Choral Music from Persia

In light of recent events concerning Iran this previously unreleased recording from 1978 seems fortuitously well-timed. Not least because it provides a glimpse into the country's cultural past which, when compared with the current state of affairs, seems manifestly more modern. In fact, the only reason we are now able to listen to this music is thanks to the good luck and hard work of Persian-Dutch pianist and music collector Pejman Akbarzadeh, who recently unearthed and restored the album; its original release had been stalled by the revolution in 1979.

Founded by opera singer Evelyn Baghtcheban, under commission from the Queen Farah Pahlavi Foundation in the early 1970s, the mixed male and female Farah Choir sang Western-style compositions derived from Persian folk sources, arranged by the likes of Samin Baghtcheban (husband to Evelyn) and Rubik Gregorian. This approach is immediately apparent upon listening to the adept ensemble; contrapuntal techniques work together with microtonal scales and idiosyncratic vocal timbres to produce a sound that conveys Iran's rich indigenous heritage while embracing foreign influences. This short yet fascinating and moving recording is as nostalgic as it is hopeful.