#34— RANJBARAN: PERSIAN TRILOGY
Seven Passages • Seemorgh • The Blood of Seyavash
JoAnn Falletta, conductor • London Symphony Orchestra
DE 3336
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Persian Trilogy: Seven Passages
“…Very highly colorful, expertly scored… lively writing, huge, swirling climaxes… memorable fragments of tunes of a Persian nature…a properly confident orchestral composer…” — Fanfare
“[Ranjbaran] focuses on certain instruments such as the oboe, harp and violins, all of which have great prominence in the ethnic music of Persia. The music is unmistakably graphic in its appeal. Dark, threatening, driving, splashy and brilliant…” — Los Angeles Times
“…filled with elegant themes and a rich, tuneful musicality based in part on Persian modes but eminently accessible and richly orchestrated.” — Press-Telegram
In this world premiere recording, American conductor JoAnn Falletta and the London Symphony Orchestra offer a remarkable performance of Behzad Ranjbaran’s dramatic and colorful “Persian Trilogy” for orchestra.
The orchestral cycle “Persian Trilogy,” comprising Seven Passages, Seemorgh, and The Blood of Seyavash, takes its inspiration from ancient Persian legends, as recounted in the 11th century epic poem “Shahname” (The Book of Kings). A quote from the introduction to an English translation of the Book of Kings, still a respected classic a thousand years after its creation, touches on its cultural significance: “The Shahname has had a sustained and vital influence within its cultural tradition… it depicts the beliefs and values of Iranian society as they were before the coming of Islam…”
Behzad Ranjbaran composed the cycle over a period of 10 years. His rich orchestrations, exciting rhythms, and powerful climaxes are balanced by lyricism and delicacy. An instantly accessible fusion of ancient and modern, this music leaves a lasting impression.
Behzad says: “Seemorgh (Phoenix) was inspired by an ancient Persian legend about a giant magic bird and the struggle between good and evil.” The piece is a ballet in seven scenes.
“I have come to realize that in real life, courageous acts are not limited only to heroes. Unsung heroes perform countless acts of courage and struggle daily,” Behzad says about the theme of “Seven Passages.” The Los Angeles Times commented that in “Seven Passages” “the heroic theme emerges in the course of the music… as the work progresses from a fairy-tale gossamer beginning to its full-scale triumphant conclusion.”
Born in Tehran, Behzad came to the U.S. in 1974, where he attended Indiana University and received his doctorate from the Juilliard School. He is on the faculty of The Juilliard School, and has received numerous awards and honors for his compositions. His Violin Concerto for Joshua Bell and his Songs of Eternity for Renee Fleming have added to his reputation as an extraordinarily gifted composer.
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