An important aspect of composing is a deep awareness of sound and technology. Varnams, Pushpanjalis and Tillanas are fine when using a live music orchestra. Many dance-dramas, which are thematic in nature, are best presented with recorded audio. This is because enough time is spent in the recording process itself where the best is brought out from each artist/participant. More rehearsals which are necessary for a live presentation is practically difficult.
Superior quality
The sound output in a live presentation may or may not be satisfying but in a recorded sound version the audio quality is much superior and is assured. So in such cases as a composer I need to know the capacities of all the artists involved. I need to know the nature and ranges of the tones of the various instruments that are involved.
A sound knowledge in rhythms is a must. When I was a mere vocalist, I found the job pretty easy and straightforward. As a composer, the job is more demanding. The responsibility is challenging and hence more satisfying too!
As a composer I need to clearly understand what the dancer expects. To me dance and music are the two axes of the graph and they need to go hand in hand. What is being sung or played has to match what is being presented on the stage and vice versa. Actually the music happens spontaneously! The situation matters a lot. No personal egos are allowed. In fact I found out that being a composer helps me grow spiritually as I can witness my own ego getting crushed on occasions!
A good knowledge about a few languages that are mostly used in dance productions is of immense help. I may not have a command over the language but I make sure that I know the meaning of the lyrics that are used. I am of the view that a composer should be able to recognise, understand and appreciate poetry. Like singing, acting and painting, composing too needs an artistic mind.
Well, if there are no lyrics what happens? Actually it's a sort of revelation! Unless I grasp and understand that particular mood completely, a fitting music cannot be composed. This is where the understanding of life in its enormity, the various emotions involved and one’s ability to translate them as music play a vital part. To be honest, the quality of my consciousness decides the quality of the music.
To me everything happens on its own. Even the art of composing is so. I do not know how the tunes or musical passages are born. I only recognise them as they arise within me. I am only a tool and am not responsible for the outcome, good or bad it may be.
The great-grandson of poet Subramanya Bharati, Rajkumar composes music for leading dancers
