Search - Parissa & Ensemble Dastan :: Gol-E Behesht

Magnificent

Ali | 12/15/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Like their previous album Shoorideh which documented the music from their 2002-2003 Europe and US tour, this 2-disc album documents Parissa & Ensemble Dastan's 2004/2005 Europe and 2006 USA tour. The tour was also called Gol-e Behesht which is Persian for "flower of heaven." It is Iranian (Persian) classical music that has an ancient tradition. The classical music is based on 7 modes, 5 derivative modes and around 200 movements branching from these modes. This album is based on the Abu'ata and Esfahan modes. The lyrics, like all Persian classical music, are highly intimate, sensual and mystical poems from long-departed poet/philosopher/musician/scientists, like the world-renowned Rumi.



The musicians are the Dastan Ensemble whose members are literally all masters (ostad/ustad) in this art. The instruments include barbat (predecessor of the European lute and Arabic lute), kamanche (spike fiddle), tombak (goblet drum), and tar (long-necked lute). Parissa is also a master in the art vocals. Her voice is majestic yet warm, confined, yet sweet. There are moments of precise ensemble playing, moments of solo vocals and solo instrumentals which all come together to create sweet melodies. The music is magnificently executed with moments of serenity, joy, deep sadness, sudden breaks of passionate percussion, and hair-raising vocals by Parissa. The album comes with a wonderful booklet that includes translations of all the lyrics, musician bios and more information. The only down-side is that the studio could have increased the bass and percussion levels in some portions. But I'm sure this music will appeal to music lovers of all genres and styles.





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