Afagh by Alireza Motevaseli Performed at Yale School of Music
Iranian composer Alireza Motevaseli’s composition Afagh for solo bassoon and strings was performed for the second time at the Yale School of Music by bassoonist Darius Farhoumand. The piece was originally premiered by Farhoumand at New York University in 2021, and this performance at Yale continues to showcase its emotional depth and technical sophistication.
Afagh explores intricate textures and expressive possibilities of the bassoon within a string ensemble, highlighting the instrument’s lyrical qualities and dramatic range. Motevaseli’s composition demonstrates a unique blend of contemporary Western techniques and subtle Persian musical influences, creating a cross-cultural dialogue through sound.
The Yale performance reinforces Afagh’s growing presence in the international contemporary music repertoire and emphasizes Motevaseli’s role as a prominent Iranian composer engaging with leading performers and academic institutions worldwide.
