A.R. Rahman scores Couples Retreat
Posted on October 5, 2009 by Dan Goldwasser
Earlier this summer, Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman recorded his score to the ensemble romantic comedy, Couples Retreat. Written by Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn and Dana Fox, the film – directed by Peter Billingsly – focuses on four couples who go to an island resort for vacation. While one of the couples is there to work on their marriage, the other three set out to jet ski, enjoy the spa and have some fun in the sun. However, they soon discover that participation in the resort’s unconventional couples therapy is anything but optional.

Composer A.R. Rahman

The Hollywood Studio Symphony performs on Couples Retreat
For his first big screen studio score, Rahman recorded with the Hollywood Studio Symphony performing at the Sony Scoring Stage. Conducted by orchestrator Matt Dunkley, with additional conducting at a pick-up date by Tim Davies, the orchestral elements of the score focused mainly on the comedic and emotional moments of the film. Rahman imbued the score with his stylistic touch, employing percussion and ethnic instruments recorded separately.

Tim Davies conducts Couples Retreat


The bass section
In the booth, the score was recorded and mixed by Alan Meyerson, and Rahman was assisted by Kaz Boyle, who also handled MIDI transcriptions and additional orchestration. Supervising music editor Jim Weidman and ProTools recordist Kevin Globerman were also there for feedback, as well as director Peter Billingsly.

Orchestrator Kaz Boyle, composer A.R. Rahman and scoring mixer Alan Meyerson

Orchestrator Kaz Boyle, supervising music editor Jim Weidman, composer A.R. Rahman and director Peter Billingsly

ProTools recordist Kevin Globerman and supervising music editor Jim Weidman

Composer A.R. Rahman and scoring mixer Alan Meyerson
Couples Retreat will be released in theaters by Universal Studios on October 10th, 2009.
You've only seen 9 images - click here for 33 more scoring session images for this project!