Anahita Modarresi – Forbidden Longings (Single Review)

The sensitive new song from classical music prodigy Anahita Modarresi emotionally guides listeners through the trials and tribulations of migration and searching for home.

The Iranian composer, now based in Germany, has utilised her self-taught talents in music composition to craft a stunning neo-classical repertoire that manages to truly connect and engage with audiences through the artist’s incredible ability to tell real-life stories through music. Known for integrating themes of life, death, love and loss into her work, ‘Forbidden Longings’, which exposes the struggles of migration and longing for familiarity, is no exception to these elements.

Beginning with a sweeping string introduction that is as melancholy as it is beautiful, Modarresi characterises the misery and hopelessness many migrants might feel when first undertaking their travels. As an extension of this, the theme of loss also becomes apparent here. Either the loss of family or the loss of a home, can easily be realised through the graceful but solemn edge to this beginning string section. The genius behind ‘Forbidden Longings’, and indeed any of Modarresi’s work, is her music’s ability to immediately tap into her audience’s subconscious and encourage them to think about the composer’s real-life inspirations for the music and its overflowing poignancy.

There are small hints of light within the darkness though; short chirpy bursts of the oboe and flute between the moodier timbre of the strings lends the song a subtle rush of energy that implies a search for hope and comfort even in the midst of turmoil. Soon, the gentle melody of the woodwind instruments is matched by the strings, which shift into a higher and lighter register. However, occasional sharp trills of the flute as well as dramatic fast staccato string fills threaten to shatter this calming scene by the minute; casting doubt and anxiety into an emotional mix already dominated by sorrow and loneliness.

Following this, there is a brief moment of renewed strength and determination to find belonging, when the tempo takes on more vigour throughout the driving force of the string instruments, which bounce with a vital sense of dynamism and seem to help illustrate the rolling hills and passing scenery that may be encountered on this journey of identity and discovery.

However, this momentary change in tone is soon overtaken by the sombre and incredibly moving combination of the delicate flute and sorrowful strings, which cast a dark edge over a previously sunnier soundscape. This frequent tonal shift is so effective in portraying the story of migration and the ever-changing emotional and physical environments that people will be forced to navigate during this tumultuous period in life.

There also seems to be an element of tentativeness in the arrangement here; the affecting melody ebbing and flowing and yet still struggling to take flight, as if bound by guilt or fear of the unknown. The piece’s subtle change in dynamics contributes to this overall feel of apprehension and hesitancy, as the instruments continue to play in a more subdued manner. Indeed, a happy culmination of these negative feelings of fear and anxiety is never quite reached; the piece ends on a note that is mournful and downcast.

Modarresi’s intent here is quite clear; the ‘forbidden longing’ for home or a safe place may never truly be reached for migrants, who may spend years of their lives searching for belonging and in turn uncovering their own identity. It is often a journey of many physical and emotional hardships, one that Modarresi illustrates in a sensitive and above all imaginative way.

Score/Excellent: Modarresi excels in delivering a story of twists and turns that succeeds in immersing the listener from the very first note. With such a talent in translating real-life struggles into a strongly emotive journey through music, Modarresi’s pieces will personally strike a chord with a diverse collection of listeners around the world.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Follow Anahita Modarresi:
Facebook
Instagram
Visit Website