CD Number [281]
Published [13/07/2010]
Rashn Ensemble
Composer: Amir Sadeghi Konjani
Thid CD contains a focused collection of pieces by a young artist who is bridging the gap between Eastern and Western musical traditions in a most uncontrived manner. Although Amir Sadeghi Konjani's music often reflects ideas developed by a range of 20th century composers (there are suggestions of Debussy's piano music, Ligeti's Aventures, Brian Eno's early ambient works) the influence of Persian music is never far away. However, while the abstract atmospheres of the Daramad sections of Persian music prepare the way for faster rhythmic material, as does Alap in North Indian classical music, these works are discreet statements in themselves, with any rapid elements presented as separate entities. This results in a group of pieces that encourage contemplation with a generosity that accepts that this may be spiritual or not. Declining the opportunity to explain, as is so often deemed necessary in classical music, the composer describes the pieces in terms of an ambiguous mathematical poetry that only generates more questions. In a world where digital communication strives to free us from limitations, but all too often leaves us overloaded with possibilities, an invitation to pause and reflect is always welcome. If you find even the briefest moments of piece or stimulation from this music then Amir will have succeeded and I congratulate him and look forward to his next collection!
Dominic Murcott
London/Spain March 2010-07-13 Head of composition
