The Affable Enigma is a piece that was dedicated to Danial's late cousin, Behrad Fotouhi. This piece of music has been composed of excerpts from the poem, Ode 2180, written by Rumi. The poem speaks about a newly passed soul who is on its way to heaven as Rumi wishes them well with his prayers. The use of wind blowing conjures imagery of a mystical yet comforting forest that awaits newly passed souls. In the final return, whistles are used to symbolize the songs sung by birds in the mystical forest. The harmony in this piece is filled with melancholic chordal extensions which give the piece a flowing and floating impression.
The Affable Enigma
Info
For SATB acapella choir
Duration: 3-4’
Year of Composition: 2021
Text by Rumi
Published by Modern Sound Collective
Performances
Premiere - June 2022
Eastern Horizon Choir
Thomas Burton, conductor
Halifax, NS, Canada
Recording - March 2022
The MacMillan Singers
Dr. Jamie Hillman, conductor
Walter Hall, Toronto, Canada
April 2023
Concreamus Choir
Katie Hatanaka, conductor
Runnymede United Church, Toronto, Canada
Awards
Eastern Horizon Choral Competition Winner 2022