Dastgah & Maqam

The two musicians, Karim Othman Hassan and Amir Ahmadi Karim Othman Hassan and Amir Ahmadi, offer insight into their work. They share how their understanding of music has been shaped by Western sound aesthetics and harmony, influences that continue to shape their music today. They explore the question of how Middle Eastern music, with its rich melodicism and elaborate melismas, can be woven into urban genres such as jazz. Moreover, they discuss the possibilities that arise from unconventional instrumentation and how these can open doors to entirely new sonic worlds. The conversation is moderated by Antonia Grüner from Music Austria (mica).

Karim Othman Hassan

The interpretation of historical Oriental music traditions and their authentic sound has always been the specialty of multi-instrumentalist Karim Othman Hassan. However, his musical activities are not limited to this genre. He is equally at home in modern music and jazz. He is a co-curator and custodian of a significant musical instrument collection and runs a small workshop in Krems dedicated to restoring antique musical instruments.

Amir Ahmadi

Pianist and composer Amir Ahmadi places particular emphasis on microtonality in his artistic work. Using the Claviton – a microtonal keyboard with 31 tones per octave, designed by Georg Vogel – he integrates a tuning system inspired by Maqam music into his compositions. These compositions are brought to life, especially with the trio Terrea. His work draws on the rich vocabulary of Arabic and Iranian music.

After the discussion, the two musicians will perform in a double concert that evening with the ensembles Zençir and Terrea .

In collaboration with Brunnenpassage