A pioneer speaks

Conversing with this music wizard is a wonderful experience. All of us know M.S. Viswanathan as a composer par excellence — one who held sway for several decades and who has enriched Tamil cinema music with enchanting scores that will live forever. But how many of us know him as one who first presented his film music live on stage?

"When Mr. Jayaseelan and his brother Mr. Rajaram (the ex- Minister) suggested that I should present a live light music show in Salem, I was apprehensive about the turn-out, but they were keen. Later, I was astounded by the stupendous response.''

That was way back in 1957. The troupe's performance began at 7.00 p.m. and even at 10.30 p.m., the audience was not willing to let the group leave the stage.

``Can you believe it, the collection that day was Rs.77,000...", he chuckles.

Several touching and interesting encounters occur when one performs before an audience. The atmosphere is one of joy and cheer and is bound to motivate the performers. All the same a group should dare to get on to the stage only after perfecting every song. ``This is not my advice... only my opinion. Just think how much effort would have gone into every composition... should it not be treated with respect? I am not against light music shows. My humble feeling is one should work hard, practise rigorously and then sing on stage".

MSV then goes on to talk about his trials and tribulations and diligence and success before he again returns to the subject. "I don't condemn any troupe. Mellisai kuzhukkalum irukku, puzhukkalum irukku (There are capable troupes and undesirable worms among them)", he laughs aloud. ``If your child is beaten, bruised and throttled before your eyes, how would you feel? That's my reaction when I hear songs slaughtered beyond recognition right in front of me", the musician's eyes turn moist.

He refuses to name troupes that he feels work hard and produce good shows.

``That would hurt many others and I don't want to hurt anyone". MSV's tone is explanatory and apologetic. "Sruti and laya are like your parents — absolutely essential. Don't let these be absent if there is to be music at all. I have no ego. If a troupe is industrious, embellishes my songs and makes them popular and evergreen, I would only be too happy. And believe me there are a few such troupes", says this veteran.

- M.R

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