Published on September 4th, 2024 | by Jameelah "Just Jay" Wilkerson

RZA debuts first classical composition “A Ballet Through Mud”

Renowned artist RZA has unveiled his latest work, A Ballet Through Mud, marking his debut in orchestral composition. The full album is now available on all streaming platforms, released in collaboration with Platoon and 36 Chambers. Fans can also purchase the vinyl edition exclusively through 36 Chambers.

Originally performed by the Colorado Symphony, A Ballet Through Mud is a deeply moving coming-of-age story that explores the intricacies of love, friendship, and personal growth. The piece features characters named after Greek musical scales, reflecting RZA’s own journey from Staten Island’s project housing to prestigious concert halls. It weaves together themes of love, loss, and discovery, alongside elements of Buddhist philosophy, as it follows a metaphorical journey “through mud.”

RZA discovered the inspiration for this project during the pandemic lockdown, when he stumbled upon old lyrical notebooks from his teenage years. Moved by his early reflections, he developed what would become his first classical album, and later, a ballet that premiered onstage in 2023.

“I’ve been composing my whole life, though I didn’t always recognize it as such,” RZA explains. “The themes in A Ballet Through Mud—love, exploration, and adventure—are drawn from my earliest creative expressions as a teenager, but they resonate universally. I hope people use this music to add a bit of magic to everyday moments, whether it’s a trip to the grocery store or a meal shared with loved ones. My goal is for listeners to enter a different realm, if only for a brief moment.”

The composition is a rich emotional experience, transporting the listener through time and space while maintaining the signature energy and power that RZA is known for, from his work with Wu-Tang Clan to scoring Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill. Profoundly influenced by his spiritual journey toward Chan Buddhism, A Ballet Through Mud balances idealism and orchestration, appealing to a wide audience.

The album’s tracklist includes:

Aeolian Beauty
Clear Sky After Storm
A Ballet Through Mud
Winds From The West
Divine Intervention
Freedom of Movement
Soft Footsteps
Good Night 1st Movement
The Night Dances When You Least Expect It
Moving Meditation
The Lotus Arrives

Composed and produced by RZA, the album was performed by the Colorado Symphony and conducted by Christopher Dragon. Pietro Rossi handled the mixing and mastering, with Dolby Atmos Mix provided by the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus. Additional orchestration was done by Ming-Hsueh Lin, Scott O’Neil, Tan Onwimon, and Joseph Colmenero, with musical direction by RZA and Colmenero. The original performance featured choreography by Yusha-Marie Sorzano and intimacy direction by Sarah Lozoff.

Earlier this summer, RZA sat down with Alexis French in an intimate event hosted by Platoon and 36 Chambers to discuss the making of A Ballet Through Mud, which can be viewed here.

About Platoon

Founded in 2016 by music industry veteran Denzyl Feigelson, Platoon is a multi-award-winning and GRAMMY®-nominated label known for discovering groundbreaking talent across the globe. They provide innovative tools and support to help artists build their careers and reach new audiences. Platoon famously signed Billie Eilish early in her career, paving the way for her global success, alongside other artists such as Mr Eazi and Victoria Monét. Platoon operates from creative hubs in London, New York, Los Angeles, and Cape Town, offering spaces for collaboration, education, and artistic growth.

About 36 Chambers

36 Chambers ALC, founded by RZA, is a record label and lifestyle brand inspired by a fusion of cultural influences and deeply rooted in hip-hop. It represents the intersection of creativity, consciousness, and cultural expression.

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