In The Space Of Safron is a piece specially written for and performed by ASKO Schoenberg Ensemble.
The composer's motherland Iran is believed to have the best quality of saffron in the world. The aroma of saffron is one of the most important elements in many Persian cuisine.But there are downsides to extensive use of saffron. By using too much of this expensive spice, one can go through several phases of hallucination, start heavy laughter and even die.
The piece starts with a series of mantra like overtone scales, leads to what I would like to name a field of saffron with drone and colored melodies that pass from one instrument to another. And in the end for a very short time there will be a surprising effect of saffron which luckily in this case does not lead to death.
Instrumentation:
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass.
Conducted by Bas Wiegers on 16th of March 2013 in Den Haag.