Mohammad Reza Mortazavi is widely recognised as one of the world's best players of the tombak and the daf, two instruments central to Persian percussive music. Relying upon nothing more than a drum and his own dexterity, Mortazavi creates trance-like polyrhythmic soundscapes, complete with melodies and exquisite phrasing. As Mohammad says himself: "the sound will explain itself."

Video by Joel Stillone/Stillone Media
Audio mixed and mastered by Audifex
Translation provided by the Goethe-Institut