Remembrances

On his previous album, 2020’s Zarb-e Osul, Montreal-based percussionist Ziya Tabassian demonstrated his mastery of ancient Persian rhythmic cycles known as osul, as well as his ability to craft engaging and intricate percussive compositions within those cycles. On this latest collection of original works, Tabassian imbues his complex rhythmic structures with melody, orchestrated for an ensemble of bowed and plucked strings, with occasional wind and pitched percussion. Traditional instruments from across the Middle East – oud, kanun, tar, kamancheh and duduk – are blended with Western violin and cello, as well as the surprising and welcome addition of marimba, all held together by Tabassian’s diverse array of percussion layers.

Improvisation is kept to a minimum, in favour of through-composed unison melodies, though there are moments where individual musicians are allowed space to add their own voice – Didem Başar’s plaintive kanun solo at the start of ‘Vazin’ is a particular highlight. This latter piece is emblematic of Tabassian’s extensive early music background, with the ensemble being bolstered by viola da gamba and European lute, in a composition that seamlessly combines Persian time cycles with a Baroque harmonic language.

Melodically strong, texturally rich and rhythmically ornate, Remembrances is a sophisticated set of compositions that evokes tradition, while also cementing Tabassian as a composer and musician with a vital and singular voice.