The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Presents: | ||
Live webcast at
http://www.kennedy-center.org/
NAVA, the Iranian Classical Ensemble presents:
The list of songs to be played, are as follows:
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Persian Classical Music
Persian music is based on twelve principal modal systems: seven primary
systems called Dastgahs and five secondary systems called Sub
Dastgahs or Avaz. Each system is divided into a series of
melodic sequences linked to each other in an unresolved continuity.
These sequences are called Gusheh and their number varies
depending on the Dastgah. Each Dastgah or Avaz
constitutes a specific scale having three distinct notes: (a) Shahed
(witness or root note), regarded as the tonal or modal center of the
Dastgah (Key); (b) Eest (rest note), a temporary rest place
for the melodies before as they gradually incline; and (c) Moteghayer
(the variable note), which produces expressive colors. The entire group
of the systems taken together constitutes the repertoire of Classical Persian
Music or Radeef a word that means arrangement and order. Most of
Radeef has no meter and follows a speech-like rhythm, but it also
contains rhythmic pieces that normally have drum accompaniments.
The compositions are mostly based on the Radeefs. They include a
Peesh Daramad, sometimes stately or lively piece, as the introduction
of the Dastgah played by an ensemble in unison; the
Chahar-Mezrab a virtuoso solo number with driving rhythm; the
Tasneef (a lyrical song) and a Reng a dance-like piece
usually in 6/8 meter.
Dastgah of Mahur is chosen for this performance.
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The Musicians
Nader Bazazieh: A well-known violinist, who in addition to his
graduate degree in engineering, and working as a professional engineer, has
played as a first violinist with many ensembles both in Iran and abroad.
Dr. Houshang Hojjati: As a practicing physician and a physicist,
he has a vast knowledge of Persian literature and poetry. He has a wonderful
voice and has performed in many cultural and academic circles.
Saeed Kavussi: Since childhood, he has played the amazing single
drum called Tombak and has continued playing professionally since he
came to the U.S. He has an exceptional talent and ability of producing a
vast array of beats and sounds out of this very unique and simple instrument.
Arya Saleh: He began practicing violin at the age of seven with
his father, and as a young player, has so far made it to the Washington
Symphony Orchestra. At the age of seventeen, he has an excellent command of
this instrument and a good exposure to both Western and Persian classical songs.
Shahriar Saleh: While working as a project manager with NIH, he
has been teaching, recording, archiving and performing Persian Classical
Music for last thirty years, and plays the authentic hammer dulcimer or
Santur as his main instrument. Invited by the Kennedy Center for this
performance, he is proud to have other prominent musicians join him to present
this program to the world.
Mohammad Tiva: A professional vocalist and an avid flute player,
Mohammad has been playing flute since childhood and attending many concerts
both in the Washington Metropolitan area and many other places.
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This event is free and open to the public. It can also viewed, live on the Internet at http://www.kennedy-center.org/ | ||