partitura 21328

2025, sound installation

Language: Persian

Music in Afghanistan has been an inseparable part of life since the early centuries of human history, accompanying celebrations, rituals, and spiritual ceremonies. Musicians created instruments from anything that could be made to produce sound. According to ancient Afghan legends, music was given to people by the gods to ease their suffering and help them express joy.

In 2021, the Taliban imposed a total ban on music in Afghanistan. Over 21,328 musical instruments were burned in the first year alone.

It is a composition of voices reciting the names of musical instruments in Persian. Only the names are heard, like an invisible orchestra. This ritual incantation restores the presence of music through language, offering healing and expression.

authors: Yana Osman, Anton Khamchishkin