AR Rahman Collaborates with Firdaus Orchestra; To Release 16 New Songs
India’s musical genius and icon, AR Rahman, is all set to release 16 new compositions, primarily instrumental, collaborating with the all-woman ensemble known as the Firdaus Orchestra.
In an interview with Variety, the Oscar, BAFTA, and Grammy-winning composer revealed that the first composition, set to debut this week, is titled “Unsung.” Offering a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes of society. Rahman describes the track as a homage to individuals who selflessly contribute to the world without seeking recognition, likening them to angels or fairy godparents. “Unsung” serves as a touching acknowledgment of the countless individuals whose actions, driven by the desire to help humanity, often go unnoticed.
Apart from ‘Unsung”, the rest of the compositions will be released over the course of the year. “Humanitas,” a 17-minute composition with Indian classical elements, is likely to be the second track to release.
CEO of Expo City Dubai, Reem Al Hasimy, is the brain behind the Dubai-based orchestra, which is led by 55 talented musicians from 28 different countries. Mentored by Rehman himself, the group is conducted by Monica Woodman.
With a blend of 90 percent instrumental and some choral elements, the upcoming compositions explore a diverse range of themes, including humanity, space, love, and relationships.
The musical legend expressed his enthusiasm for creating instrumental music, noting its ability to convey emotions and narratives beyond the power of words. He emphasised the universal appeal of orchestral music, particularly in the age of digital streaming platforms like Spotify, where instrumental pieces have the potential to reach a wider audience.
He said, “I’m so used to watching a movie or doing musical theatre where you have a subject. And I think it’s incredible to just think about composing something just for the orchestra. Some of them are super experimental. Some of them are melodic stuff.”
Reflecting on the inception of the Firdaus Orchestra in 2020, Rahman observed the diverse cultural backgrounds spanning Western, Arabic, and Indian traditions that the orchestra has evolved into. From having no studio in its initial stages, Firdaus Orchestra now boasts a state-of-the-art studio in Dubai with cutting-edge recording capabilities. “Like the thousands of channels, everything can be cross-connected and added for ambience, and we can record 100 mics at the same time and choose data for that,” he said.
