Music has the power to soothe the mind. The therapeutic effect of music is well understood and those who had gathered to listen to the medley of ragas at the Chellam Century Hall experienced that cathartic effect.
Thirairagangal programme organised by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage Madurai chapter introduced some of the popular Carnatic ragas based film songs and explained the significance of those ragas.
“The main objective of the programme is to introduce Carnatic music to the younger generation and ignite the music temper in them,” said Rajesh Kanna, co-convenor, INTACH (Madurai).
“Each raga has an emotion and we carefully picked six ragas that are widely used by different music composers,” said Vijayalakshmi Vijayaraghavan, Associate Professor, Sathguru Sangeetha Samajam Music College.
She explained the salient features of Nattai, Kalyani, Kapi, Charukesi, Sindhu Bhairavi and Simhendra Madhyamam ragas. “Naattai raga is very auspicious and is mostly sung in temples and festivals. It is the first raga sung in most of the concerts. It has very close resemblance to Hindustani raga Jog. It invigorates the listener and relieves stress. Fit to be sung during the day,” she said.
Lot of music composers have efficiently handled this raga. Some of the popular film numbers based on this raga are ‘Ayyangar Veetu Azhage’ from Anniyan by Harris Jeyaraj, ‘Chennai Senthamizh’ from M. Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi by Srikanth Deva, ‘Pani Vizhum Malar Vanam’ from Ninaivellam Nithya by maestro Ilayaraja.
Kalyani is referred as queen of ragas and in Hindustani music it is called as ‘Yaman’. “The best timing for the raga is during the first quarter of the night. The main emotion is happiness. Some of the popular film numbers in this raga are Janani Janani from Thai Moogambigai, Sundari Kannal Oru Seithi from Thalapathi by Ilayaraja,” said Vijayalakshmi.
Charukesi raga evokes emotions of compassion, warmth and tenderness. Film numbers in this raga are Aadal Kalaiye Thevan Thanthathu from Sri Raghavendrar composed by Ilayaraja and Nenjil Nenjil Idho Idho from Engeyum Kadhal by Harris Jeyaraj.
“Since the programme targeted the youth, we chose songs of composers from Ilayaraja and those after him,” said Salai Lakshana, Assistant Professor, Department of Music, Thiagajar Arts College.
Quiz contest on ragas and film songs was also organised. The organisers awarded young music talents on the occasion.
“We would like to make this programme an annual event,” promised Rajesh Kanna.
