MIDI with large orchestras.[15] The popular appeal of Ilaiyaraaja's music can also be attributed to his flair for catchy melodies, and to his employment of subtle nuances in chord progressions, beats and timbres.[16][17][18] His songs, many of which demand considerable vocal virtuosity, have found expressive platform amongst some of India's respected vocalists and playback singers, such as K. J. Yesudas, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki , P. Susheela, K. S. Chitra, Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar.[19] Occasionally, Ilaiyaraaja sings his own compositions. He is famed for his evocative background music for films.

Besides scoring music for Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and other Indian-language films, Ilaiyaraaja has composed two fusion music albums, blending Western classical music with Carnatic ragas. The first, How To Name It? (1986), is dedicated to the Carnatic master Tyagaraja and to J. S. Bach. In this album, Ilaiyaraaja fused the Carnatic form and ragas with Bach partitas and fugues and Baroque musical textures.[20] The second album, Nothing But Wind, suggests in its title that music is but a natural phenomenon akin to the wind, and the album's music takes this conceptual approach. Ilaiyaraaja has also composed a set of classical Carnatic pieces which were performed by the electric mandolin player U. Srinivas. Ilaiyaraaja has worked with eminent Carnatic musicians like Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna and T. V. Gopalakrishnan. He is the inventor of a raga called Panchamukhi, considered by some Carnatic purists as faux and by the general crowd as an achievement. He has composed several devotional songs inspired by the Hindu mystic Ramana Maharishi. Ilaiyaraaja has also written song lyrics in both the Tamil and Hindi languages.

His composition Rakkama Kaiya Thattu from the movie Thalapathi (1991) was amongst the songs listed in a BBC World Top Ten music poll.[21] He composed the music for Nayakan (1987), an Indian film ranked by TIME magazine as one of the all-time 100 best movies.[22] He scored the music for a number of India's official entries for the Oscars, such as Anjali (1990)[23] and Hey Ram (2000).[24] Besides composing film music and solo albums, Ilaiyaraaja has composed music for events such as the 1996 Miss World beauty pageant that was held in Bangalore, India[1]. Among Ilaiyaraaja's more recent works are his songs and film score for the comedy film Mumbai Xpress (2005) starring Kamal Haasan, and his Thiruvasagam in Symphony, an oratorio of ancient poems performed by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra, conducted by László Kovacs.[25]

Ilaiyaraaja rarely performs his music live. He held a live show on a grand scale for the first time in 25 years on 16 October 2005, at the Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai, India for a largely Tamil-speaking audience.[26] The show was telecasted widely on television in India and abroad. Lesser known was his live performance in Italy in a music festival in 2004.[27]

A TV retrospective show called 'Ithu Ilaiyaraja' was produced, chronicling his career.[28]

Ilaiyaraaja is married to Jeeva, and the couple have three children. Their two sons Karthik Raja and Yuvan Shankar Raja are both film composers, and their daughter Bhavatharini is a singer and composer.

Awards and nominations

Ilaiyaraaja has won the following awards:



  • The Kalaimamani Award, an annual award for excellence in the field of arts. Presented by the Government of the State of Tamil Nadu, India.
  • Award of Government of the State of Andhra Pradesh, India, for excellence in music.
  • Conferred the title Isaignani ('genius of music') in the year 1988, at Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India.
  • Conferred the Degree of Doctor of Letter (Honoris causa) in March, 1994, by the Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India.
  • Conferred the Cultural Doctorate in Philosophy of Music, in April, 1994, by the World University Round Table, Arizona, U.S.A.
  • Award of Appreciation, in 1994, from the Foundation and Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America.
  • Bestowed with an honorary citizenship and presented with the key to the Teanech township, by Mr. John Abraham, Mayor of the township of Teanech, New Jersey, U.S.A., in June, 1994.
  • Presented with the Award of Government of the State of Kerala, India, in 1995 for excellence in music.
  • Conferred the Degree of Doctor of Letters, in 1996, by the Madurai Kamarajar University, Tamil Nadu, India.
  • The Lata Mangeshkar Award For Excellence in Music, conferred by the Government of Madhya Pradesh, India in 1998.

Partial discography

Some notable Tamil film albums

  • 16 Vayathinile (1977) (contains National Award-winning song Sendhoora Poove, sung by S. Janaki)
  • Alaigal Oivathillai (1981) (directed by Bharathiraja)
  • Moondram Pirai (1982) (the Award-winning film by Balu Mahendra)
  • Nineivellam Nithya (1982)
  • Salangai Oli (1983) (the Tamil version of Saagara Sangamam; contains the National Award-winning song Thagida Thathimi, sung by S.P. Balasubramaniam)
  • Nallavanukku Nallavan (1984)
  • O Maane Maane (1984)
  • Idhaya Koil (1985) (a Mani Ratnam film)
  • Pagal Nilavu (1985)
  • Sindhu Bhairavi (1985) (a film by K. Balachander; awarded the National Award for best musical direction)
  • Udhaya Geetham (1985)
  • Mudhal Mariyathai (1985) (contains the National Award-winning song Poongkatru Thirumbuma, the lyrics of which was penned by Vairamuthu)
  • Mella Thiranthathu Kathavu (1986) (co-scored with M.S. Vishwanathan)
  • Mouna Ragam (1986) (a Mani Ratnam film)
  • Punnagai Mannan (1986)
  • Enga Ooru Paatukaran (1987) (contains the popular song Shenbagamae, sung by Asha Bhosle)
  • Nayakan (1987) (400th film; film direction by Mani Ratnam)
  • Velaikaaran (1987)
  • Karakaatakaran (1989)
  • Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal (1989)
  • Anjali (1990) (500th film, directed by Mani Ratnam)
  • Mannan (1990)
  • Chinna Thambi (1991)
  • Thalapathi (1991) (a Mani Ratnam film)
  • Eeramana Rojave (1991)
  • Guna (1991) (contains the popular song Kanmani Anbodu, a duet by Kamal Hassan and S. Janaki)
  • Idhayam (1991)
  • Thevar Magan (1992) (600th film - contains National Award-winning song Inji Idupazhaga, sung by S. Janaki and Kamal Hassan)
  • Ejamaan (1993)
  • Kadhalukku Mariyadhai (1997)
  • Bharathi (2000) (contains National Award-winning song Mayil Pola, sung by Bhavatharini Ilaiyaraaja)
  • Hey Ram (2000) (contains Aparna's Theme (or Nee Partha) and Janmon Ki Jwala, sung by Asha Bhosle)
  • Azhagi (2001) (contains National Award winning-song Paattu Solli Pada Solli, sung by Sadhana Sargam)

Selected Malayalam film albums

  • Olangal (1982)
  • Sandhyakku Virinja Poovu (1983)
  • Aalolam (1983)
  • Pin Nilavu (1983)
  • Aa Rathri (1983)
  • Onnanu Nammal (1984)
  • My Dear Kuttichathan (1984)
  • Yatra (1985)
  • Poomukhapadiyil Ninneyum Kathu (1986)
  • Adharvam (1989)
  • Ente Sooryaputhikku (1991)
  • Pappayude Swantham Appoos (1992)
  • Kaalapani (1996)
  • Guru (1997)
  • Kaliyoonjal (1997)
  • Oru Yathramozhi (1997)
  • Man of the Match (1997)
  • Moonnam Pakkam (1988)
  • Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal (2000)
  • Friends (2001)
  • Manasinakkare (2003)
  • Ponmudipuzhayorathu (2005)
  • Achuvinte Amma (2005)
  • Rasathantram (2006)
  • Pachakuthira (2006)

Note: For an extended film music catalogue (categorised by film name, song name, singer, etc.) go to Raaja Information Center: Film Music Database.

Other albums

  • Thiruvasagam
  • How To Name It?
  • Nothing But the Wind (flute played by Hariprasad Chaurasia)
  • Rajavin Ramanamaalai
  • Vedic Chant
  • Illayaraja's Geethanjali
  • India 24 Hours
  • A symphonic suite in five movements with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) of London. Conducted by John Scott. Recorded in 1993. Yet to be released.
  • Pallavi Anupallavi in the Kannada language (1983, a film by Mani Ratnam, starring Anil Kapoor)
  • Nee Nanna Gellalaare in the Kannada language (a film starring Dr. Rajkumar)
  • Nammura Mandara Hoove in the Kannada language
  • Prema Raaga Haadu Gelathi in the Kannada language

Literary works

  • Sangeetha Kanavugal (trans.:'Musical Dreams') (1st ed., 1984; 2nd ed., 1999). Published by Kalaignan Pathipagam, Chennai. A book about his European tour and other musings.
  • Vettaveli Thanil Kotti Kidakkuthu (1st ed., 1985; 2nd ed., 1993; 3rd ed., 1998). Published by Kalaignan Pathipagam, Chennai. A collection of poems.
  • Ilaiyaraajavin Sinthanaigal (2000). Published by Thiruvasu Puthaka Nilayam, Chennai.
  • Vazhithunai (1998). Published by Saral Veliyeedu, Chennai.
  • Gnagna Ganga
  • Paal Nila Paathai
  • Unmaikku Thirai Yethu?
  • Yaarukku Yaar Ezhuthuvathu?
  • En Narambu Veenai

References

  1. ^ Behal, S. 2006. Melodious music. The Hindu, July 23. Available from: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2006072300230500.htm&date=2006/07/23/&prd=mag&. Accessed 12 October 2006.
  2. ^ Allirajan, M. 2004. Musical journeys. The Hindu, Thursday, June 10. Available from: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2004/06/10/stories/2004061000010100.htm. Accessed 12 October 2006.
  3. ^ Wikipedia contributors. 2006. (Indian) National film award for best music direction. Available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Film_Award_for_Best_Music_Direction. Accessed 12 October 2006.
  4. ^ Ramnarayanan, G. 1989. Matchless in quality and speed! The Hindu, May 26. Available from: http://www.raaja.com/Rv-Matchless-Gowri.pdf. Accessed 13 October 2006.
  5. ^ Ilaiyaraja. 1999. Sangeetha Kanavugal (2nd edition). Chennai, India: Kalaignaan Pathipagam.
  6. ^ Ramnarayanan, G. 1989. Matchless in quality and speed! The Hindu, May 26. Available from: http://www.raaja.com/Rv-Matchless-Gowri.pdf. Acessed 13 October 2006.
  7. ^ Gautam, S. 2004. 'Suhana safar' with Salilda. The Hindu, Tuesday, Nov 13. Available from: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2004/11/23/stories/2004112300580100.htm. Acessed 13 October 2006.
  8. ^ Greene, P.D. 2001. Authoring the Folk: the crafting of a rural popular music in south India. Journal of Intercultural Studies 22 (2): 161–172.
  9. ^ Sivanarayanan, A. 2004. Translating Tamil Dalit poetry. World Literature Today 78(2): 56-58.
  10. ^ Greene, P.D. 1997. Film music: Southern area. Pp. 542-546 in B. Nettl, R.M. Stone, J. Porter and T. Rice. The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music. Volume V: South Asia - The Indian Subcontinent. New York: Garland Pub. (p. 544).
  11. ^ Mohan, A. 1994. Ilaiyaraja: composer as phenomenon in Tamil film culture. M.A. thesis, Wesleyan University (pp. 106-107).
  12. ^ Greene, P.D. 1997. Film music: Southern area. Pp. 542-546 in B. Nettl, R.M. Stone, J. Porter and T. Rice. The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music. Volume V: South Asia - The Indian Subcontinent. New York: Garland Pub. (p. 544).
  13. ^ Rangaraj, R. 2005. Mani Ratnam on Ilayaraja, Rehman. ChennaiOnline, March 9th. Available from: http://www.chennaionline.com/film/Events/2005/03maniratnam.asp. Accessed 13 October 2006.
  14. ^ Greene, P.D. 1997. Film music: Southern area. Pp. 542-546 in B. Nettl, R.M. Stone, J. Porter and T. Rice. The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music. Volume V: South Asia - The Indian Subcontinent. New York: Garland Pub. (p. 544).
  15. ^ Greene, P.D. 1997. Film music: Southern area. Pp. 542-546 in B. Nettl, R.M. Stone, J. Porter and T. Rice. The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music. Volume V: South Asia - The Indian Subcontinent. New York: Garland Pub. (p. 544).
  16. ^ Subramanian, V. Undated. 9th chords in Rajaa's music. Available from: http://www.geocities.com/violinvicky/9thChords.html. Accessed 13 October 2006.
  17. ^ Subramanian, V. Undated. The boss of bass. Available from: http://www.geocities.com/violinvicky/BossOfBass.html. Accessed 13 October 2006.
  18. ^ Balaji, R.S. 2002. Lessons from Maestro Ilayaraja: A case study on Maestro Ilayaraja's style of music. Available from: http://www.geocities.com/lessonsfromraja. Accessed 13 October 2006.
  19. ^ Raaja Online. 2005. Discography: Film database - List of singers. Available from: http://www.raaja.com/ric/index.html. Accessed 13 October 2006.
  20. ^ Greene, P.D. 1997. Film music: Southern area. Pp. 542-546 in B. Nettl, R.M. Stone, J. Porter and T. Rice. The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music. Volume V: South Asia - The Indian Subcontinent. New York: Garland Pub. (pp. 544-545).
  21. ^ BBC World Service. 2002. BBC World Service 70th Anniversary Global Music Poll: The World's Top Ten. Available from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/us/features/topten. Accessed 13 October 2006.
  22. ^ TIME Magazine. 2005. All-TIME 100 Movies. Available from: http://www.time.com/time/2005/100movies/0,23220,nayakan,00.html. Accessed 13 October 2006.
  23. ^ IMDB (Internet Movie Database). Undated. Biography for Mani Ratnam. Available from: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0711745/bio. Accessed 13 October 2006.
  24. ^ Loewenstein, L. 2001. Hey Ram (review). Variety, January 29. 381 (10): 60.
  25. ^ Viswanathan, S. A cultural crossover. Frontline 22 (15), July 16-29, 2005. Available from: http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2215/stories/20050729004110200.htm. Accessed 13 October 2006.
  26. ^ Rangarajan, M. 2005. The Raja still reigns supreme. The Hindu. Friday, October 21. Available from: http://www.hinduonnet.com/fr/2005/10/21/stories/2005102100140200.htm. Accessed 13 October 2006.
  27. ^ Rangaraj, R. 2005. Events: Ilayaraja live in Italy. Chennai Online, August 3. Available from: http://www.chennaionline.com/music/Events/2005/08ilayaraja-italy.asp. Accessed 13 October 2006.
  28. ^ The Hindu Online. 2005. 'Ithu Ilaiyaraja'. The Hindu, Friday, July 1. Available from: http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/07/01/stories/2005070102420400.htm. Accessed 13 October 2006.

Other readings

Prem-Ramesh. 1998. Ilaiyaraja: Isaiyin Thathuvamum Alagiyalum (trans.: Ilaiyaraja: The Philosophy and Aesthetics of Music). Chennai: Sembulam.

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