An Opera Spanning 10 Centuries
Nassim Sabba | New Haven, CT | 05/15/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mr. Alizadeh has said in an interview that if you did not know that the poems in Ode to Flowers were by different poets, you would think that they where written by one person. It does not take long to realize the truth in that statement. I call his composition an opera for lack of a better word. Although passion plays, and poetic musical performance of poetry in Iran predate the opera form in the west, this CD is not a passion play, yet the passion behind it is palpable, and it is what makes these lyrics seem the work of a single poet. The passion is about art and for art's sake. Thanks to very good liner-notes and the rare translation of all poems, you will not miss this even if you do not understand Farsi.
There is no question that Mr. Alizadeh is a superb modern composer. He can create music on par with the best in the classical world. He surpasses many by creating powerful work like this while staying true to the strict Iranian compositional system of dastgahs (modes).
The poems he has selected, span in time from the 12th century CE, with Mowlana (Rumi), to the 21st and Moshiri. Yet, they complement each other and flow like a single opera. They tell the story of devotion - a devotion to human spirit and to expressions it produces. Yet, unlike for typical opera composers, we know he has had to compose for a set of given poems. While other composers either write their own lyrics or work closely with a lyricist, allowing them to smooth difficult passages, that is obviously not the case here. These are verses of historic significance. Not a word could be altered to suit the composer. Yet, Mr. Alizadeh's composition brings a flowing continuity to these diverse poems.
An underlying upbeat mood pervades the work, while the music modulates and adjusts beautifully to each verse of each poem, each with its inevitable laments and its pleasures of change. That is why it is hard to pick one cut as the best, and one need to hear the whole CD as a single composition.
The Hamavayan Group (Ensemble Harmonium) itself is a wonder, especially given the youthful age of four of the seven. They shine, together and in their solo pieces. The percussion on the CD is much more effective than it was in the NYC concert. Perhaps there was a problem with the acoustics in the hall or the sound system, but on the CD, the percussion brings out subtleties lost so easily. His contribution to such a powerful compositions seems essential.
The vocalists, Mrs. Rasaie and Mr. Akhavas have such compatible voices that it is hard not to want to play sections repeatedly and immerse oneself in the pleasure of their duets, a rare thing in Persian music. Mr. Alizadeh and his workshop have researched choral singing in Iranian history have created a few gems, such as this and Raz-e No a few years back. An American friend commented that he finally understands why we say that Persian music has evolved from the "voice". Poetry and music are intertwined like in no other culture.
Of important interest is also that unlike most traditional Persian compositions, these pieces are laden with counterpoints. In some instances counterpoints layered on other counterpoints; or voices upon voices, if you think in Persian musical terms. This is unique, as it has been difficult to accomplish this in such a refined but restrictive compositional system, up to now. We are witness to a new standard being achieved. The ingenuity is hard to miss. We cannot ignore that it also requires this carefully created ensemble, which understands the underlying intentions and is also capable of bringing them out. Their performance is a tour de force.
Mr. Alizadeh is a dedicated educator. In addition to his constant research, composing, and performing, he has nurtured many stars in his extensive workshop; we hear four of these young artists on this CD, along with stalwarts like Ms. Rasaie and Mr. Khaladj. Not only Mr. Alizadeh has kept the beacon of devotion of music shining, he has fueled it for brilliance well into the future. Given all the difficulties that one can imagine musician have had to face in a tumultuous period in history, this is true dedication. You do not want to miss one of its most brilliant results. Thus, if you have to get just one CD this month, Ode to Flower should be it.
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A must have if you like music
E. hosseini | atlanta | 09/28/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw the performance and had to buy the CD right there.
Alizadeh has done a perfect job this time. From the sound and instrumentation, to the selection of poetry and the upbeat rhythm.
I have heard all of Alizadeh's work and this is one of my top favorites."
