Concerto for Orchestra “Zoroastrian Riddles” (1996)

Indeed, the "playfully" indication attached to the Scherzando second movement [of] Danielpour's Concerto for Orchestra, could apply to just about the entire work. Simplicity is also a key word here, whether in the tonally oriented harmonic language or in the thematic structure. The music also has frequent moments of impetuousness, with sudden outbursts resolutely affirming the music's balletic rhythmic language. The work is exciting, impassioned, and accessible. When I first listened to Anima Mundi I was struck by how balletic the work was, not realizing that in fact it was commissioned by the Pacific Northwest Ballet. [It] starts out very much in the same vein as the Concerto for Orchestra, [but] progresses into territories that become more and more complex, both musically and emotionally. Danielpour's Concerto for Orchestra is a spectacular musical adventure, while Anima Mundi adds to that a more demanding but equally rewarding spiritual journey.