New composition reflects harmony between Rumi and Bach

Azad is an internationally famous composer and performer of classical Persian and Sufi music. During the Istanbul International Music Festival he gave a unique performance entitled “The Divan of Rumi and Bach”. This event took place at the Hagia Eirene Museum on June 13 commemorating the 800th anniversary of the birth of Rumi.

Speaking before the performance to the Turkish daily Today’s Zaman, Azad said that his compositions are made on the spur of the moment and that “The Divan of Rumi and Bach” was also born of a moment of “inspiration”.

Azad recounted that one day as he was reading some verses of Rumi’s work, his friend Melita Kalin, was playing Bach on the piano. He suddenly realized that there is great harmony between the music and the poetry, and subsequently decided to undertake this project.

Azad also makes use of those aspects of traditional Persian music which are suitable for improvisation. He combines all the colors of Azeri music (which he said are “in his blood”), with Turkish music to create a unique composition.

“Inspiration comes when I feel as if I am invisible,” said the artist, adding, “I can only be a bridge between the audience and the (source of) ‘unity’. If the musician cannot get rid of his or her ego, he cannot serve as a bridge.”

Azad said the reason why he chose to perform Rumi’s poetry is “to become one”. Taking inspiration from the universal tolerance of Rumi, he brings Rumi and Bach together in love, although it might sound a little unusual to hear the names side by side in one project. 

Rumi cannot be connected to a single place, either his birthplace in Iran, or Turkey where he lived and is buried. Rumi belongs to everybody. Differences may exist among cultures, but eventually all cultures have similarities as they all stem from a single source -- which is love, the 44-year-old musician remarked.

Azad was accompanied by a multicultural ensemble in his performance, consisting of Matthew Barley on the cello, Hiroko Imai on the piano and Sirish Kumar on the tabla -- a beautiful reflection on stage of Rumi’s teachings.

“I did this intentionally,” said Azad. He wanted to prove to the world that musicians from varied cultures and geographical locations can collaborate via a common language.

“I had the chance to get to know many different music styles. At the same time, I regard as a gift the ability to exist with my own music in an atmosphere where everybody is equal.” he concluded.

Azad plans in future projects to combine Rumi’s verses with the works of other famous composers such as Beethoven and Mozart.

SB/MA

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MNA