Composer

:

Reza Vali

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

2003

Average_duration

:

6:08

Gozaar (Calligraphy No. 5) is a contemporary classical composition by Iranian-American composer Reza Vali. It was composed in 2003 and premiered on March 28, 2004, by the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is inspired by a different Persian calligraphic style. The first movement, "Nasta'liq," is named after a cursive script that was commonly used in Persian calligraphy during the 14th to 16th centuries. The movement is characterized by its fluidity and grace, with the music flowing seamlessly from one phrase to the next. The second movement, "Shekasteh," is named after a broken script that was popular during the 17th and 18th centuries. The movement is characterized by its jagged, angular melodies and sudden shifts in tempo and dynamics. The music is meant to evoke the feeling of a calligrapher breaking his pen and starting anew. The final movement, "Siah-Mashq," is named after a black practice script that is used by calligraphers to practice their strokes. The movement is characterized by its repetitive, rhythmic patterns and its use of silence and space. The music is meant to evoke the feeling of a calligrapher practicing his craft in solitude. Overall, Gozaar (Calligraphy No. 5) is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Vali's unique blend of Western classical music and Persian musical traditions. The piece is a testament to the enduring beauty and complexity of Persian calligraphy, and it serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Iran.

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