A.R. Rahman's 'Veerapandi Kottaiyile'
'Veerapandi Kottaiyile' from Thiruda Thiruda (1993) is one of the most under-rated tracks in A.R. Rahman's career! I would not say that it has not been appreciated. It has continuously raked in compliments like 'great', 'magnificent' etc; but those adjectives alone would not suffice to describe the greatness of this track!
At
the age of 26, Rahman accomplished something his contemporary classical
aspirants would have dreamed of achieving at a much later
stage in their career!
Veerapandi is abundant with neoclassical elements pioneered by the legendary Russian classical composer, Sergei Prokofiev, soon after World War 1. Not just the arrangements, but the tune of Veerapandi too has a rich neoclassical base (barring the iconic 'March'-like 'Mukhda'/'Pallavi'] which exceptionally syncs with the orchestration creating an intricate 'Call-And-Response' pattern throughout the track.
'Rettai Chooriyan Varuguthamma, Ottrai Thaamarai Karuguthamma..'
.. It's a very neoclassical combination of notes.
The beautiful, but restrained harmony of strings and woodwinds that immediately follows the line creates an amazing melody, that is probably the most complimenting 'RESPONSE' to the above 'CALL' (Rettai Chooriyan..).
What a divine combination of melodies that converse with each other in an impeccable Call-And-Response pattern, that too with neoclassical opulence!
The second main interlude starts with a short tremolo on strings, and then the double bass announces something heavy, but Rahman takes us through beautiful woodwind counters with the double bass providing some wonderful rhythm support.
One of the best songs ever produced in the history of Indian film music!
The beautiful, but restrained harmony of strings and woodwinds that immediately follows the line creates an amazing melody, that is probably the most complimenting 'RESPONSE' to the above 'CALL' (Rettai Chooriyan..).
What a divine combination of melodies that converse with each other in an impeccable Call-And-Response pattern, that too with neoclassical opulence!
The second main interlude starts with a short tremolo on strings, and then the double bass announces something heavy, but Rahman takes us through beautiful woodwind counters with the double bass providing some wonderful rhythm support.
One of the best songs ever produced in the history of Indian film music!
I request everyone to listen to
portions from Sergei Prokofiev's 1st Symphony, which arguably started
the neoclassical movement in music. LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5jL6Ma9tvk
