MS Viswanathan was diverse. Really, really diverse (a personal favourite is this number from Kai Kodutha Deivam). But we love his melodious compositions a little more (he wasn’t called “mellissai mannar” without reason) – set against a full moon; gentle beats, gentler orchestration, and a soft tide of vocals. Our favourites from this genre (in addition to the others, of course):
1. Paadatha Paatellam: Such soothing music; debutant CL Anandan sways to what sounds like a romantic lullaby under a full moon, as PB Sreenivas and S Janaki provide vocal support. The notes are ever so light, and PB Srinivas is never too far behind. An MSV-Ramamoorthy collaboration for Veera Thirumagan.
2. Muthukalo Kangal: A Sivaji-KR Vijaya song set in classical Madhyamavathi, with just a touch of drama. Light, flowing beats and beautiful orchestration. Kannadasan for MSV. From the movie Nenjirukkum Varai.
3. Ponnai Virumbum Bhoomiyile: TM Soundararajan, again. This time though, Kannadasan’s lyrics get him thoughtful. Minimal orchestration; just enough to let TMS take flight. The reflective beats off the tabla (in the charanam) are simply brilliant. For the movie Aalayamani, starring Sivaji and Saroja Devi
Ponnai virumbum bhoomiyile… ennai virumbum oruyire
Pudhayal thedi alayum ulagil, idhayam thedum enuyire
Typical Kannadasan.
4. Ilakkanam Marutho: Featuring Kamal Haasan and (a very stern) Sumithra, this beautiful number has touches of so many ragas. What is it, really? Saranga, as this blog claims? Or the fluid Saraswathi? We remain just as conflicted as those many emotions that course through the number. SPB for the movie Nizhal Nijamagiradhu.
5. Sippi Irukkudhu: As Vaali writes about unearthing oysters and pearls, MSV strings them together into a beautiful medley. Lovely, playful notes that sing of old-world romance.
Sandhangal neeyaananal
…sangeetham naanaaven
This is really how you flirt in the 80s. From Varumayin Niram Sigappu.
6. Kalyana Valai Osai Kondu: This song just sways. Such lovely classical and folk accents. TM Soundararajan and P Susheela for MSV. Vaali writes. From Urimai Kural.
7. Pon Enben: Set in Durbaari Kaanada, this gentle melody is a pleasing night-time listen. S Janaki and PB Sreenivas breathe life into this song, composed for the 1962 movie Policekaran Magal.
Aside: Malare Mounama and Kaatre En Vaasal Vandhaai are also set in variations of Durbaari Kaanada. Notice the low octave?
More here.
8. Anbulla Maan Vizhiye: One off the late-night radio, again. Classic MSV, with music that steadily builds up tempo. Slow, rhythmic beats and gentle orchestration. TM Soundararajan and P Susheela for Kuzhandaiyum Deivamum.
9. Pon Ondru Kandaen: Beautiful, beautiful Brindavana Saranga. TMS and PB Sreenivas sing for MSV in this contemplative yet playful number. From Padithal Mattum Podhuma.
10. Veedu Varai Uravu: Kannadasan and Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy get reflective again. Some serious thathuvam in this. From Pathakanikkai starring Gemini Ganesan.
11. Avalukkenna: This famous song, made more popular by Nagesh and his energetic moves, opens with MSV conducting the orchestra – a very different one at that. So peppy. And, some smart percussion as well. For Server Sundaram.
References:
http://msv-music.blogspot.in/
http://saidvk.blogspot.in/2012/10/selected-ragam-brindhavana-saranga-contd.html
http://www.msvtimes.com
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