IFCA Composers
HAZIN by Atefeh Einali
Composer: Atefeh Einali
Commissioned by Iranian Female Composers Association – IFCA
For
Solmaaz Adeli with the kind support of Shiva Afshar, Yasaman
Moghaddam, and Ayoub Farahyar
Solmaaz Adeli: Mezzo-soprano
Ava Nazar: Piano
World premiere at Duke University Chapel, March 8, 2024
Programme note for “HAZIN”:
They are after a simple life – you know, the usual routine: wake up, coffee, shower, dress up,
walk, exercise, study, work, shop, cook, and sleep. Sounds pretty basic, right? But it's not that
simple for them. It needs a lot of effort, and they keep telling themselves, 'Don’t even think
about it, just do it!'
Composition approach:
This piece is based on “Hazin” from Radif Saba for Santoor. Hazin means sadness in Farsi and
it is a rhythmic pattern in Iranian classical repertoire which is playable in any mode (Dastgah).
This piece has three video-recorded improvisations attached for performers which I played
by Santoor. Incorporating a video-recorded improvisation into this piece is inspired by my
experience learning the Santoor. Also, it reflects how many other cultures pass down
knowledge orally, without written notation. I think transcribing these traditions into Western
notation can lose some precision. My intention is not for performers to copy my oral tradition
exactly, as that's not feasible. Rather, I want them to be inspired and create their own version
through a dialogue with me. In my composition method, I always encourage performers to
get in touch with me for any questions or even have a cup of tea together, in person or online.
The collaboration and sharing of thoughts could make a huge difference in cross-cultural
composition.