It is normal to be happy.
It is normal to feel sad.
Of course to some it is abnormal to be happy and to
some it is abnormal to be sad. In fact, happiness or sadness is a state of mind and it is more internal
than external. But let me not get into this now.
What I would like to talk now is about a state which I am sure all of us have
experienced at least once in a while- a state
which is an equal mix of happiness and sadness. Modern research on the brain suggests that happiness and
sadness involve different areas in brain.
For example, when somebody is happy, the activity in the cerebral cortex regions-more precisely the region very close to the
ears and just behind the forehead- decreases. Mind you, these regions are used
when we are involved in complex planning (does it mean that planning is
sad?only brain experts can answer this!).Most importantly, the left prefrontal cortex is more active when we feel happy. It is the reverse when we feel sad.
So, what happens when we have both the emotions at the same time?
Well, I am not here to analyse this. But all I know (out
of my own experience) is that it is possible to feel both the emotions
simultaneously and that this is an ineluctable fact. And since I cannot
separate music from my life, if I say ‘experience’, it means ‘experience with music’.
I can list out many songs and also ragas(performed
by some select musicians) to substantiate my claim, but for the time being let
me stick to one composition.
I have listened to ‘Kodaikkala Kaatre’(Panneer
PushpangaL- 1981) infinite times and irrespective of my mental state, it has given
me that ‘happy-sad’ feeling.
Surprisingly enough, the tune is in major
scale(here it is based on ShankarabharaNam
scale, though there are many accidental notes) and generally any composition in this scale evokes
happiness. But coming from a composer
who is known for defying logic, this should not be a surprise.
Let me just think as to why I feel happy while listening to this song.
It could be the sound of the bass guitar which strikes exactly at every fourth beat with
resonance in the prelude. To me, it
sounds as if it is in a kind of meditative bliss.
Then it could be the first part of the Pallavi
in the very different voice of Malaysia
Vasudevan- voice which sounds as if he is revealing a secret.
Or it could be the chorus which sings in perfect harmony in the second half of the Pallavi.
It could also be the guitar-synth-chorus in the first
segment of the first interlude which bristles with melody
with nonchalant grace.
Ah, yes it could be the first part of the solo
violin piece- backed by a single-stringed instrument-which has a rhythmic
sway holding a sway on the listener.
Probably the reason could be the structure of the first two lines of the CharaNam where the notes pair and
repeat(dhapa mostly and gapa and dhasa once) and also the structure of the following two lines where the notes
mostly descend) and sound very softly.
Oh..it could be that marvellous interplay between
the different flutes-with one
literally ‘calling’ and the other two ‘rolling’ with the bass guitar watching and smiling- in the first segment of the second
interlude.
Ok, let me now think as to what gives me that melancholic feeling.
Is it the initial mouth organ piece which conveys what words fail to convey?
Or is it the brass
flute which appears along with the vocals in the second line(Manam Thedum Suvaiyodu, DhinamthoRum Isai
Paadu) ?
Or is it the sudden appearance of the other ‘ma’and the other ‘dha’ in the last two lines
with even chromaticism in the phrase Sugam Kodi KaaNattum?
Or is it the second
part of the solo-violin piece
which again is chromatic?
Or is it the ‘silence’ between the flute pieces in the second interlude which suggests too
many things?
Or the ‘fading’ of the santoor and the harmony between the two sets of chorus?
Or the toning down and slowing down of the percussion in the second charaNam ?
Hang on!
Looking back, I feel the same features or factors
which gave me happiness, give me sadness too and vice-versa.
Why do I feel it? Can I explain?
I can’t...
Can you?
7 comments:
That the brain is responsible for generating both sadness && hapiness or both, and that Raja Sir has brought this mixed feeling in this song is well expressed anna.
This is a very soft and slow song, partially tilting towards the Sad state (in the audio feeling), although in what is a happy situation in the film, Raja Sir has executed this marriage superbly.
Thanks for your write up on this song.
Excellent. In fact, just today, was thinking of this song. Nice coincidence to read about this the same day. This song is yet another example of not being able to express or explain but can only experience - particularly his compositions. By the way, when it is his song, brain literally stops functioning and is only into music :). Music, thy name is .....
Sugeeth-Actually we are responsible for all the actions and the brain only executes it :).
The situation is not actually happy. The school goes on a picnic but the lead character is sad. That's why that mix of both the feelings. Who else can strike a balance between human emotions and musicality?
Thank you for the comment.
Probably telepathy :).
Yes, brain does stop functioning but at times it pops up too. But music is best enjoyed through heart.
Thank you for the comment!
The first two lines of this post reminds me the recent status update of Nithya Shanti about happiness and sadness.
Feeling both the emotions at the same time happens to me when I listen to some (I must say many) songs of Raja sir. The reason could be - his creations instantly strike a chord in our hearts. And so it has the power to bring out those various emotions deep within us.
Lovely song and beautiful description. Just listened to this meditative composition with head phones on, keeping aside all those morning chores. And the effect is, am ready to face every challenge which may come in my way today.:)
You have listed beautifully all those nuances which make this song so special.
Thanks so much for reminding this song with a lovely post aNNa.
Yes Bhuvana. In fact, I have written about this mix/blend of emotions in one of the posts in FB Group last year, though it was for a different song. The context and the content too were different.
Nice to know about the positive impact the song has had on you.
Thank you!
Which song aNNa?
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