Maestro ilaiyaraaja news & titbits

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dig
kiru,
TNS is one of my favorite singer on the classical front and probably the last of that generation, whom I like. Today he has gone more into singing/emphasizing Harikatha bhajans, but his classical strength was his thillAnA. If you ask me I really love his Ragam-thaanam-pallavi in Nattakurinji (available in amazon), Masterpiece Live Concert 1985 and Music Academy 1993 concert. In the above video, he always talks about his guru, Harikeshanallur Muthiah Bhagavathar, it is obvious how he would sing Bhagavathar krithis. I listen to these kritis often. Luckily raaga.com has this collection, should be a good start, in case if you haven't listened to him, here it is:

http://www.raaga.com/channels/carnat...sp?mid=cl00926

You also have to listen to his Karaharapriya (pakkala nilabadi-Just one song for 45 minutes), hindOLam, shanmugapriya, Bilahari. I love lengthy songs as we don't have to fear it will end soon and we can dissolve in eternity. All his youtube links.
http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...l649l1.2.1l4l0

I had a privilege to attend his concert couple of times when I was in Mumbai, that too sitting so close. Soulful experience!

Experts might add more.

end dig