The Art of Improvisation in Dashti
Tar: Mohammad Reza Lotfi
Ney: Abdolnaghi Afsharnia
Tombak: Mohammad Ghavihelm
San Francisco Concert, 1999
Art Design: Sima Zangi
Undoubtedly, in the past few decades, the solo performances of master Mohammad Reza Lotfi are considered among the most important works of Iranian classical music. The significance of these solo performances, from both the aesthetic perspective of Iranian classical music and the technical characteristics of playing for connoisseurs, is worthy of contemplation and reflection, and also a great source of inspiration for solo performances, improvisations, and composing.
This trio performance in 1999, accompanied by Ney (Persian flute) Abdolnaghi Afsharnia and Tombak (goblet drum) Mohammad Ghavihelm, was performed at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, USA, and some pieces from this performance were later performed with the Sheyda group.
With love,
Kourosh Taghavi
With many thanks to Mr. Kourosh Taghavi for sending this performance
The first part of this concert, The Art of Improvisation in Abu Ata, was posted a while ago.
Online Streaming of The Art of Improvisation in Dashti Concert:
Download from Telegram Channel
I am the moon’s slave, speak of nothing but the moon,
Before me, say nothing but words of honey and sugar.
Speak not of sorrow, speak only of treasure,
And if you know nothing of this, suffer not, say nothing.
Last night, I went mad, love saw me and said,
“I came, roar not, tear not your clothes, say nothing.”
I said, “O my love, I fear something else,”
He said, “That something else exists not, say nothing.”
I will tell you secret words in your ear,
Nod your head yes, but with your head, say nothing.
**********
I have become beside myself, yet I want to be more beside myself than this,
I tell you with your eyes, I want to be drunk like this.
I want no crown, I want no throne,
Fallen in your service, on the ground, I want to be.
That beautiful beloved of mine seized my throat,
Said, “What do you want?” I said, “This is what I want.”
