The Other Banana

Episode 90: Ilaiyaraaja : A Musical Movement (6)

This episode continues to explore how Raaja uses frameworks from western classical music – particularly harmony. We discuss the form and function of harmony and explore, through varied examples and genres, how Raaja deploys them to create his musical experiences.

Topics Covered:

What is harmony?

What do we mean when we talk about tone, note, and timbre?

Using Harmony to set the tonal center, create tension, dissonance, and resolution

Examples of the usage in Ilaiyaraaja’s music

Participants:

Musical References:

Vanthaal Vanthaal (Opening)

Mandolin Srinivas: Maha Ganapathim

Shenbagame Opening

Unna Nenachu (Psycho)

Vellai Pura Ondru

Vaanaththu Thaaragaiyo (Closing)