According to Australian director Mojgan Khadem, when the time came to choose a composer for Serenades (starring Alice Haines and Aden Young), the priority was an understanding of the symbolic and the poetic nature of the film, an expertise of both Eastern and Western influences, and a knack for the unique. Davood A. Tabrizi provided all of the above. His choice of instruments, his sensitivity and understanding both of the cultures involved and the importance of the music as a vehicle for storytelling added more than just a soundtrack to the film.

Indeed, Davood's soundtrack, available exclusively on Move Records, has been specially extended and developed in the studio to make listening to the album a satisfying experience on its own, away from the motion picture. The accompanying full-colour booklet contains a detailed synopsis, character portraits and a director's commentary on the importance of music in the film. In addition, the CD features a multimedia bonus: the original theatrical trailer in widescreen Quicktime format, suitable for playback on PC and Macintosh computers.

Serenades opened Australia-wide on 31 May 2001 and has been available for video rental through Fox Home Video since 17 October 2001. A DVD release is scheduled for sometime in 2004 through Palace.

MORE LINKS!

(1) The official Serenades page at Palace.

(2) Read reviews of the CD at Australian Soundtracks and Urban Cinefile.

(3) Read a Serenades movie review from the Movie Show, Urban Cinefile, Sydney Morning Herald and Who Weekly.

(4) Read a detailed feature article on Serenades at Urban Cinefile.

(5) See a movie clip of Serenades - in hi-res (larger) or lo-res (smaller) Quicktime widescreen format (courtesy of SBS Television).

(6) Read an ABC Radio interview transcript of a recent chat with director, Mojgan Khadem and writer Christine Stevens.

(7) Hear revealing interviews with director Mojgan Khadem and Aden Young (in mp3 format, both courtesy of SBS Television).

(8) An article on the Australia's Afghan cameleers and Serenades at the World Socialist Web site

(9) Another interview with director Mojgan Khadem at Cinema Spotlight

(10) A snapshot on the Serenades film set at One Country.

(11) See the extensive entry on the Internet Movie Database for Serenades.

“superb ... the hauntingly beautiful theme, and the associated tracks, are as compassionate as the film itself ... 10/10 stars”

— Dennis Nicholson, Australian Soundtracks

“a richly atmospheric soundtrack”

— Brad Green, Urban Cinefile

“a moving, cross-ethnic soundtrack”

— Frank Hatherley, Screen International

“a collection of haunting pieces that reflect the epic landscapes of the outback and the exotic flavours of Afghan musical traditions. The music is mysterious, richly textured and beautiful.”

— Diaspora World Beat

“a beautiful example of music painting images and moods.”

— Sounds Australian

“Tabrizi uses influences as varied as the classics of Persia and the organ church music of Johann Sebastian Bach. The end result is a rich blend of cultures ... 5 out of 5 stars”

— Chris Copas, The Star

“It has the ability to transport me to a world of my own choosing ... as a film score ... it enhances rather than overpowers.”

— Meghan FitzGerald, Australian Music Centre

“All songs transform into eachother in a very fluid way. The music on this CD just sounds heavenly. Without the pictures you can describe this music as great ambient/new age with a firm world music touch ... This CD is just BEAUTIFUL!”

— NL Groovemaster, Netherlands,

“haunting”

— Screensound Australia

“The music by Davood A Tabrizi, a blend of Aboriginal and Eastern riffs, is another plus.”

— Rob Lowing, Sun Herald

Peydayesh « encounter »
Conception
Mother
Jila's baptism
Kooch « journey »
Rainman's death
Shir « lion »
Eid-e-Fetr « feast of fetr »
A lover in sin
To whatever measure......
Henna
Raaz « mystery »
Attan dance
Matrimony to mourn
Matrimony to escape
Jila's escape
To dream
Water Soil and Fire
Serenades
Neeyayesh « prayer »