இசையில் சிரிதென்ன பெரிதென்ன?

Usage of musical instruments and its names in a misplaced context had always been an annoying factor to me. The harmonium in the hands of a metro train beggar looks better for it becomes the source of his life and is looked after as his own part. But a Korg keyboard in the hands of a rich kid, who has mastered nothing but the power and volume keys, makes me look at it as the beautiful girlfriend of an impotent guy.

The words “jaalra/thaalam” are more commonly used as idioms to mean individuals who don’t have their own motto toward life but devoted to the likes and dislikes of their boss. Well it again is an improper usage for those little instruments are more than what we think.

Does the success of a song lie in its tune or rhythm or its lyrics? It’s an insane immature question. But we all would admit the fact that rhythm and percussion instruments were evolved primary to the others.

Sruthi and Tempo are two most commonly used words in any singing competition. Now for the context getting to know about the word “Tempo” is needed. Tempo is nothing but the speed of the song. Let’s say for instance the song “Hasili Fisili” from Aadhavan is a 4:27 Minutes long song. But when played in any stage by an orchestra or a band, the song would not be of the exact measure. This is because of the fact that musicians either get tired and drag the song or get more enthu and play it fast.

To overcome this were designed little instruments that were played by individuals with greater rhythm sense. Individuals who could keep playing like a pre programmed system without human errors. The whole band including the singers rely on the tempo of these instruments that they follow its speed throughout the song. I would compare the musicians who play such percussions to the referees of football. The players run only when the ball comes to their part while the referees have to keep running throughout. Their stamina is incredible. Music sense is amazing. Their onstage seat is a corner and they go unnoticed.

When it comes to art the measuring units are different.

A late prelude

“ இசை எங்கேர்ந்து வருது?” I’m sure that, as for me, this title pops up the Vadivel comedy track in many minds! As oft repeated by doyens in music, the track echoes the sentiment that any sound in nature is musical. Achievement of such heights in music appreciation speaks of the magnificence of the greatest names in music. I’m sure that not all of them were prodigies. The musical sense is instilled over a period of time. Inspite of having been initiated in the tradition of classical music at a very young age, I still believe that there is only a fine line of difference between music and noise. I can say with confidence that many people are giving me company in my boat ;) When my elder brother attempted to introduce me to rock and death metal, I screamed bloody murder on listening to a few songs!!!! I just cannot come to terms with the fact that- music need not soothe you all the time, it can invigorate you too (like people claim loud music does!). 

Loud and frenzied music puts me to bed with a headache. Many of us have, unfortunately, not yet attained the blissful level of keen listening and enjoyment of any kind of music. I would love to work out my versatility issues in music and expand my genre of music appreciation. Interaction with people having different music interests is a key to this. Knowledge about the underlying facts in each genre would definitely help us understand and enjoy them better. This was the driving force behind the inception of this blog. The people contributing to this blog exhibit unique talents and are eager to share their knowledge on such a platform. The currently posted articles aptly supplement my statement! I hope to learn a lot from this joint-venture. Hope all of us delve deeper into music!