Customer Reviews

Music of the Persian Mystics

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I attended a concert of this group in Bonn/Germany last year. I got caught by Mrs Jooya's voice. Mr. Derakhshani composed a wonderful piece of art. Even hours after the concert the melodies did not leave my head. It was the most exiting concert of Persian music I have ever attended.

When people are honest in their feelings, when they are masters in their art, when they meet together, only then comes a heavenly melody like this to life. I was shocked by listening to this CD, by realising that such a masterpiece can exists. Once I played it, I could not stop it any more. Though I can not understand Persian, but Zohreh Jooya with her voice,Madjid Derakhshani with his tar and voice, Marwan Abado with his oud,Amirabbas Zare with his daf,Stefan Hendrix and Reza Safaverdi with their cellos, Maghsoudloo with his ney, Klaus Gesing and Thomas Nawratil with their sax and tabla all this together with the mystical poems of Mowlana Rumi, Hafiz, Saadi and Shafii Katkany made me speachless
Thank you all.
I will sure one day attend your concerts!

Having grown up in the USA, I've always been moved to experience other cultures art,spirituality, music, foods, etc.. Listening to "Music of the Persian Mystics" is a feast for the senses. The artists who composed this beloved CD are nothing short of genius. This is how I can describe my listening experience: a mystical journey on which I didn't want to return, delicious, ripe, heart, soothing, delicate, longing, exquisite, love, restorative, delightful, pure passion.. I could go on, but lastly, the music opens the heart to the creative tapestry of our world community, that I for one, could not exist without. It is food for the soul, and my hope is that listening to this music could bridge the gap of all politics, religions, and the illusion of separation we humans think there is among different cultures. I can only want more of this!!

Great Sufi poetry (3 ancient poets, 1 contemporary) sung by a great voice (she also does western opera) backed by a terrific instrumental ensemble. The notes on recordings by this label are sometimes skimpy and general; the notes for this recording are excellent, including information on the perfomers, poets, instruments, Sufism, and the booklet includes all lyrics in Persian script and English translations. The booklet is in several languages, the usual custom for the label, but is thicker than many because the notes are (thankfully) more detailed. Great work, ARC Music, for circulating this CD around the world! And kudos to the artists.

To review and appraise this album, some comparison with similar recordings would be helpful. I have four albums of Persian mystical poets sung by Shahram Nazeri and Mohammad Rez Shajarian, supported by different groups of musicians, including the Dastan Ensemble, and a very contemporary, electronic enhanced album by Sussan Deyhim. I also have two recordings of Zohreh Jooya singing Afghani music. How then does this particular album measure up? First, the liner notes are excellent, providing background information on Sufism, the poets, the poems sung, and the musicians, with many photographs. Second, the musicians playing traditional tar, oud, setar, ney, tabla, and daf are also very good, especially Madjid Derakhshani, who also composed and arranged the music and who at time sings and narrates. The recordings include cello and saxophone and electronic special effects (such as a pseudo chamber for depth echoes and wind). The compositions themselves have passion and profundity and are impressive, indeed beautiful. Jooya, however, sings rather straight forward. She lacks the emotional strength and interpretative passion that convey the struggles, the fears, the bliss described in the poetry. In short, she does not "sell" or transmit the songs, at least to my ears and background, but she sings well. Considered in totality, her singing is enhanced by the instrumental arrangements. The album is certainly worthwhile. It is powerful in effect, and there is much to enjoy and to feel. ****1/2.