Iranian classical music.....

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oopsorganist
Posts: 788
Joined: Mon May 16, 2005 9:55 pm
Location: Leeds

Iranian classical music.....

Post by oopsorganist »

Oh dear

What can I do with an Iranian classical flute player who plays in modes. I looked it up on tnet, but twas not a lot wiser afterwards.
uh oh!
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VML
Posts: 727
Joined: Thu Feb 12, 2004 12:57 am
Parish / Diocese: Clifton Diocese
Location: Glos

Re: Iranian classical music.....

Post by VML »

I will probably be corrected by someone vastly more learned than I, but modes are scales that are played as if on a white note scale, but each starting on a different note. E.g. Dorian Mode goes D to D' without the accidentals more usual in a minor key.
The easiest example is 'What shall we do with the drunken sailor', which is often written out with a Dm/ F key sig, then cancels the Bb to play the Dorian mode.

You can of course play the tunes in othr keys, i.e. this tune starting on E would have a D key sig.

White note scale starting on G is Myxolydian.

(Just for the fun of it, the others are:
C: Ionian E: Phrygian F: Lydian A: Aeolian B: Locrian!)

Hope this is correct info!!

What do you do with your flautist? Encourage him one way or another. It brings it home to us how difficult it is to include incoming cultures in our Church music. This flute is, according to Wikipedia, one of the oldest instruments known.
Would be good if it could be used somehow.
oopsorganist
Posts: 788
Joined: Mon May 16, 2005 9:55 pm
Location: Leeds

Re: Iranian classical music.....

Post by oopsorganist »

Thanks VML

I read there were 12 modes and then some minor modes and then got confused. It is all based on improvisation on a phrase? which then weaves around and has a structure ...and comes to an end at a given time etc. So I didn't understand that properly really.

I suppose I should look for music that is in Dorian mode. Probably not What shall we do with a drunken sailor though. Although there is a hymn to that tune, yes there is! We have a king who rides on a donkey........ sigh. I think there is potential for improvisation during communion procession, perhaps prior to silence at the start, maybe the Offertory Procession although instrumentals at such a point is not our norm (although recommended locally). Taize maybe. See how it goes.

I will admit to prayer for extra pairs of hands. I got two, both probably temporary but still there is the answer to my prayers and I will give it a go.
uh oh!
JW
Posts: 852
Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2007 8:46 am
Location: Kent

Re: Iranian classical music.....

Post by JW »

Oops,

Have you asked her/him how s/he would like to contribute? Organ and flute can go surpisingly well together and as you know our major and minor scales are forms of modes. I'm sure a half hour at the organ with him/her going through some stuff will help.
JW
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