Zan, Zendegi, Azadi (Woman, Life, Freedom)

Program Note: Sung at a walking speed, the song alludes to the marching and protesting that continues to take place for the Women’s Rights movement in Iran. An explanation of the “Woman Life Freedom” chant and protest movement around it for Mahsa Amini can be found here: https://youtu.be/-DPOYmjG_Og

Another freedom song, called “Baraye” or “For the sake of…”, can be found here with English subtitles. In that performance, "Baraye" is sung by Coldplay and exiled Iranian actor Golshifteh Farahani. At the end, you can hear the chant featured in Farzad Omidi’s composition, “Zan Zengedi, Azadi” and “Baraye Azadi” (for the sake of freedom) - https://youtu.be/aJb3uc1D1D8?si=wK_5wGUuSWBwI1Ln 

Oblique Motion: The Tenors/Basses hold the tonic pitch (F) over stepwise motion in the other vocal parts