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