Deliverance

Deliverance is a transcultural Afro-Persian classical string quartet that blends Persian classical melodic systems with rhythmic elements from West and North African music. The inspiration behind the title, Deliverance, originates from the deep sensation of freedom from fear and anxiety that can be achieved by embracing vulnerability, imperfection, and the unknown. From Persian classical music, the piece uses 2 koron, or microtones that are approximately a quarter tone flat when compared to 12-tone equal temperament. To an ear trained in Western music, a koron may sound "out of tune" or like a pitch "between" notes. However, in Persian classical music, koron are perceived as exact pitches unto themselves, rather than as a microtone. Sonically, the use of koron in Deliverance demonstrates how something initially perceived as unfamiliar, over time and with a change in perspective, can be seen as a different or new form of beauty.

The piece begins with the use of the Persian classical Gushé Shekaste, which translates to "broken." This section embodies fragmentation and invites the listener to engage with the evolving dynamics between two tone collections of Gushé Shekaste, the main tetrachord and the auxiliary notes. As the tempo accelerates, grooves and repeated phrases emerge, symbolizing chants and mantras through the utilization of 3, 4, and 6 beat groupings and polyrhythms influenced by West African and North African rhythmic forms. As the piece slows, it transitions into Dastgâh-e Navâ, meaning "song." The counterpoint of this section is inspired by the choral works of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina and the chorales of Johann Sebastian Bach.

The journey of Deliverance continues as it explores the enigmatic realm of Gushé Nahoft, signifying "something hidden." Once we hear the recapitulation of the melody in Gushé Shekaste, the piece progressively builds in intensity, culminating in Dastgâh-e Mâhur, (Mâhur is a type of flower). In its final moments, the piece reaches its conclusion with a cadence using Morakab-Navazi to move between Dastgâh-e Navâ and Gushé Goshâyesh. The word Goshâyesh refers to something good opening up in one’s life, such as prosperity or luck.