Persian Trilogy

Persian Trilogy is a set of three orchestral works composed by Iranian classical musician, Behzad Ranjbaran. All three works were inspired by stories from the Shahnameh ("The Book of Kings"), the Persian epic poem by Ferdowsi.

Ranjbaran used three episodes from this epic as the basis for his music:

  • Simorgh: a tone poem in three movements describing the fabulous magical bird Simorgh her involvement with humankind and the natural elements surrounding her: the mountain, the moonlight and the sunrise.
  • The Blood of Seyavash: conceived as a ballet in seven movements, relating the story of Prince Seyavash as young prince and heir, his seduction and betrayal, his trial by fire, his tormented loyalties, the seeds of envy, his idyllic love, and the prophecies fulfilled.
  • Seven Passages: derives its inspiration from an episode in the Shahnameh, titled "The Seven Trials of Rostam".

Persian Trilogy was performed by London Symphony Orchestra.

Famous quotes containing the word persian:

    If one doubts whether Grecian valor and patriotism are not a fiction of the poets, he may go to Athens and see still upon the walls of the temple of Minerva the circular marks made by the shields taken from the enemy in the Persian war, which were suspended there. We have not far to seek for living and unquestionable evidence. The very dust takes shape and confirms some story which we had read.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)