Lights and Shadows
Houman Dehlavi & Kourosh Babaei

We are honored to present this collaboration between Houman Dehlavi and Kourosh Babaei, published by CambiataArt Records.

Listen below and experience this journey of piano and Shah-kaman.

" This project initially took shape at the suggestion of my dear friend and artist, Hamidreza Andarz, based on a documentary film being produced about his life and works. Perhaps because I had known him and his paintings for many years, as I watched short segments of the unfinished film, the first musical ideas began forming in my mind. These ideas-combining the sounds of piano and cello-could evoke an emotional and descriptive atmosphere suited to the film's imagery.
However, after some time, as the project remained incomplete, I met with another dear friend and talented musician, Kourosh Babaei, and became closely acquainted with the Shahkaman (a Persian bowed instrument) and its expressive potential. I decided to replace the cello with this instrument, resulting in a fresh experiment and the first-ever fusion of these two instruments.
Regarding Hamid Andarz's works, I find no need to add to the eloquent text written by Ruyin Pakbaz—I believe it offers the most beautiful description of his art. I, instead, have tried to interpret them through the language of music.
This collection is built upon two musical themes, first introduced independently and then gradually interwoven, reflecting the interplay of light and shadow. The variations on each theme, occasionally blended with effect techniques on the Shahkaman, convey different emotional states, as reflected in the titles of the pieces. Just as a painting evolves over time-sometimes through improvisation-many musical sections of this collection were shaped by spontaneous improvisations on the main themes.
Since over four years had passed from the project's inception, I ultimately decided, with the painter's consultation and approval, to release this audio collection independently. Additionally, the distinct emotional quality of these pieces-different from my previous works-further encouraged me to do so.
The mixing and editing process was exceptionally complex and challenging, and it was only through the skillful expertise of the esteemed sound engineer, Sadegh Nouri, that the desired result was achieved-for which I am deeply grateful. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the dear Kourosh Babaei, who masterfully executed every requested technique on his instrument with remarkable artistry. My sincere gratitude also goes to the esteemed artists Mohammad Shahidi, who patiently designed the album cover and artwork, and Behrouz Faeghian, who edited the texts.
Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to Naghm-e Hezardastan Publishing in Tehran and Cambiata Arts in Canada, who handled the physical and digital releases of this collection, respectively."

This album brings together composer and pianist Houman Dehlavi
with master Shah-kaman player and improviser Kourosh Babaei, in a groundbreaking dialogue between piano and the Persian bowed instrument Shah-kaman. Originally inspired by the life and artworks of Hamidreza Andarz, the collection grew into an evocative soundscape where painting, film, and music meet.

Composer’s Notes:

Houman Dehlavi,
Summer 2025

℗ CambiaraArt Records