Mehdi Aminian
Founder, Ney Player, Composer, Vocalist
Origin
Iran
Location
Vienna, Austria
Mehdi Aminian is an Iranian musician, composer, and the founder of Roots Revival, a cultural association established in 2013 and based in Vienna, Austria. He is a master of the Persian ney (end-blown flute) and setar, and is also known for his vocal performances.
Mehdi Aminian is an Iranian musician, composer, and the founder of Roots Revival, a cultural association established in 2013 and based in Vienna, Austria. He is a master of the Persian ney (end-blown flute) and setar, and is also known for his vocal performances.
Biography
Born in Iran, Mehdi Aminian has dedicated his career to exploring and preserving traditional Persian music while simultaneously pushing its boundaries through innovative collaborations and contemporary interpretations. His work with Roots Revival focuses on connecting musical traditions from different cultures, particularly those of Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Musical Style and Contributions
Aminian's musical approach is characterized by his deep understanding of Persian classical music, particularly the Dastgah system, combined with a willingness to experiment and collaborate across cultural boundaries. His performances often feature:
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Traditional Persian Repertoire: Deep knowledge of classical Persian music, including works by masters like Abolhassan Saba and interpretations of traditional modes (Dastgah).
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Cross-Cultural Collaborations: Extensive work with musicians from Czech Republic, Afghanistan, Romania, and other regions, creating unique fusion projects.
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Contemporary Compositions: Original works that blend traditional Persian elements with modern sensibilities, such as "Quieter Than Silence" and "The Woven Sounds."
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Documentary and Film Work: Creator of documentary projects like "The Woven Sounds," which explores vanishing musical traditions, particularly the pattern singing (Naqshe Khani) of Persian carpet weavers.
Key Projects
Roots Revival Series
Aminian has curated and participated in multiple series focusing on different musical traditions:
- Series 1: Anatolian Ashik music with Petra Nachtmanova
- Series 3: Herati music with Naria Nour and Faroogh Rahmani
- Series 4: Badakhshan music with Dawood Pazhman and Murad Sarkhosh
- Series 5: Pashto music and poetry with Simin Tander
- Series 6: Hazara music with Elaha Soroor
Quieter Than Silence
A collaborative project exploring the space between silence, sound, and shared human experience, featuring musicians from Iran, Syria, and France.
The Woven Sounds
A documentary project preserving the vanishing tradition of pattern singing (Naqshe Khani) among Persian carpet weavers, supported by the Austrian Academy of Sciences.
Performance Style
Aminian's ney playing is noted for its emotional depth and technical mastery. He often performs solo improvisations in various Persian modes (Dastgah), demonstrating both traditional technique and personal expression. His vocal work incorporates Persian poetry and traditional songs, often addressing themes of displacement, migration, and cultural continuity.
Recognition and Impact
Through Roots Revival, Aminian has created a platform for cultural exchange and preservation, bringing together musicians from diverse backgrounds to explore shared musical roots. His work has been featured in festivals across Europe, including the Morgenland Festival in Osnabrück and performances at venues like the Odeon Theater in Vienna.
His commitment to preserving endangered musical traditions while fostering contemporary dialogue has made him a significant figure in the world music and cultural preservation communities.
Videos Featuring Mehdi Aminian
Roots Revival videos that Mehdi Aminian performs in