Iranian-American composer and instrumentalist Dariush Dolat-shahi is adept at both contemporary electronic music and traditional Persian music. He is also a master at the tar and setar, which are Persian stringed instruments related to the lute. His five compositions on the album Electronic Music, Tar and Setar, released in 1985 and now offered as a free download from Ubuweb, is a fascinating amalgamation of both the contemporary and the traditional. The pieces are surprisingly percussive and somewhat minimalist yet has a strong folk influence that will appeal to many. I especially recommend a listen to “Sama” which I think brings the contemporary and traditional together in a most appealing way. Those interested in the setar can hear an exceptional performance of the instrument on “Shabistan”. This is an interesting album that will appeal to those who wish to widen their listening experience.

Another album titled Otashgah is available. It was released in 1986 and is a more modern work with little sign of the traditional. It appears by my ears to be written for an ensemble that include some acoustic instruments but is primarily electronic. It is an atmospheric piece that easily keeps your interest for its 35 minutes. Both albums offer a look at the two sides of an unique instrumentalist and composer deserving of more attention.

Both albums are available in 192kbps MP3.

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