Melodic Circles

The setar is one of Iran's most gorgeous instruments. Literally, the name means ‘three strings,’ but nowadays the Iranian setar (lute) has four, and is certainly not to be confused with the Indian sitar, a much bigger instrument with many more strings (though from the same etymological root). In the hands of a master like Mehdi Rostami, this small Persian instrument with its soft, delicate tones is capable of expressing so much. The lightest touch on the strings seems to express an emotion directly from the heart. On Melodic Circles Mehdi Rostami is accompanied brilliantly on tombak, the astonishingly versatile Persian goblet drum, by his cousin Adib Rostami.

Both musicians are well trained in the Persian classical tradition and Melodic Circles falls into two halves, each in its own dastgāh or scale. But for listeners not tuned into the intricacies of Persian music, it's the variety of moods, textures and narratives in these seven pieces that are so absorbing. Opener ‘Nostalgia’ is full of longing, beginning in a high register; sweet and delicate, it's like slowed-down birdsong. Moving to a low register, the piece builds to a climax before suddenly evaporating at its end. The closing ‘Mystic Dance’ is like a solemn ritual that sets the spirit flying before returning to earth. The ingredients are simple, but the playing and the recording are magnificent. It's rare to hear musicianship as sublime as this.