Marjan Vahdat – The Eagle of my Heart (Kirkelig Kulturverksted, 2024)
In her latest album, The Eagle of my Heart, Marjan Vahdat exhibits her vocal skill through an enchanting a cappella performance. Vahdat describes singing as a liberating act, transcending self-criticism. With her powerful and tantalizing voice laid bare, she expresses raw emotion and intricacy, free from instrumental accompaniment.
The album features recordings of influential voices in Vahdat’s life, including her father, grandmother, and a cousin, adding a documentary-like interlude to the meditative and captivating performance. Vahdat, inheriting her gift of voice, feels an immediate connection to her predecessors with every song, carrying their aspirations forward. Despite numerous requests, it was her artistic curiosity and frequent experience performing solo that prompted her to realize the concept of an a cappella album. With all but two melodies composed by Vahdat herself, the album reflects her musical innovation and heritage.
Marjan Vahdat says: “When I sing a cappella, I can express my feelings more or less unfiltered. My voice is completely naked, and while I sing I can observe all the details and play with elements that I don’t notice as well when I’m singing with instruments accompanying me.”
“My voice is a gift I have inherited. Each time I sing, I have an immediate connection to the voices that have influenced me throughout my life. These voices are a constant reminder to me to carry their hopes and dreams forward. When I sing a cappella, I never feel that I’m singing alone.”
Aside from two songs from the Lorestan province, Marjan Vahdat composed all the melodies herself.
Author: Sonia Keller
