Reviews of Classical Compositions

An appreciation by Sir John Scott, Conductor, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London.

 I have now had the privilege of conducting Ilaiyaraaja’s new work, a work of symphonic proportions in five movements and lasting well over an hour. I understand that this is his first symphonic work and in it he proves that he is a master composer capable of communicating a wealth of melody and emotion…

 My first reading of the score…revealed that it was highly individual music in many ways, abounding with intricate rhythms as well as themes which linger in the memory refusing to go away. I could sense his love of the Western classical masters but I could also see the freshness which his culture brought to the ongoing tradition of true music…I asked Ilaiyaraaja to sing me various segments and give me an indication of his feelings regarding dynamics, tempi and intensities. This helped enormously when it came to facing the orchestra with a new work which none of the orchestra had ever seen or heard. Everything was brand new, straight from the copyist’s pen. Both the orchestra and myself felt a great responsibility in bringing this new work to life. Somehow a first recording or a first performance tends to be formative and it is only after it has been heard that it begins to live and grow in people’s minds…

 The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and myself, together with everyone who worked on the project, have expressed their sincere admiration and enthusiasm for Ilaiyaraaja’s new work (Symphony No. 1) (We) hope that it will not be too long before we hear his next symphonic opus.”

 

-- Sir John Scott, Conductor, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London.

Jan 14th or 15th will be celebrated as "Pongal", a Festival of People of Tamil Nadu, India.

This is to remember the effort & toil of the farmers and to celebrate the Harvest.

The Video from a Tamil film, "Mahanadhi", will express some aspects of the festival. Another video from the same film is also below, you can enjoy the devotion in this song. IlaiyaRaaja is the composer.