Dualism - My philosophy of music

Distinct, Unique, Independent. Yet Unseparable

When there is a battle or comparison between a prodigy and a skillful old-pro wizard, the battle is the winner and comparison- the loser. By no means is this article a comparison. It is again just a note of awe, devotion, reverence, respect, praise and love that I hold for these maestros. Also this is just my opinion, and it might not and more likely, will not comply with yours. When I listen to ARR, I feel he s the God. When I switch to Raja sir, I get the feel that he s the greatest. But the success of both these composers, I feel, lie in winning the hearts of listeners almost instantly, and convincing people that they are the best in business. Indian music is fortunate enough to have got Ilayaraja for the time he ruled. It was equally fortunate to get ARR at a time when Ilayaraja was leaving the stage. But on the whole, what they have given us, is a deep ocean to explore. And for us to explore, enjoy and admire every bit of it, I am afraid a lifetime may not be enough. What that has also done to people like me is, it has brought in a feel of contentment that this is all music is about, and a sense of belief that no music can be better or superior to the standards set by these two, thus making us lose out on other good music, if any. People live till their works and fans live. This makes these two legends immortal. However, if at all one wanted an empirical comparison between them, with some difficulty, thought and observation, I would confess Ilayaraja would get a few more points than Rahman. But, being a music lover that I am and a fanatic of Rahman and Raja sir, I shall be a Rahmaniac always devoted to Raja sir!