The Anirudh Varma Collective—a contemporary Indian classical ensemble led by the pianist, composer and producer Anirudh Varma—have built a committed following thanks to their seamlessly natural blend of Indian and Western instruments and styles. As with their previous albums Perspectives (2018) and Homecoming (2022), the group’s third LP, Sabr, features a wide range of artists collaborating to fashion fresh, modern tunes rooted in raga-based music. More than 50 musicians from across India contribute, including vocalists such as Aastha Mandle, Divyam Sodhi, Kavya Singh, Pavithra Chari and Saptak Chatterjee, and lyricists including Amar Syali and Likhari. Over its 12 tracks, Varma says, Sabr covers such diverse themes as “fate, determination, celebration, love and longing” and that, in essence, it’s about “exploring the human experience through a rich tapestry of sound”. Here, he takes Apple Music through the stories behind six songs handpicked from the set. “Saade Naal” “Our funk and blues arrangement of this Punjabi-language bandish [a Hindustani classical composition], which is based on raga Bhimpalasi, injects a high-energy vibe that transforms it into a jubilant, joyful celebration anthem. We open our concerts with this track, which features saxophonist Aniket Chaturvedi and trumpet and trombone player Chie Nishikori.” “Mausam” “‘Mausam’ voices the sweet, inescapable saudade [a Portuguese word that denotes a nostalgic longing] that we feel for people, places and times we have loved. Though they cease to be around us physically, they’re deeply ensconced in our hearts. Consequently, a plea for them to return becomes a quiet soliloquy.” “Rut Saawan Ki” “This composition explores the softer side of raga Shankara, which is otherwise known for its virility and boldness. ‘Rut Saawan Ki’ is about the enchanting beauty of the saawan [monsoon] season. The song weaves a poetic narrative around the rhythms of the rain, evoking the sights, sounds and emotions that come with its arrival.” “Kuchh Doori” “A ballad that explores the bittersweet emotions of long-distance love, this song presents two contrasting perspectives on separation: one of yearning for closeness, the other of finding solace in distance.” “Naseeba” “‘Naseeba’, a soul-stirring rock ballad, explores themes of fate and resilience as it delves into the struggles of overcoming adversity and rising above life’s challenges.” “Saadho” “Pavithra Chari composed the melody line for ‘Saadho’—which was written by the saint-poet Kabir Das—in raga Bhairavi. That inspired the collective to create a dark, bold and heavy arrangement for the song.”