Ardi the Australopithecine, A Maestro and A Jog in Cubbon Park

the evolution of music and the elevation of life.

Music, perhaps, began when humans began to walk. While most of the problems humankind has endured is credited to human's inability to sit on their keisters for a long time, this one advancement is something I am always thankful for. To be precise, the invention of rhythm. A rhythm that emerged from each step as they trod. 1...2...1...2... and 1, 2, 3, or left right left and eventually 1...2...3...4... 1...2...3....4... A rhythm set to gait and a melody on their lips or mind.

Image courtesy: Kamilla Isalieva

Now here comes a quote to elevate this presentation by Michael Spitzer, Author of The Musical Human "Music’s journey to world domination began literally with the first step; when humans’ oldest known ancestor, Ardi the australopithecine, got up on her hind legs 4.4 million years ago and walked. Why? Because bipedalism, walking upright on two feet, forged vital neuronal links between brain, body, and sound, and stamped hominin music with its characteristic walking rhythms. It forever associated music with motion and travel."

Perhaps, they whistled a tune along. And this reminds me of a poem by Wendell Berry-

"The first man who whistled

thought he had a wren in his mouth.

He went around all day

with his lips puckered,

afraid to swallow."

Gradually, they had words to fill in, after they learnt to talk and got bored of communicating in monotone. Needless to say, emotions tagged along. Then the sucker heart fell flat on its face -- eventually when they learnt to walk together. And they fell in love.

Enter, Maestro and Wordsmith Panchu Arunachalam. A duo jogging together as Director Mahendran, pointing towards the sky pulled the trigger of the starting gun.

In this case, when they jogged together. Panchu Sir framed the words to that pace and Maestro set the tune which added the much needed grace.

Little wonder, why Maestro chose the jogging tempo as the underlying rhythm for this melody. For the uninitiated, this is a duet where the actors are seldom seen signing or for that matter humming at each other. At a time, when actors were seen prancing around trees and dancing along with an imaginary group of dancers in the backdrop at some exotic location, this was definitely an exception. And this screenplay tends to do justice for the song so well that the visuals jog along with the music in the background. Special mention: Nenjathai Killathe's Cinematographer Ashok Kumar for showing Cubbon Park in all its misty glory.

For those familiar with this song already, it's sure to jog your memory to that moment you listened to this song for the first time. For those, listening to this song the first time - indulge in the music. It begins with footsteps fading in. Listen keenly to SPB and Janaki sing, the voices radiate like the first rays of sun on a foggy morning. This is a duet where one over takes another at parts. And then they give each other their space to take the lead. There is a give and take. Back and forth. And then they tend to run at a similar pace.

At 00:43 you can hear only the foot tapping or rather the joggers' shoes for 3 seconds, setting the countdown for a melodic waltz (forgive me if that isn't what it's called, feel free to correct me) till 1:01, and then you hear the strings in harmony as though the joggers are awash in sunlight after running out of a thick shade. And at 1:16 the strings fade to the good old harmonium. It's as though Maestro takes the listener on a trip to get them acquainted with some western classical style and then brings them back to say "Well, I'm still narrating this tale about this couple in love and on their morning jog. Bear with me for a while, there's some more in store after you hear a little more about them". Then at 2:17 you're up for the next treat. Wind instruments, strings and a subtle bass to cue them running amidst bamboo shoots. Or at least, that's what I want to visualise. Then at 2:58 it's the female voice intervening to circle the listener back into the lap. And then towards the end you can hear the footsteps again as it fades.

To profile this song as an old classic or timeless melody is sheer laziness on my part. Instead, I would call this a song that runs in its own pace no matter when you chance upon it. Across genres and generations. For once, try planting your keisters in one place and listen to this melody. The link is shared below. While at it, perhaps, you could give the above note another read.

If it's resonates with you, share it with someone you wish to go that distance. Or, if you wish to keep this to yourself then feel free to share your reflection in the comments.

https://lynkify.in/song/paruvame/PngZCJtq

In conclusion, a note of gratitude to Ardi for taking those steps no matter how many times they faltered and fell. For these steps, one after another, led to a destination which we now find solace in. A destination called music.

#acnotes

PS: If you wish to watch the video: