166 replies to this topic

[yperelman]

Have any of you heard of a film music composer by name Illayaraja? Chances are that most of you have not. Its a pity that such a genius remains largely unknown to the western world - largely because he comes from an obscure place ( A state called TamilNadu, in Southern India ). Having heard film music of all the major composers from the world including John Williams, I consider Illayaraja to be the greatest film music composer ever - Period.  

If you want to know about his music, a good place to start will be an instrumental fusion ( fusion between Bach's music and South Indian classical music) album named "How To Name It?". Yo can read review of the same here:

http://www.amazon.co...800845?v=glance

You can hear the pieces here:
http://www.nixline.com/Illayaraaja.htm

I feel sad that such a composer remains largely obscure and this thread is a small attempt from my side, to expose him to film music lovers all over the world. If any of you want to know more the man's music, please let me know. Thanks.

[Adam]

What criteria are you using to say best film composer ever? I only sampled a short amount and its interesting to hear the fusion of Indian music and classical. I imagine this would appeal mostly to people who like classical music, Indian music or, even better, both. Its the kind of music I can enjoy for a little while as a curiosity but I've never been much of a fan of either genre. And from the point of view of the sophistication and difficulty of the arrangements, certainly there are better film composers, Williams being the most notable. But maybe you're using other criteria or simply saying he's your favorite.

- Adam

[yperelman]

Hi Adam, I just referred to fusion album as an introduction to his music. This is just one of the genres where he has delved into.

To give you a background, the man has composed music for an incredible 750 films. His music spans a variety of genres that include -  Indian classical music, Indian folk music, Minimalism, European Classical music.

Unforunately, unlike Hollywood movies, Indian Movie industry do not release soundtrack albums. But a few enthusiasts have recorded his scores directly from his films. They lack in recording quality, but you can have a feel in the following pieces:


http://www.iespana.e...unaRaagamBGM.rm

http://www.raajangah...iyum/track1.ram

http://www.raajangah...rai/track01.ram

http://www.raajangah...li/anjali03.ram

[Joey]

He isn't John Williams, so he's not the greatest, sorry.

Joe, who has worshipped John for over 30 years.

[Adam]

Sounds like he might be the most prolific film composer ever? Its probably a good thing that I?m not a fan of this music. Its bad enough that I have to crave an expanded edition of Temple of Doom and other Williams? odds and ends. Add in another 750 unreleased scores and I?d be one hugely frustrated person.

Some of it has the Nyman-like repetitive stuff that I don?t like that much. Other times, there?s potential but the arrangments lack a certain subtlety or maybe seem to robotic. Course I?m basing this judgement on hearing .000001% of his total output so it shouldn't dissuade anybody. Anyway, thanks for the links - very interesting.

- Adam

[John McClane]

Well, if Illayaraja is something like a new John Williams nickname, yes he is!


TJ LOL

[John McClane]

No, seriously, I never heard him. Sorry!

[John Crichton]

How d'you pronounce that?

[John McClane]

That would be an hard thing, John!

[Docteur Qui]

Well I think largely Williams is largely the greatest.

Magical_Me - Largely obscure and not largely as great as Williams.

[Stefancos]

John Williams is the greatest film composer of all time!

[Lurker]

James Horner is the greatest film composer of all time!

Neil

[Stefancos]

You must be joking!

[Lurker]

You must be joking!

Nice job editing your post 5 hours later.

Neil

[Stefancos]

It was a spelling error...nothing more.

[Lurker]

It was a spelling error...nothing more.

You spelled "John Williams" as "James Horner".

Neil

[Stefancos]

It happens....

[QuestionMarkMan]

Idiot!

[Stefancos]

I know what you are but what am I?

[fommes]

Numbnuts!

[Stefancos]

Hey come up with something of your own!

Stefancos- who has a whole host of "Belgen moppen" and is not afraid to use them!

[Josh500]

Do we need to discuss this? Rachel Portman is the greatest film composer!!!

P.S.: Right after JW. HEHE.

[Morlock]

Illayaraja - The greatest film music composer ever?

Yes. Definately yes.

Morlock- Who knows

[Lurker]

Illayaraja - The greatest film music composer ever?

 Yes. Definately yes.  

 Morlock- Who knows

Traitor

Neil

[Stefancos]

Illayaraja - The greatest film music composer ever?

 Yes. Definately yes.  

 Morlock- Who knows

I think you are a numbnuts for posting this.

[Morlock]

You can't deny the truth. Ilya thing-a-majig is the future.

[Lurker]

Morlock doesn't know who Illayaraja is becuase, well he's a Morlock.

Neil

[Stefancos]

I think this might be turning into a Religious discussion.

[Morlock]

I think you are a numbnuts for posting this.

Interesting. Is numbnuts my name, title, or occupation?

Morlock- guessing 'all of the above'

[Stefancos]

It's whatever I deem fitting at the time.

[krihoo]

ha ha haa

JOHN WILLIAMS GREATER THAN ILAYARAJA ??

JOHN WILLIAMS is very very great .....and maybe 30 times above the others like hans zimmer , jerry goldsmith etc.....

but in front of ilayaraja , he is no where.............

i am big fan of John williams and ilayaraja.....and I got deep knowledge on both................and with that knowledge i am saying john williams musical output is nothing when compared to divine , creative and expressive music of ilayaraja.....

JUST SAY U DONNO ILAYARAJA.....but without knowledge dont even think of ridiculing him....coz when u attain the knowledge u feel guilty ............ha h aha

but i wud agree ...with adam.....john williams compositions are presented with much sophisticated orchestra.....thats only output of musical notes .....its just like u r using sophisticated technology to play a tune whereas someone is creating music on hand made drums.....but see the compostions ...the ORIGINAL notes put on document ....dont compare coke and water......and if Ilayarajas heart touching notes are presented with symphonic orchestras ......then the fallen WTC will stand on its own ...ha ha haa......

ilayarajas compositions are like part of nature......
like a flower , like a honey bee hive, or child born....

and if u talk about quantity .....the music stamena ......then if JW has scored 10 points then ilayaraja has scored some 2000 points....


JOHN WILLIAMS IS SOPHISTICATES SUB SUB SUBSET OF ILAYARAAJA

[Josh500]

Illayaraja - The greatest film music composer ever?

 Yes. Definately yes.  

 Morlock- Who knows

Morlock, why don't you post this at illayarajafan.net??? If there IS such a thing.

Just who the heck is this guy? How could he be the best film composer if no one's ever heard of him???

[Stefancos]

ha ha haa


JOHN WILLIAMS IS SOPHISTICATES SUB SUB SUBSET OF ILAYARAAJA

Always nice to meet a new poster.

[krihoo]

ha ha ha...this is even big joke
u mean u can never miss the best one is it ?? how mean.........

[Stefancos]

Pleased to meet you to, were are you from?

[Docteur Qui]

Best... member... ever...

[Stefancos]

Yes I am, thank you for noticing.

[Justin]

What is this thread about again?

Justin - Wondering why this new member is trying to convince a society of Williams lovers that the center of their society is infact not the best composer ever. It's like we're The Masterpiece Society and here you are bring in outside influences.

[Ray Barnsbury]

What a classy post, krihoo. Thanks for contributing.

Ray Barnsbury :roll:

[Lurker]

if Ilayarajas heart touching notes are presented with symphonic orchestras  ......then the fallen  WTC will stand on its own ...ha ha haa......

WTF are you talking about?

Neil