OUD
The oud is considered one of the oldest instruments in Antiquity, such that Al-Farabi suggests that it was carved by the hands of Lamech, the sixth grandson of Adam. Played by ancient Sumerians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks and the Romans; its beautiful characteristic microtones are born from its fretless design formed by a deep wooden bowl and a short neck, allowing the musician to establish harmony between himself, the instrument and the music.
TAR
Persian for ‘string’, the tar is carved from mulberry wood, shaped into the figure eight and covered with lamb’s skin. It appeared in Persia in its present form in the middle of the eighteenth century, with its origins dating back to twelve hundred years ago. Well-known as the quintessential Iranian instrument and shaped in the symbol of infinity; the tar represents the complex web of man’s being, with multiple dimensions and states, all aligned and leading back to the central point of the heart. Stretching out to infinity, it awaits the pluck of the Maker of the eternal melody.
KAMANCHE
Kamanche is an ancient bowed string instrument, which has been an integral part of Persian traditional and folk music since the tenth century. This instrument is played in various regions, with each region having a different cultural and musical mode. For this reason it can greatly alter the feeling of the listener, igniting deep emotions for the listener. It is a significant instrument when played as part of an ensemble as it has the unique capability to harmonise the various tones and modes of music. From a spiritual perspective, when played, resembles the infinity sign as it moves from left to right in the circular motion. It is important to note that the bow does not move, but rather the kamanche itself that is moved side to side.