SJ – Orchestral vocal instrument - Counterpoints (1990s)

The use of SJ in Raja’s counterpoint compositions continued into the 1990s also. 

The first track is the prelude from the song, ‘Ponnil Vaanam Poothadhu’  from ‘Villu Paatukaaraen’ (1992 Tamil). The track begins with a simple melody played on a synthesizer – this is typical way of Raja preparing the listener that ‘more sophistication is on the way’. This melody is played twice. The parallel counterpoint , which is the central part of this composition is beautifully packaged with two melodies. Let’s call this the top cover melody. The next thing that Raja has designed is to introduce a three foreground melodies. Yes, there are three parts to this foreground melody. SJ, the bass guitar and the flute do their melody parts while the synthesizer plays a simple but different melody in the background. I consider this as one of the most soothing counterpoints written by him! I have also included the last part played by the sitar which is nothing but the same melody that the synthesizer played in the beginning. This is the bottom cover melody. It is also designed beautifully and plays exactly twice like its synthesizer counterpart. Now, this is how the most beautiful pearls are created by nature. The two melodies (like shells) beautifully cover the beautiful counterpoint inside it. Genius!

Let’s hear, ‘Ponnil Vaanam Poothadhu’, counterpoint with SJ’s orchestral vocal instrument… 

The next track is from the song, ‘Raasaave Unnai Vida’ from ‘Aranmanai Kili’ (1993 Tamil). The track begins with a simple C&R between SJ and the synthesizer (it has bass parts too). The synthesizer part is designed to be the background melody for the following counterpoint. Following this brief C&R, both SJ and the synthesizer launch a parallel counterpoint with the synthesizer given the job of the anchor – constant background melody. There are several variations to SJ’s melody parts but the synthesizer stays put. I have also included the following counterpoint after SJ’s part – this is where SJ becomes a part of the Raja orchestral composition. The foreground melody now is played by a flute with the exact same synthesizer melody in the background. Another back to back CP within a minute – typical Raja. 

Let’s hear, ‘Raasaave Unnai vida’, counterpoint with SJ’s orchestral vocal instrument…