Quartet Diminished is an avant-prog musical group established in 2013 by guitarist Ehsan Sadigh. Based in Tehran and Montreal, the band blends contemporary and traditional influences, creating a distinctive style that incorporates elements of jazz, progressive rock, Persian music, and 20th-century avant-garde compositions.
History The original lineup of Quartet Diminished consisted of Ehsan Sadigh (guitar), Mazyar Younesi (piano/vocals), Peter Soleimanipour (clarinet/saxophone), and Rouzbeh Fadavi (drums). Following Soleimanipour's departure, Soheil Peighambari (woodwinds) joined the ensemble.
Musical Style Quartet Diminished’s music encompasses both structured compositions and improvisational passages. The group draws inspiration from a wide range of musical traditions, including:
Avant-garde and contemporary jazz Iranian traditional rhythms and harmonics Ethnic ritual music Progressive rock Classical and 20th-century avant-garde music
Their work reflects a synthesis of personal and collective interpretations of modern music trends, avoiding strict adherence to any single genre.
Discography
Station One (2012) The debut album, Station One, was released by Hermes Records. It introduced Quartet Diminished's unique style, blending diverse musical elements. The album was followed by a series of performances in countries such as Austria, Hungary, Netherlands, Slovenia, Slovakia, France, Italy, and Turkey.
Station Two (2018) The second album was recorded at Yildiz Studio in Istanbul and mixed by Manfred Eicher at La Buissonne Studio in Marseille. Initially planned for release under the ECM label, the album was ultimately published by Hermes Records due to delays in ECM’s release schedule.
Station Three (2021) Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, Station Three continued to expand the band's audience, receiving recognition from contemporary music enthusiasts. Prominent musicians such as Calin Bass and Hossein Alizadeh praised the album for its innovative approach.
Deerand (2024) The fourth album featured collaborations with Tony Levin (bass) and Markus Reuter (touch guitar). Released by MoonJune Records, an American label known for supporting progressive and avant-jazz music.
Performances
2024- Moonjune Festival, Toledo, Spain 2024- Classical Next, Showcase, Berlin 2024- The “Sweet Symphony Deerand” with AISO Symphony Orchestra, Tribute to Anton Brukner, Vahdat Hall, Tehran 2024- Mosaic Festival, Berlin 2023- Tak theatre, Berlin, 2023- Munganga Hall, Amsterdam 2023-Khalij-Fars Hall, Shiraz 2022-Paris Le’ 3C0, Paris 2022- Khalij-Fars Hall, Shiraz 2022- Compose and Perform for AISO Symphony Orchestra Vahdat Hall (As Concerto Group, with Quartet Diminished), Tehran 2022- Vahdat Hall, Niavaran Hall, Roudaki Hall, ÖKF Hall, Tehran 2017-Vahdat Hall, Tehran 2017- Jazz Festival, Tehran 2016-AK Bank Festival, Istanbul 2016- Jazz in Duketown, Netherlands 2016- s’Hertogenbosch,- RASA, Netherlands 2016-Péniche Anako, Paris 2015- Porgy and bess, Vienna 2015-Club Utrecht, Netherlands 2015- Bologna Take5 Festival, Italy 2015-Jazz à la Cité, Paris 2015- Ferrara Pinocchio Florence, Italy 2015-Roudaki Hall, Tehran 2014- Niavaran Hall, Tehran 2013- Niavaran Hall, Tehran 2013-Porgy and bess, Vienna 2013-Fono club, Budapest 2013- KC Dunaj, Bratislava, Slovakia
See also Music of Iran
References
External links Quartet Diminished Official Website