Song No 15: Ballad of the Spring Breeze
(Tasnif-e Bād-e Bahāri)
This piece is the only tasnif (ballad) recorded by Djenāb Damāvandi. Though the label refers to it as “Tasnif-e Bādeh” (The Ballad of Wine), it is, in fact, a famous poem by the patriotic poet Aref Qazvini, titled Bad-e Farahbakhsh-e Bahāri (The Joyous Spring Breeze) or simply Bad-e Bahāri (The Spring Breeze). Interestingly, besides Zari Khānom—a pioneering female vocalist in Iran—who performed this piece accompanied by the Tār of Arshak Khān, Djenāb Damāvandi also recorded it with the Tār of Ali Akbar Shahnāzi, son of Mirzā Hossein Gholi Khān. These performances were recorded just a few days apart. Unfortunately, the name of the tonbak (percussion) player is not listed on the label.
Djenab Damavandi (Mohammad Falahi)
Singer
Ali-Akbar Khān Shahnāzi
Tār Player
Tasnif-e Bād-e Bahāri Lyrics
The joyous spring breeze has blown,
Tearing apart the dress of the flower’s chastity.
The heart-wrenching lament of the caged bird
Reached the garden (reached the garden).
The laughter of the mountain partridge,
Born of arrogance,
Was seized without delay
By the talon of the celestial falcon,
Cutting the thread of its life.
Here in the cage,
My hopes are shattered,
Yet I must let go
Perhaps I may fly free.
If only the struggles and quarrels would cease,
If only the crookedness of fate would allow,
I would dampen the flower’s stem with wine,
If the thorn’s heart-piercing sting would allow
If only this uncontrollable heart would allow,
I would choose solitude, If only destiny would permit.
With my heart’s sigh,
I would set the life of my foe aflame,
If only my tear-soaked eyes would allow
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