Composition Extraordinaire & Voice Immortal

Series - 1

"Malargal Nanaindhana Paniyale" (Idhaya Kamalam- 1965), Voice: P Susheela & Composed by K. V. Mahadevan

A Beautiful Aria with orchestral accompaniment set to tune in Raga Mohanam by Swara Brahma K V Mahadevan.

K V Mahadevan's conducting is rather on the slow side, with plenty of orchestral detail but with a good deal of dramatic drive as well. He sure does emphasize the sheer beauty of the score, but that works marvelously in tandem with Amma's signature voice - depth, clarity, balance, presence, dynamic range. In every respect,

Ma's voice suits the character with the right blend of vocal equilibrium and she is simply beyond comparison. I vividly recall this song as this one really touched my heart and relaxes my soul whenever I am down. The pallavi and charanams are wonderfully sung by Amma in her usual style and with emotional connection under KVM's baton.

Who wins in this race? Undoubtedly it is our beloved Ma Sarasawathi Susheelamma. The opening prelude sets the mood of the song with the perfect orchestration. Then comes Amma with her voice ripe, full and with vigor, right from the entrance to Pallavi and it flows like liquid sunshine. Amma's diction & Phrasing is phenomenal and makes this song truly delightful. This composition will outlive us all.

Just listen to 2nd Charanam "Iraivan Murugan Thiruveetil En Idhayathinaal oru Vilakketri" and that's where I melted like a Candle. The "eee" sound with which she ends the lines is so pronounced, it leaves you awestruck and only Amma and Amma alone can make that line memorable. You will hear her at her peak (1965) and absolute prime when those ringing high notes just take your breath away in this song and no one else not now and ever can come closer to this ultra perfect rendition.

I have to confess that once her voice stopped crooning, I could feel a hardened salty drop of tear after a few minutes. Susheelamma is a gift to Tamil Cinema as Maria Callas was to Italian Opera. She truly is a legend and an inspiration to upcoming singers. Now sit back with closed eyes and enjoy this best ever collaboration of Amma & Swara Brahma and don't bother to try to seek out blemishes....there absolutely are none.

I end this writing as always with - Koti Pranams to Ma Saraswathi Susheelamma.