On Air - On Site : 48 Hours of Radio Art

Airing on May 24th 04:00 CEST
Dastgah
Genre: Electroacoustic music
Duration: 60 min
The composition "Dastgah" represents a sophisticated synthesis of Persian modal theory, Western serialism, and computational synthesis. By leveraging the SuperCollider environment, the work transcends the limitations of the traditional 12-tone system, implementing a specialized 17-tone serial matrix. This expanded pitch set is derived from the microtonal nuances of the Persian Dastgah system, integrating non-tempered intervals that provide a rich, expressive palette distinct from Western equal temperament.

Architecturally, the piece adapts Schoenbergian serial techniques—utilizing Prime, Retrograde, Inversion, and Retrograde Inversion permutations—to govern a complex microtonal landscape. This approach maintains the structural rigor of dodecaphony while avoiding conventional tonal centers, instead favoring the intricate tension and resolution inherent in Persian microtonality. The algorithmic precision of SuperCollider facilitates the exact control of pitch, rhythm, and dynamics, allowing for a seamless transition between rigorous mathematical structure and spontaneous variation.

Ultimately, "Dastgah" serves as a cross-cultural dialogue, bridging disparate musical traditions through modern technology. By embedding the cultural identity of Persian music within a contemporary avant-garde framework, the composition fosters a unique musical language that challenges traditional perceptions of interval and form.

Featuring:

Ali Balighi

Ali Balighi, a composer, sound designer, and sound engineer, was born in Tehran, Iran. He graduated from The University of Art in 2011 with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance. A passion for composition led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Composition at Texas Tech University, where he is currently a student for a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Composition.

His publications and awards have made a notable contribution to the field in addition to his academic engagements. Among his poetry collections are My Loneliness Is A Hippo That Loves You and The Forest Was on Fire And The Snail Did Not Know Which Way to Flee. He received a residency and a grant at The Saari Residence in Finland for his electroacoustic ensemble opera, Migration inside. In addition, he won third place in the 5th Reza Korourian Awards 2020 competition for electroacoustic composition. He won second place in the composition competition of Radio Javan (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) 2017 with his composition titled Daramad for Harp and Orchestra.

Balighi’s compositions have been showcased internationally at festivals and conferences, including Sonic Matter, New York City Electroacoustic Music Festival, Hot Air Music Festival, Tehran Contemporary Music Festival, NoiseFloor UK Contemporary Music, Research On Contemporary Composition Conference, ClarinetFest, Cortona Sessions For New Music, Audiovisual Frontiers Festival, ICSC 2022 6th International Csound Conference, and Tehran International Electronic Music Festival.

22-24 May 2026 - 48hours of Radio Art