Foad Moradi

This piece is inspired by an ancient folk melody from Diyarbakir. I have performed it on the Tanbour, utilizing the Shoor mode. The opening thirty seconds feature a brief improvisation in the Kurdish Shoor mode, followed by the main melody. This melody has been interpreted by numerous musicians globally. Among these interpretations, Maestro Naser Razazi's performance stands out as a well-known masterpiece, known as "Shawa Shawa." My rendition is a solo Tanbour performance, meticulously incorporating microtones to capture the authentic accent of the Diyarbakir melody.

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Diyarbakr Folklore

This improvisation is performed on the Tanbour in the ChaharGah Mode. Historically, Zarathustrians utilized this mode in Fire Temples for the recitation of their sacred hymns, the Gathas. The Shah-Khoshin Maqam, a prominent part of the Tanbour repertoire, features the ChaharGah Mode. Shah-Khoshin, an esteemed king in ancient Persia, is celebrated for leading an ensemble of instrumentalists and vocalists skilled in instruments such as the Harp and Tanbour. Unlike other Kurdish Tanbour Maqams, which typically include Kurdish lyrics, the Shah-Khoshin Maqam is unique for its use of Persian Epic Lyrics.

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ChaharGah

The 'Timeless Journey' is an improvisation on the Tanbour in the Sar-Tarz mode (Maqam). It is a voyage back to ancient times, characterized by chromatic and primary intervals that were first invented by human beings. These intervals, still evident in ancient musical structures, are also widely found in jazz music. Join us on this timeless journey to connect with our forebears through the deepest layers of our subconscious.

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Timeless Journey

Golnishan, an old folklore Kurdish piece, is romantic and calm. The beloved in the song is likened to a beautiful flower. Even though the lover finds himself far away in a strange country, he vows not to break the bond of love and to remain faithful to it. This performance is in the Kurdish Shoor mode, known for its use of microtones. While original Maqams of the Tanbour repertoire are typically composed of tones and half-tones, there are certain ancient folk pieces, such as this one, that require the use of microtones when played on the Tanbour.

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Golnishan

"Gol Va Khak," translating to "Flower Under the Soil," is a profound piece from the ancient Tanbour repertoire, steeped in metaphor and cultural significance. This piece artistically symbolizes death, likening the beloved to a flower returning to the earth. Historically, "Gol Va Khak" was a staple in funerals, often accompanied by melancholic lyrics, offering a poignant reflection on loss and remembrance.

This ancient maqam is distinguished by its two distinct narrations. The first rendition is notable for its free tempo, eschewing a constant rhythm, which allows for a more expressive and contemplative interpretation. In contrast, the second narration adopts a steady 7/8 rhythm, a signature of the "Garyan" rhythms or dances in Kurdish music. Intriguingly, these rhythms, including the 7/8 and 16/8, are typically featured in Kurdish weddings, showcasing a vibrant, celebratory energy.

This juxtaposition is particularly fascinating; "Gol Va Khak" employs an energetic rhythm (Garyan) traditionally used in joyous occasions like weddings to evoke memories of loved ones who have passed. This unique use of rhythm serves as a form of emotional homeostasis, balancing our feelings and reflecting the cyclical nature of life and death. The piece thus stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, honoring those we've lost while celebrating the continuity of life.

In its essence, "Gol Va Khak" is more than a musical ancient piece; it is a cultural bridge connecting the past to the present, sorrow to joy, and life to the afterlife, resonating deeply within the hearts of its listeners.

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Gol Va Khak

Rustam, a valiant warrior hailing from Sistan, Iran, is a central figure in ancient Persian texts. In the realm of Persian mythology, Rustam's Seven Labours hold great significance. His fourth labour entails a confrontation with a formidable witch.

During this task, Rustam stumbled upon a delectable feast beneath the sheltering branches of a tree, where he began playing the Tanbour. In the course of his melody, he encountered a captivating lady. However, as soon as he commenced a sacred composition known as Tarze Rustam or Rustam's Maqam on the Tanbour, the enchanting lady transformed into a malevolent witch. Unable to endure the sacred resonance of the Tanbour and Rustam's Maqam, she underwent this ominous metamorphosis.

The subsequent piece is a rendition of this ancient mode—the Rustam's Maqam or Tarze Rustam.

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Tarze Rustam

"Do-Wale" is a musical maqam that beautifully tells the romantic legends of the East, like the stories of Khosrow and Shirin, and Leili and Majnoon, similar to the Western Romeo and Juliet. The name "Do-Wale" means "Two Lunatic Lovers," aptly reflecting the intense and deep love depicted in these stories. This maqam shares a connection with the waltz, both in rhythm and in meaning. It features three-beat rhythms, usually in 3/8 and 5/8 time signatures, symbolizing the passionate and sometimes overwhelming whirl of love. The maqam also has rhythmless parts, adding a timeless and boundless quality to its expression of love.

A unique aspect of Do-Wale is its use of phrases from the "Sahari" (Dawn) maqam. This might suggest a comparison between love and the early morning or dawn, indicating that love, like the dawn, is awakening and rejuvenating. The combination of Do-Wale with elements of the Sahari maqam enriches its narrative, showing love as both a passionate whirlwind and an awakening force. This quality makes the Do-Wale maqam a fascinating and universal musical symbol of the power of love.

Based on the epic and romantic essence of the Do-Wale maqam, I have composed a solo guitar piece. You can listen to it at this link:

https://www.sound.xyz/foadmoradimusic/dowale-maqam-origin-of-waltz

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Do-Wale

The Horse's Rhythm: A Musical Exploration

Introduction: The Horse's Influence Across Cultures

The horse, a symbol of strength and freedom, holds a special place in human imagination. It features prominently in ancient rituals, like those of the Middle Eastern shaman Zahhak, who was called Bewar-Asp, meaning the owner of ten thousand horses. This creature's spirit has inspired musicians worldwide.

Musical Tributes to Horses: From Shamanic Beats to Guitar Strings

Musicians globally have crafted melodies mirroring the horse's movements. Yakut shamans and Turkmans use the Jaw-Harp to create rhythmic tunes resembling the galloping of horses. In Argentina, Fernando Bustamente's composition "Misionera" on the guitar pays homage to this majestic animal, capturing its energy through music.

Kurdish Tanbour Melody: "Swar Swar"

The Kurdish Tanbour repertoire features "Swar Swar," a composition depicting the horse's gallop. This piece, once part of traditional instruments like Ney and Sorna, now resonates on the Tanbour. Its varying tempos echo the thunderous hooves and the wind's whisper, celebrating the horse's boundless spirit.

My Musical Tribute: Inspired by Maestro Ali Akbar Moradi

Inspired by Maestro Ali Akbar Moradi's narration, I present a minimal performance that captures the essence of the horse's rhythm. Through this music, I invite you to experience the timeless connection between humanity and horses, celebrating the beauty and vitality of this incredible creature.

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Swar Swar

The Contradiction' is a solo guitar piece, about the inner conflicts we all face, much like the balance of Yin and Yang in nature. It highlights how contrasts, even though they seem opposite, can actually complement each other. It's a journey through our feelings and the natural balance of life.

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The Contradiction

Sar-Tarz is one of my favorite pieces in Tanbour's repertoire. The Tanbour repertoire contains 72 Maqams (modes), similar to 72 guardian angels. The first guardian angel is known as "Superior Will," and the first Tanbour mode is Sar-Tarz, meaning "Superior Mode".

This melody's ancient accent relies on the chromatic intervals that focus on the first three frets of the Tanbour: frets 1, 2, and 3. 1, 2, and 3 are the first numbers of the Fibonacci sequence, commonly found in nature.

Mythologically, Sar-Tarz narrates the creation of Adam. God faces the difficult task of injecting His soul into the human body, but it becomes easier for Him after He listens to Gabriel (Pir-Benyamin) playing Sar-Tarz.

In the 42nd section of the Tao Te Ching poem, numbers 1, 2, and 3 are considered as fundamentals of creation, similar to the Sar-Tarz frets. The poem is as follows:

道生一，一生二，二生三，三生萬物。
"The Tao gives birth to One.
One gives birth to Two.
Two gives birth to Three.
Three gives birth to all things."

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Sartarz (Superior Mode)

A Cross-Cultural musician. I'm interested in Classical Music (focused on Classical Guitar), Ancient Maqams, and common features among them. Just google: Foad Moradi Music.

Welcome to my playlist featuring the mesmerizing sounds of the Tanbour, also known as Tambour or Tambourine. This ancient long-necked lute is found across the globe, but my focus lies on the Kurdish Tanbour, widely cherished in the Middle East.

The Tanbour carries a rich heritage, boasting a unique repertoire of seventy-two melodies known as Maqams. Its historical roots date back at least 6000 years, as evidenced by ancient sculptures discovered in the Middle East. This instrument was extensively used in Shamanic Rituals by ancient shamans, adding to its mystique and significance.

For a deeper dive into this fascinating instrument's history, check out this link: 

https://foundation.app/@foadmoradimusic/ancient-9547/1

Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies that have stood the test of time.


Tanbour

Welcome to my musical haven! Dive into a collection of classical and neo-classical solo guitar pieces that blend the elegance of classical guitar with the enchanting melodies of oriental music. As a Cross-Cultural musician, I seamlessly fuse these rich musical traditions, creating a harmonious blend of sounds. Explore the catalog and discover the magic of my unique compositions, where each note is a testament to my diverse musical background. Don't miss out on these first solo guitar gems, waiting to be explored!