Written By Farid Parish
The second night of the 40th Fajr Music Festival was graced by the soul-stirring melodies of flamenco. The renowned guitarist Daniel Casares stepped into Tehran—a musician whose instrument tells the stories of Spain with a magical voice.
On a night when flamenco music brought the spirit of Andalusia to Tehran, Roudaki Hall was filled with the warm and enchanting sounds of Casares. A guitarist from the land of sun and rhythm, his playing conveyed not only technical mastery but also pure emotion. His performance, blending delicacy with passion, took the audience on a musical journey—from the cobbled alleys of Spain to the peaceful shores of the Mediterranean—a night to be remembered by flamenco lovers.
At 6:30 p.m. on the festival’s second night, Roudaki Hall hosted the fiery and soulful notes of flamenco. From the land of sun and matadors, from the heart of Andalusia’s stone-paved streets, the familiar figure of Daniel Casares arrived in Tehran—an artist whose instrument tells the stories of Spain in a magical tone.
Casares’ performance went far beyond a display of technique; it was imbued with deep emotion that breathed life into every note. His delicate and mesmerizing tremolos in the slower pieces transported the listener to Spain’s sun-drenched, sea-breezed coasts—places where flamenco music arises from nature and the lives of its people.
From the outset, it was clear that this performance could not disappoint flamenco enthusiasts. The packed, passionate crowd affirmed this expectation.
Throughout the performance, the audience eagerly engaged in flamenco’s traditional cheers. From time to time, the rousing cry of “¡Olé!” rang out amid the musical phrases—a word that in Spanish culture signifies admiration, whether in bullfighting arenas or on flamenco stages. These spontaneous shouts created a vivid bond between performer and audience, as if Roudaki Hall had, for one night, become the heart of Andalusia.
The pieces Casares selected offered a rich blend of tenderness and excitement—gentle, soothing melodies that caressed the soul, alongside fiery, high-energy compositions showcasing flamenco’s pulsing rhythms. In between, the fusion of dazzling technique and profound feeling illustrated not only the guitarist’s virtuosity but also the very essence of flamenco.
At times, the tenderness and calm of his playing immersed the listener in a dreamlike atmosphere. At others, with breathtaking speed and brilliant arpeggios, he brought excitement to its peak. This beautiful contrast was the magic that made the performance so alive and compelling—moments of stillness and reflection beside explosive rhythm and virtuosity.
Structurally, the pieces adhered closely to the traditional standards of flamenco music. The harmonies, with their passionate and mysterious flavor, bore the unique signature of the genre. Phrygian turns, chords in harmonic minor tonalities, and the use of the Phrygian mode created a soundscape that irresistibly drew the listener into the heart of Spain—a place where music is a reflection of its people’s history, emotions, and spirit.
In the middle of the concert, Casares took a moment to address the audience. With a warm smile, he shared that this was his first visit to Iran and expressed his hope that it wouldn’t be the last. He added in a friendly tone, “I hope you enjoy the concert.” His short but heartfelt words brought him closer to the crowd and filled the hall with warmth and appreciation.
Overall, this concert offered flamenco enthusiasts an unforgettable and thrilling evening. The combination of brilliant technique, pure emotion, and the intimate atmosphere that Casares created at Roudaki Hall left the audience with lasting memories—a night whose echoes will remain for a long time.