The exiled Iraqi composer Youssef Abbas has left his mark on the global drama work High Value Target, presenting an Eastern and Iraqi musical identity that blends with the orchestral framework of the piece showcased on the American TNT network.
Abbas presented his musical vision in the work by incorporating Iraqi heritage into the dramatic structure, making it an integral part of the musical composition, rather than just a background sound.
Abbas said in an interview followed by the Vido news agency that music, for him, "is not just melodies, but an identity and a cultural ambassador carrying the depth of our civilization to the world," pointing out that the main challenge was to present the Eastern and Iraqi spirit as a complete orchestral dramatic element integrated with global cinematic music.
He explained that the construction of the soundtrack was based on an orchestral vision that blends authentic Iraqi maqamat, foremost among them the maqam al-mukhaleef, with contemporary Western orchestration, creating a musical language that combines the specificity of Iraqi identity with the expansiveness of global drama.
Abbas added that his goal is to present Iraqi heritage with a contemporary vision, emphasizing that Iraqi music has the depth and diversity that qualifies it to have a powerful presence in the global music and film scene.
Abbas's presence in High Value Target gives Iraqi music a new space within international dramatic production, in an experience that seeks to reframe local heritage in a contemporary orchestral language capable of reaching a global audience.
Abbas has a wealth of experience in musical composition and soundtracks, having participated in several Iraqi works, including Al Naqeeb, Badal Taleef, Watn, Baghdad Al Jadeeda, and Dar Al-Masnin, in addition to participating in international projects and presenting special musical compositions, continuing his project of presenting Iraqi and Eastern music through a modern orchestral vision.