“Naan Aar En Ullam Aar Gnanangal Aar Ennai Aararivar
Vanoor Prian ennai andilanel”
Having got into the web of film music, fame and money making, IR should have been carving for doing something to satisfy his own soul and to render it as a tribute to his fans and his Creator. One could see such soul searching commitment written allover the masterpiece.
IR has achieved the following commendably by his rendition
The idea of using Thiruvasakam is not only to take advantage of its richness in meaning and emotions but also to introduce the rich heritage of Tamil literature to modern youth who seem to be cluelessly wandering in modern-day music. This, he has achieved to perfection. I for one, for example, was drawn by the magnetic waves of the words in TiS and went on to find out Manickavachagar’s works and in the process came across a rich and unbelievably large treasure of literature available in Tamil. Hats off to IR for doing this.
IR, it is obvious, wanted to give the society a symphony with purpose. He has taken extreme care to ensure that the words are rendered as they are meant to. It is amazing that in some cases (in Polla Vinayan) in order to emphasis the significance of the words, there is no back ground music at all, except for a hum!!. And, to ensure that it meets his own standards, he has sung almost all the songs, as if any other singer would not do justice to it!. Again, hats off, he has given not only Manicka vasagar, but Manicka Vasagar as it is with all meanings and emotions.
By making this Symphony Oratario, IR, it seems, wants to give a message to the world that music is all about satisfying souls and nothing comes in between. It looks as though he has made this masterpiece not minding anything - fame, money, recognition (of course, he has had enough and need not go after any, anymore!) but has given it as a tribute to the Creator to thank him for making him a Genius, that he is.
By using the 10th Century master piece, IR has rightly sent a message to all and sundry (musicians, music lovers, common man, etc) that all that is required is available now and here and you need not go to places seeking any. The enormity of service done by IR to Tamil and Tamil people cannot be put in words and time only will show us its magnitude and worth.
Consider this-
Had IR gone for a Hindi classic, the whole of India would have sat up and had a look. IR would have made his money. Had he done a Bible piece or western classic, the whole of the world would have noticed it and the Sky would have been the limit for his fame and richness.
It is amazing that none of the musicians in whatever form dare touch any literature beyond Bharathi. IR has traveled beyond that and has reached 10th century in the process. No wonder he calls it his life’s mission and purpose.
I know, I have not talked much about Thiruvasakam, per se. I do not know about symphony or music notes and finer things associated with it. But any music that makes you to listen to it again and again and merges with your soul is supposed to be outstanding. TiS does just that!!
We in society have a duty. What we have seen or heard is only a tip in the iceberg. IR is capable of much more. The whole of Thiruvasakam itself would take 10 symphonies if not more. And, there are lot more. It would be enthralling and fitting to hear the Maestro do Bharathi in symphony. All we have to do is encourage IR and provide him an atmosphere where he is enthused to do it all. If God’s will is that, IR cannot shun away from such propositions and we will be in for lot more treats!
GOWRISANKAR