Music Legend:A.R.Rehman  [ Posted on 02 Feb 2008 ]

Early Life A. R. Rahman was born to R. K. Shekhar, a composer, arranger and conductor for Malayalam-language films. His father died when Rahman was nine years old, and his family rented out musical equipment as a source of income.During these early years, Rahman served as a keyboardist and an arranger in bands such as "Roots" and "Nemesis Avenue" with friends including Sivamani, embracing numerous music genres. He played the keyboard and piano, in addition to, among others, the synthesizer, the harmonium and the guitar. His curiosity in the synthesizer in particular increased because, he says, it was the “ideal combination of music and technology.” He began early training in music under Master Dhanraj. At the age of 11, he joined, as a keyboardist, the troupe of composer Ilaiyaraaja, one of many composers to whom musical instruments belonging to Rahman`s father were rented to. Rahman later played in the orchestra of M. S. Viswanathan and Ramesh Naidu, accompanied Zakir Hussain, Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan and L. Shankar on world tours and obtained a scholarship to Trinity College of Music, where he graduated with a degree in Western classical music. MUSIC STYLE Rahman`s interest in the works of Classical and Romantic period composers, Carnatic composers, early film composers and predecessors K. V. Mahadevan and Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy of the film industry of Tamil Nadu and others continued through his late teens. He further explored and trained in Carnatic music, Western classical, Hindustani music and the Qawwali style of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, in addition to numerous other styles. His interest and outlook in music is said to stem from his love of experimentation. As a result, his scores have alternated from songs and themes composed covering a variety of genres, with unconventionally-grouped instruments, and different vocal styles being used and combined together in some of his film soundtracks, to more traditional orchestral themes with leitmotif techniques composed in others. Rahman`s works often feature a mix of minimalist songs and evocative, thematic pieces, building on his differing chord progressions and rhythms. He has written scores and songs with new and varied melodic and percussive sounds from instruments of different music systems. People speak One very interesting aspect of Rahman is his preference for untrained voices. Rahman says " a defect in the singing adds a human touch." He never compromises on the quality of a song. He is quality-conscious and individualistic. He`s totally absorbed in his music and there`s nothing else that affects him. For him music is God. And he gets the best out of a singer. Rahman is one composer who does not care about the commercial success of the song. He is always confident that if a number is composed wth a good heart and self-confidence it will be a big hit. Here is what some of the great personalities has to say about this genius. Gangai Amaran, well known South-Indian composer-singer and brother of Ilaiyaraja, "Rahman`s music is of the computer age. It is digital but intelligent, not just noise. He concentrates on his melodies and has not totally deviated from Carnatic traditions". Noted director and lyricist Gulzar says, "He is a milestone in Hindi film music. He has single-handedly changed the sound of music in the movies. He has broken the mukhda-antara-mukhda scheme of composition and replaced the traditional patterns of tuning. He can tune to a near identical rhythm in two different songs. But these songs will still catch the listener off guard even when played immediately after each other. Instead of having the fixed format, the song can also run like free verse with his kind of music." Bollywood movie mogul Subhash Ghai says of Rahman "Rahman is the biggest representative of Indian music. He is an example for future generations. He is the best fusion of art and science in music". One of his favourite directors Ramgopal Varma says," It is a challenge to picturise songs set to Rahman`s music." His erstwhile competitors Nadeem-Shravan say, "The most amazing quality about Rahman is that he has been able to create a `national sound` which in spite of his strong south-Indian feel appeals to a pan-Indian audience". Composers Jatin-Lalit say, "He totally changed the sound of Indian film music." Singer Lata Mangeshkar, known as the `Nightingale of India` with whom Rahman worked for the first time in Maniratnam`s `Dil Se` and later in `Pukar`, `Zubeidaa`, `Lagaan`, `Water` and `1 2 ka 4`, is all praise for him, " Rahman is known to record only during the night time. But he records with me during the daytime... when my voice is fresh. I don`t like recording at night. And I`ve heard that Rahman records mostly in the night. But he made an exception for me. When an artiste shows such consideration for another artiste, it feels good. Aur kaam bhi achha hota hai. (Even the work done is good), Rahman doesn`t take long over his recordings. Jiya jale was recorded in 40 minutes." Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy, the composer trio can`t stop raving about Rahman. Says Loy Mendonsa, "Rahman is a great musician, a great human being, his music is fresh, and honest. That`s very important, writing something from the heart". Adds Ehsaan Noorani, "A R Rahman is my favorite, he`s a genius, his personality reflects in his music, it`s fantastic, his music is so pure, it`s from the soul." And finally Shankar Mahadevan, "A R Rahman is my favourite because he`s a genius, he knows exactly what he`s doing, he`s very well versed in classical as well as western jazz, all kinds of stuff. And he`s open minded." Composer Vishal Bharadwaj opines "A. R. Rahman has elevated the quality of film music to an international level. When you hear Michael Jackson and Rahman at one go, you can`t tell the difference in sound quality. Rahman is a terrific composer. He is a genius." Rahman`s favourite singer Hariharan says, "His strength is the way he designs sound. He has revolutionised film music. He is perpetually on a quest to get the best out of you and makes you feel at ease, which is important. I have sung some of my best songs for him." CHARITY WORK In addition to composing themes for charity media features and events, Rahman has set up the "A. R. Rahman Foundation" with a goal to eradicate poverty globally. This includes setting up and partnering with educational institutions across India to provide education to children who do not have easy access to schools or funds. In 2004, he was appointed as the Global Ambassador of the Stop TB Partnership, a project by WHO. He has shown support to charities including Save the Children, India, and worked with Cat Stevens / Yusuf Islam for his song "Indian Ocean" . The song featured a-ha keyboard player Magne Furuholmen and Travis drummer, Neil Primrose. The proceeds of the song went towards helping orphans in Banda Aceh, one of the areas worst affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami FILMOGRAPHY As Background Sound Jodhaa Akbar (2008) Provoked (2007) Rang De Basanti (2006) Mangal Pandey -The Rising (2005) Swades (2004) The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002) Lagaan (2001) As Music by Water (2007) As Music Director Yahan Ke Hum Sikander (2008) Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008) Jodhaa Akbar (2008) Chamki Chameli (2007) Autograph (2007) Bajirao Mastani (2007) London Dreams (2007) Yuvraaj (2007) Provoked (2007) Guru (2007) Rang De Basanti (2006) Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha (2005) Mangal Pandey -The Rising (2005) BOSE (2005) Kisna (2005) Swades (2004) Yuva (2004) Lakeer (2004) Meenaxi : Tale of 3 Cities (2004) Tehzeeb (2003) Saathiya (2002) The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002) One 2 Ka 4 (2001) Nayak (2001) Lagaan (2001) Zubeidaa (2001) Fiza (2000) Dil Hi Dil Mein (2000) Pukar (2000) Thakshak (1999) 1947 Earth (1999) Taal (1999) Doli Saja Ke Rakhna (1998) Dil Se (1998) Jeans (1998) Kabhi Na Kabhi (1998) Vishwa Vidhata (1997) Daud (1997) Sapnay (1997) Duniya Dilwalon Ki (1997) Hindustani (1996) Rangeela (1995) Roja (1992) As Playback Singer Jodhaa Akbar (2008) Guru (2007) Rang De Basanti (2006) Mangal Pandey -The Rising (2005) BOSE (2005) Kisna (2005) Swades (2004) Yuva (2004) Saathiya (2002) Lagaan (2001) Fiza (2000) Dil Se (1998) Daud (1997) Rangeela (1995) Rahman`s strength lies not only in his perfect sense of melody and rhythm but also in his immaculate sound engineering. His music has been hailed as that of the digital age and has also been assailed for the very same reason. His music can never be adequately described in words. One has to personally experience the pleasure of his creations. Many of his compositions might actually sound ordinary the first time. But his music has this amazing capacity to grow on you and establish a firm hold on the listener. His compositions are an intriguing cocktail of musical pieces that literally blow your mind. His music is unique in its offbeat instrumental interludes, unconventional harmonies, and use of far from perfect voices and thumping rhythms.

Posted By : Iftnewsdesk