Classic Incantations - Experience of a lifetime

When I first heard that a German Orchestra was going to perform A R Rahman's film scores in five Indian cities, I never thought I would get a chance to watch it. In all previous cases of his concerts that happened inside the country, I never got to watch any. But this time, I strongly felt that I was going to attend it. 

The "Effort" that lead to "The Pass"

It all started with LAPP India, the sponsors for the event starting the Facebook page with the “Info”  section giving out this. 

“All you A. R. Rahman fans, here’s your chance to pay a tribute to him.This January, the German Orchestra 'Babelsberg' will play Rahman's scores in five different cities. Keep following this page and the updates to get lucky and receive an invitation!”

I don’t remember how I landed up at the page though. I thought I'll give a try anyway.

My first try was a failure. 

But hope grew as I got the reply the next day saying that I have to do more and since I didn’t have anything in my mind at that point of time, I posted this and it happened. I got the invite.

They call me "writer" too (Nobody 'dared' to address me that before!).  I thanked them, by plagiarizing A R Rahman’s Oscar acceptance speech. They informed that all will get unique codes to be used to get the passes.

The excitement triggered the immediate query.

They posted a list which confirmed my name in it.

In between to show that I am active there (although I was pretty inactive!), I tried this too.

 The impatience grew.

Then they said this.

I was one among them and thought I will miss a concert opportunity this time too. But they asked to add “LAPP India Execution” as a friend in Facebook and within 1-2 days I got my unique code/reference number.

As per their advice, I had to collect the pass a day before (12 noon -7 pm) at Max Mueller Bhavan or just before the concert (3pm -7 pm) at the venue. An official trip came in between on the day prior to the concert. But I reached back in time at 6 pm. I got the pass after divulging the reference number to the LAPP India representative and thanked him. I forgot to ask his name as I was so excited.

The Concert

I reached the venue at 5 pm and had to wait along with others in the queue to enter. The wait outside lasted till 5.45 pm. Then we all had to wait just outside the doors till 6.15 pm. Then came in many well-known personalities including Vairamuthu, Suhasini, Ranjit Barot, singers Karthik, Sreenivas, Shweta Mohan etc. and Rahman’s family came in too. The silent auditorium became active when the cameras flashed non-stop and Rajnikanth walked in. Hoots and whistles all over. A R Rahman followed.

The proceedings started with Indian and German National Anthems.Three dignitaries from Max Mueller Bhavan, German consulate and LAPP India talked about the Germany-India 2011-12: Infinite Opportunities, just before the concert.

The Repertoire

The orchestra started with the “Warriors of Heaven and Earth Suite” which played the main melody and other pieces (like Horses) from the score of the movie. The strings, brass, percussion and KMMC choir was in perfect harmony. 

The following piece was the “Lagaan Theme” that comes as the last track in the CD. The KMMC choir was awesome in this piece. All instruments came alive in this performance. Live orchestra took the music to a different level.

“The Rising” suite followed. To be honest, I had forgotten many pieces in the movie. Although I felt familiar at places, I couldn’t dig it from my memory. It was a calm piece. I guess "Mangal Mangal" can't have an engaging orchestral interpretation, as I didn't hear it.

“Passage Suite” featured solo by Kavita Baliga and was so amazed how vocals can just define the whole “Aria” track. It was heavenly. The orchestra easily followed her vocals.

“Cry of the Rose” featured tracks from Roja. It started with the finishing portions of “Thamizha Thamizha” which suited the live orchestral version so well and then went on to “Kaadhal Rojaave/Roja Jaaneman”. Navin’s flute rendition made me feel that these are timeless masterpieces. The orchestra complemented well. 

“Enthiran/Robot Suite” started with a mismatch (I felt so, may be I'm wrong) between the visuals and the pieces. KMMC choir performed “Arima Arima”, which sounded good although I felt it needs many more vocalists in the choir to give that effect when we watch it on a cinema screen. But, “Puthiya Manitha” was too good. It was great. To know what we witnessed and listened to, just observe where all the tune is used in the movie, especially at the movie end credits. The performance gave that proper symphony effect. And never thought that it will sound so grand. The orchestra was simply amazing. 

“127 Hours Suite” started with “If I Rise”, followed with “Tears of Sun”. I was expecting “Liberation” themes to make it large. It didn’t happen. The orchestra was so good that I didn’t miss them.

“Lord of the Rings Suite” was grand with the vocals and the instruments were all over the place. A special mention to the male vocalist, Arun HK. His vocal range  is amazing. Kavita Baliga was splendid too. The “Lothlorien” piece was too good.

The interval followed. A short film on KMMC Music Conservatory was played. Audience loved it. 

“Bombay Theme” opened the second half. Navin’s rendition on flute was superb. The orchestra, especially strings, made it grand. The orchestra didn’t do anything different, but it was enough. After all, the same version is being widely used all over the globe because of its universal appeal.  

“Tribute to Indian Composers” was splendid. It started with a piece by his father, R K Shekhar, followed by MSV, Ilaiyaraja (Sendoorappoove), SD Burman, Naushad, Laxmikant Pyarelal (Hero), Jatin-Lalit (Pehla Nasha) and SEL (Kal Ho Naa Ho). Apologies for the ones I missed. But, the piece became grand by a sudden switch to ARR's tracks. “Kannalane/Kehna Hi Kya” was too good and then those epic portions from “Oruvan Oruvan Muthalali” followed. The orchestra was wonderful on all instruments. The applause at the end was deafening.

“Elizabeth: The Golden Age Suite” again showcased the importance of vocals. A girl from the KMMC choir took the lead. The orchestra followed it very well. I guess the lead portion was the “Divinity Theme”.

“Netaji Suite” started with portions from “Azaadi”. The visuals gave a patriotic feel. The orchestra played it well. I couldn’t really connect the other portions and the names of those themes. Sounded familiar, but was elusive.

“Meenaxi Suite” had some beautiful pieces from the movie. The visuals were a tribute to Indian beauties such as Madhubala, Nargis, Hemamalini, Madhuri Dixit etc. to name a few. The orchestra was good and kept a minimal character.

“Slumdog Millionaire Suite” started with the “Latika’s Theme”. The vocals by KMMC choir added the beauty. “Mausam and Escape” followed. Asad Khan came on stage with Sitar. I felt he made a few mistakes here and there (Again, I may be wrong!). A R Rahman came on stage and sat at the piano. Both played a Jugalbandi kind as a beginning and the orchestra joined them. It was a wonderful finale. 

The "Swades Theme Suite" (which should have played before "Netaji Suite"), was not played.

The felicitations for the Babelsberg Orchestra, the KMMC Choir, the soloists Asad Khan, Navin Iyer, Kavita Baliga & Arun H K, the conductor Matt Dunkley and the maestro followed. (The MC told that Navin is getting engaged today. Best wishes to him)

After the felicitations, the orchestra performed “Aayo Re” from Water (incidentally, for which ARR has given himself 10/10). The male vocalists from KMMC choir were too good (even with 1-2 mistakes here and there) and female vocals did their portions very well. The orchestra was splendid too.

The Man. The Music. The Legend

A few words. It was amazing to see what a simple and humble MAN could create within 20 years of MUSIC, MUSIC and only MUSIC. And, only a true LEGEND can do a tribute to include even those who negatively criticized and took potshots at him when he flourished across the boundaries and won hearts.

Other Notes

I met Suresh Kumar of the famous “Background Score” blog. Talked to him briefly. 

They issued 1132 passes (the seating capacity of the hall!) in Chennai and the number of people who couldn’t get was more than 4000. Although lady luck eludes me a lot, she gave me company at the right time.  

The experience was so unique that I’m sure I won’t forget it for a long time.

And finally, Thank You A R Rahman, for your MUSIC.