Caspian Retreat (2003) 10’30

This is the first of three pieces, inspired by oceanic mythology from Persia, India and Europe. Caspian Retreat explores the beauty and complexities of contemporary life in a land steeped in ancient art, culture and music; a land rich in colour, smell and sound.

Using recordings I collected from the Caspian Sea and the city of Tehran, Iran, Caspian Retreat journeys into the mysticism of ancient and modern Persia........

retreat v.1 a intr. (esp. of military forces) go back, retire; relinquish a position b tr. cause to retreat; move back. 2 intr. (esp. of features) recede. n. 1a the act or instance of retreating. b Mil. a signal for this. 2 withdrawal into privacy or security. 3 a place of shelter or seclusion. 4 a period of seclusion for prayer and meditation. 5 Mil. a bugle call at sunset. [from Latin retrahere ‘to draw back’]

Caspian Retreat was written at a time when Iran was announced by Bush to be one of three countries on the ‘axis of evil’.

This piece was made possible with funds from the Scottish Arts Council

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