Listening: The Fourth String is project that will introduce an interactive and experiential instrument and platform ShahTár ((شه تار through public performances that re-imagine the silenced existence of the Iranian musician and Sufi, Moshtagh Ali Shah (18 century Iran), and emphasizes his historic contributions to the Iranian music. The project addresses the concept of sound, suggesting the act of listening can power community engagement, promote social change, and foster a better future. The event has been set on March 2nd between 6:00 – 8:00 P.m. and include performances by artists and musicians from Vanderbilt University as well as the local musicians.
The performances and workshops intend to broaden participants’ knowledge and understanding of Middle Eastern music and its ethos. It provides unique educational and performance opportunities for the community. The performance showcases the dynamic aspects of Middle Eastern music, its capacity to integrate with other musical genres, and the potency of its contribution to the soundscape of the United States.
Guest Musicians
Program Schedule
Introduction by Dr. Lorenzo F. Candelaria
Dean and Professor of Musicology
Blair School of Music, Vanderbilt University
1.Call for prayer
Raheleh Filsoofi: Narrator
Reze Filsoofi: Vocal, Setar
2. For Shahtár
Poem by Rumi
Reza Filsoofi: Vocal and Shahtár
Raheleh Filsoofi: Daf
Isidora Miranda: Violin
3. Oh’ my beloved (Inspired by Turkish melody)
Poem by Rumi
Reza Filsoofi: Vocal and Setar
Raheleh Filsoofi: Vocal and Shahtár
Isidora Miranda: Daf and Shahtar
Oh, my beloved, oh my beloved
You are my confidante
In the day light you are my sun
In the dark night you are my dawn
In danger, you are my shield
You cure me,
You are my religion, my faith
You are that ocean full of pearls
You are my beloved…
4. The secret garden
Reza Filsoofi: Shahtár
Michael Hixs: Electronic and Shahtár
5. conversation within
Poem by Hafez
Reza Filsoofi: Shahtár and Setar
Michael Hixs: Electronic
Raheleh Filsoofi: Narrator and Shahtár
6. Drunk from the eternal divine cup
Poem by Heyran Ali Shah (Based on Kurdish magham)
Reza Filsoofi: Shahtár and Setar
Michael Hixs: Electronic
Title: Oh Friends, I am Drunk
I am drunk
Drunk from the eternal divine cup
A friend grasped my hands
And the fire of love burst forth from my skin
Now, I am emptied of the earthly world
Now, I am filled only with love.
7. A journey with Shahtár
Reza Filsoofi: Shahtár
Carlos Duran: Shahtár
Charlie Gilbert: Shahtár
Raheleh Filsoofi: Shahtár
8. Renge Osul (Iranian Classical traditional piece)
Reza Filsoofi: Setar
Carlos Duran: Shahtár
Charlie Gilbert: Shahtár
9. Daye, Daye… (Folklore melody from Lorestan providence in western Iran)
Reza Filsoofi: Setar
Carlos Duran: Frame Drum
Charlie Gilbert: Dohol
The last songs are dedicated to bravery and resilience of the Iranian protestors
10. The rice Filed
Reza Filsoofi: Setar
Carlos Duran: Fame drum
Charlie Gilbert: Dohol
Isi: Daf
Raheleh Filsoofi: Dayereh
Lullaby, lullaby, Oh rice field, you are our hope
Lullaby, lullaby, Oh rice field, you are light of God
11. I have hopes
Reza Filsoofi: Setar
Carlos Duran: Frame drum
Charlie Gilbert: Dohol
Isidora Miranda: Daf
Raheleh Filsoofi: Daf
I have hopes
I have hopes
In the cerulean sky, I have seen a milk-white cloud
Enchanting, like a wild horse
With his hand on the mane
A single rider, restless
Just like our hero, Kaveh,
In search of the truth
A messenger with countless stories to tell, yet so quiet
That white, wild cloud of our desires billows and swirls
I have hopes… I still have hopes
12. Let’s celebrate
Reza Filsoofi: Daf
Carlos Duran: Frame drum
Charlie Gilbert: Dohol
Isidora Miranda: Daf
Raheleh Filsoofi: Daf
Rose petals let us scatter
And fill the cup with red wine
The firmaments let us shatter
And come with a new design
If sorrow's soldiers incite
To shed lovers' blood tonight
With beloved I will unite
And his foundations malign
Pour the red wine with control
Like rose-water into the bowl
While fragrant breeze will roll
Many thanks to the contribution and support of
Dr. Maria M. Campos-Pons, Dr. Lorenzo Candelaria, Selene Wendt, Anaïs (Nisi) Daly, Molly Barth, Simon Tatum, Jerry Phillips Bedor, Lauren Baechel, and Faculty, students, and staff at Blair School of Music
