Earthsongs O Saya - Rahman/Sperry - SATB

Author/Composer:

RAHMAN, A.R.

Instrumentation:

SATB ACCOMP

Genre:

MOVIES/TV

Model #:

S-407

Composer: A. R. Rahman
Arranger: Ethan Sperry
Format: Choral Octavo
Language: nonsense syllables
Voicing: SATB with percussion (taiko drums, mallets)

O Saya was written for the Oscar winning film Slumdog Millionaire. The song appears at the beginning as we are introduced to just how horrible living conditions are in the slums of India. The lyrics have no meaning, nor does the title. They are just nonsense syllables that form a wail. The melodic patterns are based loosely on the patterns one might hear in the slums as the Muslim call to worship blasts from the minarets, but they are more a call to action than a call to prayer. When people sing this piece, hopefully they will consider taking some action against poverty themselves.