Ostad Elahi - Cascade - L'Art Du Luth Oriental Tanbur (rec. circa 1970, rel. 2002)

A unique synthesis of Persian and Kurdish musical traditions, from judge, metaphysical philosopher and musician Nur Ali Elahi (1895-1974; the 'Ostad' is honorific, like the 'Pandit' in Pran Nath).  Even the instrument this suite of pieces (with no track divisions) is played on is a synthesis of the two traditions, a five-string tanbur lute of Elahi's own design.

Ostad Elahi made a number of recordings in Iran towards the end of his life.  These lo-fi, mono tapes from informal gatherings (Elahi eschewed both live performance and studio recording) were gradually remastered and released on Le Chant Du Monde from the 90s onwards.  This one that I've found is a run through 20 pieces in tuning and tonal colours characteristic of the music of Qatar, hence the track title "Qatar Suite".

Like all of Elahi's music, its intended purpose is as contemplative, devotional music, and this combined with his mastery of his instrument far transcends the limitations of the recording quality.  Individual tracks might help make the Qatar Suite more accessible, but if intended as a suite it may as well be listened to as such, and I get more out of it with every listen.  Like any non-Western music, I enjoy stuff like this because it re-tunes my brain from what its used to hearing, and it's a journey well worth taking with something as transcendent as Elahi's musical talent.

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