Kachha Dhaaga Options

[unni]

I thought I should share with you, for a change, some instrumental pieces. I am starting off with 3 pieces of Fusion Music. Hope it appeals to you. Would welcome some feedback.

Here's track 1.

Cheers!

[unni]

The appeal of a film song is based on how it sounds and not on intricacy or its distinctive features in terms of use of 'swaras'. In fact, the simplicity of the tune is a distinct plus point for popular appeal. The other key factor is the mood it conveys. Hence, certain ragas are better suited for creation of film tunes. Even when classical artistes perform, there are certain "popular" ragas, e.g. Darbari, Bhairavi, Malkauns, which lay listeners can identify with, appreciate and enjoy. Certain other ragas, particularly rare ragas, some of which sound "non-commital" in terms of expressing any mood, do not appeal to the untrained ear, whereas those proficient in classical music would rave over their intricacy and unique features. Film songs are usually of a "romantic" nature, whether happy or sad. A raag like Bhairavi is eminently suitable to convey romance. It can also be meditative and soulful. Darbari is a "grand", "royal", "heavy-weight" raaga, conveying a sense of "seriousness". Malkauns is a very evocative raag, again suitable for sad and devotional songs. The reverse also happens! A film song introduces a lesser-known raag to the lay listener. An apt example of this is Asha-ji's 'Jhootay naina boley" from "LEKIN", which was based on the rarely-used "Bilaskhani Todi".

Certain songs are set in not just one raag, but a blend of several raagas, to create a "Raaga-maalika". Depending upon the nature of the song, on how it will be picturized, the distinct raagas can either stand out clearly or they can blend into each other. Early in her career Lata-ji had rendered some excellent songs in this genre. A very good example of the former is a song rendered by Yesudas for an unreleased film, the very lyrics and the music intended to showcase various classical ragas.