Commentary on Portfolio of Compositions

This commentary is submitted along with a portfolio of musical compositions and is mainly formed around the notions behind each project. The text draws attention to works by various philosophers and musicians in order to elucidate the ideas and motives behind the musical and audio-visual pieces presented. First, the influences of Edgard Varèse on the compositional ideas of the pieces are illustrated. Subsequently, Gilles Deleuze’s interpretations of paintings by Francis Bacon are employed to define the qualities of sensational music and how such music can impact the listener’s nervous system rather than his brain. The difference between the ‘idea’ of a piece of art and the ‘concept’ behind a piece of art is examined through Roland Barthes’ definition of the ‘obtuse meaning’. More personally, the traumatic events in the history of Iran and their impacts on traditional Iranian music are explored. The reflection of these impacts on the presented compositions is demonstrated. Furthermore, the approach towards structure in the pieces is delineated to clarify the sense of great tension and displacement in the sound-space. Finally, detailed analysis of the submitted projects further illustrates the particular ideas and personal motivations behind each work.