01 SHIFTING SANDS
"shifting sands" opens the album, setting the tone for the entire journey. It is a prologue that immerses the listener in a state of fluid transition between worlds, where boundaries blur like moving sands.
The very title symbolizes impermanence, change, and the relativity of everything around us. A world that seems stable can shift at any moment - this idea flows through the entire album.
The sound of the track reflects this philosophical concept. The duduk - a deeply nostalgic and mystical instrument - creates the sensation of ancient knowledge being passed through time. Its timbre resembles the voice of the past, whispering through the winds over a vast desert. The track’s atmosphere wraps around the listener, as if inviting them to step into the unknown, leaving behind everything familiar.
This is not just a beginning - it is a gateway through which the journey unfolds, moving through different stages of life and perception. "shifting sands" does not provide clear answers but subtly introduces the album’s main theme: everything changes, nothing is eternal, and the journey has only just begun.
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The Duduk melody was recorded in Berlin and performed by Erik Mirzoyan, Armenian classical wind player and pianist.
Erik Mirzoyan is an Armenian artist whose musical voice grows from a strong foundation in
classical music and expands into a seamless fusion of genres. A recognized clarinetist, duduk
player, and pianist, he integrates the precision and discipline of classical technique with the
expressive depth and healing power of Armenian folk traditions – bringing the soulful,
timeless voice of the duduk to life alongside his versatile repertoire.
His performances have taken him to major stages across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East,
where he has appeared as a soloist and ensemble player with renowned conductors and
orchestras in distinguished concert halls. Beyond his work as a performer, Mirzoyan is also
active as a composer, arranger, and producer – crafting projects that reflect both technical
mastery and a distinct artistic identity.
Known for his restraint, clarity, and emotional focus, he treats sound not as display but as
dialogue – with the audience, with tradition, and with the present moment. Every piece is an
act of translation: from memory into music, from silence into meaning.