Syrupy Sunday (or shamelessly deifying Ilayaraaja)

I listened to Uravugal Thodarkathai again today. Who could have known? That a mere song could move you, hard-nosed and all that, so much. Every chord emotional, every riff tugging at heart strings. That malleable music existed, music that could blend in with whatever you were feeling. A frenzied friend by your side, dragging your mind through an emotional kaleidoscope.

Strangely, all that remains at the end is contentment; joy. And the urge to rewind, replay. A little overwhelmed: At this rate, I am never going to go through the hundred other songs that do similar things to my brain. And as always, shock: That one man could compose all of this in one lifetime.

Now, this attempt at rendering the Thiruvasakam – an epic Saivite poem – as “Thiruvasakam in symphony“. Sixty year old man, at the twilight of his career, reduced to desperately seeking recognition that he so richly deserves. I just wish I could go up to him and tell him that after one Uravugal Thodarkathai, the rest is all fluff.

PS : Realmedia version of the song thanks to dhool.com. Also check out http://thiruvasakaminsymphony.com.