"The musicians played their final notes…"

Phoenix of Persia Chapter 14

"Queen Aram was waiting to greet them..."

Chapter 13 is based on a fragment of Naqsh-e Râst, an Iranian-Ottoman piece attributed to Abd ol-Qâder Marâghi, the 15th-century Iranian composer and theorist. 

This track is performed by Amir Eslami (ney), Nilufar Habibian (qanun) and Saeid Kord Mafi (santur and daff).

Phoenix of Persia Chapter 13

"Flames flickered and the Simorgh appeared!"

This chapter was composed by Amir Eslami. 

Amir Eslami plays the ney – a reed flute which represents the Simorgh.

Phoenix of Persia Chapter 12

Chapter 10: "King Sam and the soldier rode into the mountains..."
Chapter 11: "“Can you forgive me?” called King Sam..."

These chapters were composed by Nilufar Habibian.

Nilufar Habibian plays the qanun – a plucked dulcimer with a sweet, rippling sound that represents Prince Zal.

Phoenix of Persia Chapter 10 & 11

"“Help!” cried King Sam, sitting up in bed..."

This chapter was composed by Arash Moradi. 

Arash Moradi plays the tanbur - a long-necked lute that evokes the royal palace of ancient Iran and represents King Sam and Queen Aram.

Phoenix of Persia Chapter 9

"The chicks taught Zal to hop and chirp, and he grew strong..."

This chapter was composed by Nilufar Habibian.

Nilufar Habibian plays the qanun – a plucked dulcimer with a sweet, rippling sound that represents Prince Zal.

Phoenix of Persia Chapter 8

"Then there was a flash of red, of gold, and the fluttering of wings!"

This chapter was composed by Saeid Kord Mafi. 

Saeid Kord Mafi plays the santur – a hammered dulcimer with a glittering sound that represents the Mountain of Gems.

Phoenix of Persia Chapter 7

You can read more about The Phoenix of Persia and download our teacher resources here: www.tinyowl.co.uk/phoenixofpersia

The Phoenix of Persia project was led by Tiny Owl Publishing, in collaboration with City, University of London, HEC Global Learning Centre, Tower Hamlets Schools Library Services and Pop Up Projects CIC, with support from Arts Council England and the Iran Heritage Foundation. The book and accompanying music was conceived and initiated by Professor Laudan Nooshin (City, University of London). The Creative Producer and Assistant Editor for the music was Soosan Lolavar and the music was mixed, mastered and edited by Julius Johansson and other students at City, University of London. The music was recorded in the sound studios of the Music Department at City, University of London. The teacher resources were created by Tiny Owl Publishing, HEC Global Learning Centre and Professor Laudan Nooshin.

Phoenix Of Persia Credits

We interviewed Iranian classics expert Mateen about the Persian epic Shahnameh, the source for the story of The Phoenix of Persia!

Listen to part 2: https://bit.ly/2YUSU6k

Exploring the Shahnameh part 1

The second part of our interview with Iranian classics expert Mateen about the Persian epic Shahnameh, the source for the story of The Phoenix of Persia! Listen to part one for an introduction to the story and its background.