The Hindu Business Line : Literary classic set in symphony

The producers expect to sell a million CDs in the first year. The product is expected to be picked up by corporates to give away as gifts to their customers.

Thiruvasagam, a collection of hymns in praise of Lord Shiva couched in heart-tugging phrases in ancient Tamil by the 7th century poet Manickavasagar, is believed to provide a spiritual experience to those who recite it. Dismayed by the neglect of such rich Indian literature, Father Rev. Jegat Gasper Raj, a theologian and Founder-Chairman of Tamil Maiyam, decided to do something about it and the result was the project.

When Father Jegat approached Ilayaraja, the maestro seized the opportunity. The music was recorded partly in India (Chennai and Mumbai) and partly at the over 100-year-old Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Hungary.

Why Budapest? Because it has the least cost facility to conduct an orchestra with 140 instruments. The symphony incorporateswell-defined phrases of a number of Carnatic ragas, particularly Sindhu Bhairavi. It is fascinating that those who have had no training in Carnatic music have played the ragas neatly and without much practice. There was just one rehearsal before the orchestra went into recording.

Apparently, when asked about this, one instrumentalist attributed it to the brilliant way in which Ilayaraja had composed the score.

The album has six songs including a unique 18-minute composition that alternates between Tamil and English lyrics, sung in choral style.

Thiruvasagam has the voices of Ilayaraja, his daughter Bavatharini and Benny Diggs. Over 300 musicians, including 140 instrumentalists and 60 chorus singers were involved in making this album.

Ilayaraja has not taken any remuneration to produce the album, but holds 50 per cent of its rights. The other 50 per cent is with Tamil Maiyam.

The total cost of the project is Rs 1.4 crore, of which 70 per cent funding has come through high cost debt. A total of Rs 1.1 crore has been spent on production.

Tamil Maiyam is seeking to mobilise funds (primarily to repay loans) through sponsorships and sales in the domestic and international markets. A part of the surplus fund will be used to execute similar projects.

Tamil Maiyam conducts regular monthly colloquium to promote research on Tamil society and culture. It is actively supporting the development of a Tamil software for use in rural areas.

It is also working towards establishing a Social Behavioural Research Centre in Chennai.

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Literary classic set in symphony