Harmony with A R Rahman

A.R Rahman's Harmony' is a curated exploration of the past and future of Indian music through the eyes of A. R. Rahman. India’s rich musical heritage is viewed through the prism of four specially curated instruments and vocal traditions, selected in order to represent the geographic and historic diversity of the country. The series will examine the traditions, the musicians and the locations.

A.R Rahman's Harmony' is a curated exploration of the past and future of Indian music through the eyes of A. R. Rahman. India’s rich musical heritage is viewed through the prism of four specially curated instruments and vocal traditions, selected in order to represent the geographic and historic diversity of the country. The series will examine the traditions, the musicians and the locations.

As A R Rahman sets out on his search for rare Indian sounds he starts close to home, in the tranquility of Kerala. At the Kerala Kalamandalam, just outside Thrissur, he discovers the Mizhavu, a temple drum, whose striking, powerful sounds accompany the performance art of Koodiyattam. Featuring Kalamandalam Sajith Vijayan, an artist who strongly believes that it is a divine force.

In the bustling suburb of Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, A R Rahman encounters the ancient, classical musical instrument, Rudra Veena. The haunting tones of the Rudra Veena form the background for this episode, as we learn what it takes to preserve a centuries old heritage. The episode features Ustad Mohi Baha’uddin Dagar, who practices this instrument in the Dhrupad tradition.

No estado de Manipur, no nordeste da Índia, existe uma tradição rica e colorida de música folclórica, chamada coletivamente de Khunung Eshei. Neste episódio, A R Rahman experimenta e aprende mais sobre essa forma de arte contagiante e vibrante. Com a voz poderosa de Lourebam Bedabati, uma das campeãs de Khunung Ehei, que encontrou seu propósito em reviver essa tradição moribunda.

A R  Rahman ends his search for rare Indian sounds high in the mountains of Sikkim. Here he seeks the performer of the Pangthong Palith, a bamboo flute that originated from the Lepchas, an indigenous tribe of aborigines who live in the mountains. Featuring Mickma Tshering Lepcha, the flute is believed to earn any player the favour of the Gods.

All the artistes travel down to A R Rahman's studio in Chennai, where the master composer brings out the distinctive qualities of each of their musical traditions in one harmonious arrangement. Intent on showcasing the musical diversity of India, this composition maintains the unique sound of each instrument and artist, while also blending them together to create a rich, superlative melody.