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toma63@xxxx.net
This CD is a compilation of a 3-CD set released by Harmonia Mundi, which sadly, is no longer available in the US. If you can find the original box set, it is well worth it, and it is worth knowing a little about that set to understand what you are getting (and not getting) on this compilation. Djamchid Chemirani (zarb), Daryoush Talai (tar) and Madjid Kiani (santour) are all masters of their instruments in the context of Classical Persian music, and on the box set, a CD is devoted to each artist. On Chemirani's disc, 4 pieces are comprised of solo zarb, and 1 piece is a zarb duet with Jacques Marcovich. On both Kiani's and Talai's discs, there are 2 dastgahs each, accompanied by Chemirani on zarb. If you don't know what a dastgah is, don't worry, the liner notes explain the structures of Persian classical music. Suffice it to say, they are long suites of music. So the single CD compilation includes one piece from each of the original discs. The liner notes are also a condensation of the original, but do provide you with a brief overview of the basics of Classical Persian music. What's so amazing about this music, as in the case of the dastgahs by Kiani and Tala'i, is finding yourself completely engulfed and entranced in the sound of just 2 instruments. Even the solo zarb pieces are sumptuous. Needless to say the production quality is superb and it forces you to be awed by this important music.
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