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Figurines playing stringed instruments, excavated at Susa, 3rd millennium BC. Iran National Museum.
Figurines playing stringed instruments, excavated at Susa, 3rd millennium BC. The Iranian cultural region - consisting of the modern nations of Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and The visual arts are art forms that focus on the creation of works which are primarily Visual in nature such as Painting, Photography Persian painting has several branches most famously the classical art of the Persian miniature, and including the modern popular form of "Qahveh Khanehei" Painting A Persian miniature is a small painting whether a book illustration or a separate work of art intended to be kept in an album of such works The decorative arts are traditionally defined as ornamental and functional works in Ceramic, Wood, Glass, Metal, or Textile. Iran (Persia possesses an extraordinary treasure of royal Jewelry, including a copious amount of Mother-of-pearl from the Persian Gulf. Persian embroidery is one of the many forms of the multi-faceted Persian arts. Persia ( Iran) has an ancient tradition of its own design of motifs Iranian craftwork, are Handicrafts works that are useful in ordinary life or are decorative This article has references but they are not inline references Iranian pottery (sometimes known as gombroon) production presents a continuous Literature is the Art of written works Literally translated the word means "acquaintance with letters" (from Latin littera letter Persian literature ( spans two and a half millennia though much of the pre- Islamic material has been lost By Persian Mythology is meant the myths and sacred narratives of the culturally and linguistically related group of ancient peoples who inhabited the Iranian Plateau Iranian folklore including jokes legends games folklore heroes and beliefs is sophisticated and complex Art refers to a diverse range of Human activities creations and expressions that are appealing to the Senses or Emotions of a human individual Architecture in " Greater Iran " has a continuous history from at least 5000BCE to the present with characteristic examples distributed over a vast area from Syria Persian cuisine or the cuisine of Iran is diverse with each province featuring dishes culinary traditions and styles distinct to their regions The Persian carpet ( Pahlavi bōb Persian farš فرش meaning "to spread" and qāli) is an essential part of The tradition and style of Garden design of Persian gardens ( Persian باغ ایرانی influenced the design of gardens from Andalusia to India This article is about Performance art For other uses see Performance (disambiguation Persian dance refers to the type of Dancing from Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The cinema of Iran (or Persian cinema) is a flourishing film industry with a long history Susa ( Biblical שושן ( Shushan) also Greek: Σοῦσα Transliterated as Sousa; Latin Susa) Iran National Museum. The National Museum of Iran (in Persian: موزه ملي ايران Mūze-ye Millī-ye Irān, or موزه ایران باستان Muze-ye Irân-e Bâstân

The music of Iran or Persian music has thousands of years of history dating back to the Neolithic age, as seen in the archeological evidence of Elam, one of the earliest world civilizations, which was located in southwestern Iran. The Neolithic (from Greek νεολιθικός — neolithikos from νέος neos, "new" + λίθος lithos Elam is the name of an ancient civilization located in what is now southwest Iran. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Iran topics. A distinction needs to be made between the science of Music or Musicology which as a branch of mathematics has always been held in high regards in Persia/Iran; as opposed to Music performance, (Tarab, Navakhteh, Tasneef, Taraneh or more recently Muzik) which has had an uneasy and often acrimonious relationship with the religious authorities and, in times of religious revival, with society as a whole. The Persian Empire was a series of Iranian empires that ruled over the Iranian plateau, the original Persian homeland and beyond in Western Asia For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Iran topics.

Contents

The Position of Music Performance in Persian Culture

The ambivalence of Persian culture towards music may be seen in the context of what Darius Shayan has termed cultural schizophrenia: the contradictory nature of the two sources of Persian culture, ancient Persia and Islam. To best understand Iran and its people one must first attempt to acquire an understanding of its ancient culture The Persian Empire was a series of Iranian empires that ruled over the Iranian plateau, the original Persian homeland and beyond in Western Asia For other meanings including people named 'Islam' see Islam (disambiguation.

In ancient Persia musicians held socially respectable positions. We know that the Elamites and the Achemenians certainly made use of musicians but we do not know what that music was like. Elamite is an Extinct language, which was spoken by the ancient Elamites. The Achaemenid Empire or Achaemenid Persian Empire ( haχɒmaneʃijɒn (558–330 BC was the first of the Persian Empires to rule over significant portions of During the Parthian era, troubadours or Gosans were highly sought after as entertainers. There are theories in Academia that perhaps the early Dari Poets of Eastern Iran like Roudaki were in fact Gosans. Abdullah Jafar Ibn Mohammad Rudaki, (ابوعبدالله جعفر ابن محمد رودکی entitledآدم الشعرا Ādam ul-Shoara or Adam of Poets also written

By the time the Sassanids came to power, the position of the Musicians was so exalted that it is only they, amongst all practitioners of fine arts, whose names have come down to the present in significant numbers. The Sassanid Empire or Sassanian Dynasty or Sassanian Dynasty (ساسانیان) is the name used for the third Iranian dynasty and the second Persian empire Amongst the master musicians Barbad, Sarkad, Ramtin and Nakissa there was fierce rivalry during the reign of Khosroe Parveez. Barbad or Barbad the Great (in باربد The name is the arabicized pronunciation of the Persian name Pahlbod which is most probably how he was called in his own day Sarkad may refer to Sarkad Hungary, a town in Hungary Sarkadtanya, a village in Hungary Sarkash, a Sassanid Nakisa (fl c 600 was the court musician of the Sassanids. The main theme of his songs were in praise of king Khosrau II. Barbad may have invented the lute and the musical tradition that was to transform into the Maqam tradition and eventually the Dastgah music. Lute can refer generally to any plucked string instrument with a neck (either Fretted or unfretted and a deep round back or more specifically to an instrument from

Even after Islam Persian Musicians did not disappear: Zaryab is often credited with being the greatest influence over Andalusian and Spanish music. Abu l-Hasan ‘Ali Ibn Nafi‘ ( Persian and Arabic: أبو الحسن علي ابن نافع) (c Andalusia (Andalucía is an autonomous community of Spain. It is the most populous and the second largest in terms of land area [1] Farabi and Avicenna were not only musical theorist but adept at the lute and the Ney respectively. TemplateInfobox Muslim scholars --> ( Persian /ابو علی الحسین ابن عبدالله ابن سینا (born However, late Medieval and modern Islam viewed music with suspicion.

Traditional Hierarchies of Authenticity and Value

Musicians playing traditional Iranian classical chamber music.
Musicians playing traditional Iranian classical chamber music. Chamber music is a form of Classical music, written for a small group of instruments which traditionally could be accommodated in a palace chamber
Taq-e Bostan carving, Women playing harp while the king is hunting, 6th century AD.
Taq-e Bostan carving, Women playing harp while the king is hunting, 6th century AD. Taqwasân or Taq-e Bostan or Taq-i-Bustan ( Persian: طاق بستان, Kurdish: Taqwesan is a series of large rock relief from the era of The harp is a Stringed instrument which has the plane of its strings positioned perpendicular to the soundboard.

The position of a particular work of Music often depends on the music genre and its relationship to music theory. The academic Persian Classical Tradition (Musiqi Asil or Dastgah) is strongly based on the theories of sonic aesthetics as expounded by the likes of Farabi and Shirazi in the early centuries of Islam. Persian traditional music (also known as Iranian traditional music, Musiqi-e Sonati-e Irani, also Persian classical music or Iranian classical music It also preserves melodic formulae that are often attributed to the musicians of the Persian imperial court of Khosroe Parviz in the Sassanid Period. Dastgah is the music of those who have a greater share of, or affect to be in possession of, refined taste and high culture and as such, in spite of its present popularity has always been the preserve of the elite. However, the influence of Dastgah can not be underestimated as it is seen as the reservoir of authenticity that other forms of musical genres derive melodic and performance ideas and inspiration.

Other genres of respectable music were those which were perhaps not as soundly based in abstract theory but from a utilitarian point of view were seen as useful. To this group belongs the martial music of Persia (Musiqi Razmi) whose roots go back to the Parthian era, as attested by Roman sources. This form of music has now been almost completely replaced by European forms ever since the modernization of the armed forces. This type of music with large drums, brass and reed instruments was used not only at war but also in official and solemn occasions. The Naqareh Khaneh or the house of drum, the chief exponent of this type of music survived into the Qajar Period but by this time much of the expertise, fostered during the Safavid era, had disappeared. The only trace of this form of music in a much simplified form is the music of the Zurkhaneh, the traditional martial arts of Iran, where the exercises of champions (Pahlavan, literally Parthians) is regulated by a drummer / vocalist known as the Murshid.

Religious music as a category for music is not a musicologically homogeneous genre. The Shiite passion plays depicting the martyrdom of Imam Hussein have its beginnings in the martial music of Iran. Similarly Sufi music, though having set traditions of its own such as the use of the mystical instrument daf and a set compendium of librettos in Persian mystical poetry, is nevertheless perhaps closest to Dastgah music but enjoys a greater freedom of composition and is rhythmically more sophisticated.

The recitation of the Koran is not considered music by Muslims, but something more sublime. Similarly, religious liturgy or Noheh is a category of improvised song, but is never discussed in musical terms.

Popular music however occupies a low ebb in the rungs of respectability with the exception of folk music that plays an important role in the daily life of rural Iranians. Some of the most beautiful music composed in Iran is remembered in the folk songs in Kurdistan and Khorasan for example. Unlike all other form of music which can be considered children of Classical Persian Music, Folk songs have greatly influence the Dastgah system and names such as Isfahan and Bayat e Turk attest to the regional origins of the melodic formulae that underly Persian Art Musical Tradition. Persian traditional music (also known as Iranian traditional music, Musiqi-e Sonati-e Irani, also Persian classical music or Iranian classical music

Musical theatre in the form of Rohozi, whereby the covered pool in the middle of an inner courtyard served as a stage, is considered decadent by many Iranians. Tasneefs or popular urban compositions were often put together for the purposes of dance often in all women parties and some of the more famous compositions like Baba Karam and the accompanying dance is today the height of Persian Kitsch. (Dr Salardini - excerpt from upcoming book)

Iranian Classical Music

See main article: Musiqi-e assil

Persian classical music goes back a long way. Persian traditional music (also known as Iranian traditional music, Musiqi-e Sonati-e Irani, also Persian classical music or Iranian classical music Musicians like Barbod were legendary in the empire of the Sassanid era. Barbad or Barbad the Great (in باربد The name is the arabicized pronunciation of the Persian name Pahlbod which is most probably how he was called in his own day The Sassanid Empire or Sassanian Dynasty or Sassanian Dynasty (ساسانیان) is the name used for the third Iranian dynasty and the second Persian empire

Until the early 20th century, musiqi-e assil was heard almost entirely at the royal courts of the monarchy. The twentieth century of the Common Era began on A monarchy is a Form of government in which supreme power is actually or nominally lodged in an individual who is the Head of state, often for life or The Qajar dynasty ruled until 1925, with their influence declining since the turn of the century. The Qajar dynasty (also known as Ghajar or Kadjar ( ( - or دودمان قاجار) is a common term to describe Iran (then known as Persia) under Year 1925 ( MCMXXV) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Musiqi-e assil became a more common past-time for the next few decades, especially after cassettes were introduced in the 1960s. The Compact Cassette, often referred to as audio cassette, cassette tape, cassette, or simply tape, is a Magnetic tape sound The 1960s decade refers to the years from the beginning of 1960 to the end of 1969 Before the 1979 revolution, Iran produced the Classic / Dastgahi singing stars Gholam Hossein Banan,Delkash, Marzeyeh,Akbar Golpa, Elahe,Khonsari,Homayra,Mahasti,Iraj,Sattar, Hooshamnd Aghili and instrumentalists like Abolhasan Saba, Ahmad Ebadi, Hossein Tehrani,Faramarz Payvar, Tadjvidi, Muhammad Heidari and Hassan Kassai. Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) Gholām-Hossein Banān (غلامحسين بنان (May, 1911 Gholhak, Tehran — February 27, 1986 Gholhak Tehran was an Iranian Esmat Bagherpour Baboli ( Persian: عصمت باقرپور بابلی known as Delkash (Persian دلکش ( February 26, 1925 – September Mahasti ( مهستی) Eftekhar Dadehbala 1946 Tehran - d June 25 2007, Santa Rosa California) was a female Iranian Iraj ( is a Sinhalese and Persian given name Iraj may refer to Īrāj, a character in Shahnameh People Hassan Sattar (known as Sattar,) is an Iranian pop and traditional/classic singer Abolhasan Sabā ( April 15, 1902 - December 19, 1957 ( was a renowned Iranian musician composer Violinist and Setar player Ahmad Ebadi, (1906 &ndash March 8, 1993 was an Iranian musician and setar player Hossein Tehrāni (1912 &ndash February 25 1974) ( Persian: حسین تهرانی was an Iranian musician ( Tonbak player Master Farāmarz Pāyvar ( born Tehran - February 10 - 1933 is an Iranian composer and Santur player Hassan Kassai (1928-) is a master of the Persian Ney, an extremely expressive reed instrument used in Iranian classical music

The years after the 1979 revolution coincided with a renaissance in Persian classical music, from which emerged Islamic Republic approved stars like Parisa, Parviz Meshkatian, Jamshid Andalibi, Kayhan Kalhor, Mohammad Reza Lotfi, Hossein Alizadeh, Madjid Khaladj, Mohammad-Reza Shajarian, and Shahram Nazeri. Fātemeh Vā'ezi ( mostly known as Parīsā ( born 15 March, 1950 in Shahsavar, Iran) is a Persian Classical vocalist Parviz Meshkatian (born May 15 - 1955 in Nishapur) is a Persian musician composer researcher and University lecturer Kayhan Kalhor ( born 1963 is a Kurdish Iranian Kamancheh player composer and master of classical Persian music Mohammad-Rezā Lotfi ( born 1947 in Gorgan, Iran) is a Persian classical musician renowned for his mastery of the tar and Setar Hossein Alizadeh ( is a distinguished Iranian Composer, Radif -preserver researcher teacher and excellent tar and setar Mohammad Reza Shajarian ( محمد رضا شجريان) (born September 23, 1940 in Mashhad, Iran) is an internationally Shahram Nazeri ( is a contemporary Iranian Kurdish Tenor who sings classical Persian and Kurdish music. The renaissance brought popularity to the genre. Even though the revolution era coincided with the music's popularity, music and Islam have not always meshed well, and many Iranian conservatives disliked even the simple melodies and lyrics of classical music. Women were banned from singing as soloists, though they were allowed to continue performing as instrumentalists and in chorus.

Most notable living Iranian classical vocalists are: Akbar Golpa, Iraj, Sattar, Hooshmand Aghili, Shajarian, and Shahram Nazeri. Among relatively news outstanding classic vocalists we can name: Parissa, Siamak Shajarian, Hesamuddin Seraj, Salar Aghili, Alireza Ghorbani, Homayoun Shajarian, Afsaneh Rasaei, Davod Azad, Hamed Nikpay, Ali Jahandar, Mahsa Vahdat, Hamid Reza Nourbakhsh, Rojan and Amir Hossein Sam. Alireza Ghorbani is a Persian classical vocalist and musician Homayoun Shajarian (born May 21, 1975) is a renowned Persian classical music vocalist as well as a Tombak and Kamancheh player Davod Azad (born 1963 in Urmia, Iran) is an Iranian singer and a prominent master of Iranian classical music Hamid Reza Nourbakhsh is a Persian classical vocalist and musician Rojan (Born in Sanandaj, Iran) is an Iranian classical vocalist who performs Persian and Kurdish music.

More notable Iranian progressive musicians whom at their own time have created modern and contemporary Persian classical based theories and styles include the late Ostad Parviz Yahaghi, Ostad Madjid Kiani, the late Ostad Asadollah Malek, the late Ostad Vaziri, the late Ostad Varzandeh, the late Ostad Hossein Tehrani, Ostad Faramarz Payvar, Ostad Bahman Rajabi, Alan Kushan, Shirzad Sharif, Pejman Haddadi, etc. Parviz Yahaghi ( پرویز یاحقی) was a distinguished Iranian composer and violinist whom have impacted and influenced the classical Iranian traditions with their respective innovative musical approaches.

This wall painting depicts a scene from a 17th century classical Iranian music ensemble.
This wall painting depicts a scene from a 17th century classical Iranian music ensemble.

Sound file samples of classical Iranian music:

Notable bands:

Post-Classical Persian Music

Rumi Symphony Project, Cycle I

In The Path Of Rumi is an early work in Hafez Nazeri’s search to cross formal boundaries and integrate classical Iranian and Western musical traditions into a new genre that maybe best described as post-classical Persian music. Javād Ma'roufi (1912 Tehran &mdash December 7, 1993 Tehran ( was a celebrated Iranian Composer and Pianist. Aref ensemble (in Persian گروه عارف was one of the leading ensembles in Persian classical music of 20th century Masters of Persian Music is a Persian music group consisted of the following Mohammad Reza Shajarian: Vocals Manoochehr The Zoufonoun Ensemble is a notable Persian classical music ensemble Shahram Nazeri ( is a contemporary Iranian Kurdish Tenor who sings classical Persian and Kurdish music. Dastan ensemble is a world-renowned Persian classical music ensemble The Grand Prix du Disque for World Music is awarded by L'Académie Charles Cros. The Kamkars ( Kurdish: کامکاران are an Kurdish family of seven brothers and a sister are undeniably one of the leading musical ensembles in Iran today Chemirani ensemble is a notable Persian classical music ensemble Lian Ensemble is a Persian classical music ensemble Based in Los Angeles The Lian Ensemble is a group of virtuoso performers and composers Axiom of Choice is a World music group of Iranian émigrés who perform a fusion style incorporating Persian classical music and Nour ensemble is an Iranian music ensemble under the leadership of renowned Iranian composer Christophe Rezai Afsāneh Ballet ( Persian: گروه رقص افسانه is a non-profit cultural organization devoted to the arts dance music and poetry of the Iranian cultural continent Hafez Nazeri (in Persian حافظ ناظری is an Iranian Composer. While the essence and elemental structures of Persianmusic are preserved in this work, it's musical arrangements diverge from traditional forms in terms of orchestration, harmony, rhythmic patterns, new melodic forms, and resonance. No longer merely Persianor Western, the music matches the transcendent tone of Rumi’s Sufi poetry, transposed into the context of a new age. In the Path of Rumi is an expression of respect for the legacy of the past in the context of evolution, innovation, and a creative interaction with other musical traditions. Like Rumi, it celebrates unity while rejoicing in the endless landscape of diversitythat voices our humanity.

Over the past three years Through this project Shahram Nazeri winner of The chevalier art . Shahram Nazeri ( is a contemporary Iranian Kurdish Tenor who sings classical Persian and Kurdish music. . . and Hafez Nazeri winner of UCLA The Distinguish Creative Award have introduced Persian music to a wider rang of Non-Iranian specially younger crowed who has never heard it before and took the Persian Music to a new level of inspiration and innovation. Hafez Nazeri (in Persian حافظ ناظری is an Iranian Composer.

Persian Symphonic Music

Main article: Persian Symphonic Music
Ali Rahbari conducting Jeunesse Musicales de Tehran, 1974
Ali Rahbari conducting Jeunesse Musicales de Tehran, 1974

Persian Symphonic Music has a long history. Persian Symphonic Music generally refers to the pieces by the Persian (Iranian composers which have been composed for Western ensembles and orchestras mostly based on the Persian Ali (Alexander Rahbari (علی رهبری is a world renowed Persian ( Iranian Composer and conductor born in Tehran in 1948 In fact Opera originated from Persia much before its emergence in Europe. Opera is an art form in which Singers and Musicians perform a Dramatic work (called an opera which combines a text (called a Libretto Iranians traditionally performed Tazeeieh, which in many respects resembles the European Opera. Ta'zieh ( Persian: تعزیه means Condolence Theater and Naqqali are traditional Persian Theatrical genres in which the Drama [1] The first serious pieces of Persian symphonic music have been composed by Gholma-Reza Minbashian, Gholam-Hossein Minbashian, Aminollah Hossein, Parviz Mahmoud and then Houshang Ostovar, Samin Baghtcheban, Emanuel Melik-Aslanian, Morteza Hannaneh, Hossein Nassehi, Hossein Dehlavi, Ahmad Pejman, Mohammad Taghi Massoudieh, etc. André Hossein, born Aminoullah Husseinoff ( Persian: امين الله حسين Russian: Аминулла Гусейнов; 1905 Samarkand Parviz Mahmoud was a Persian composer and conductor He is the founder of the Tehran Symphony Orchestra in its modern form Samin Baghtcheban ( variations Baghcheban Baqcheban Bahceban (b Morteza Hannaneh (مرتضی حنانه‎ ( March 1, 1923 - October 17, 1989) was a Persian (Iranian composer and horn player Hossein Nassehi ( Persian: حسین ناصحی was a Persian composer Hossein Dehlavi (حسین دهلوی is a Persian composer He was born in 1927 in Tehran and studied composition at the Tehran Conservatory of Music Ahmad Pejman is an Iranian classical composer who resides in the United States Professional Training Born in 1937 in Laar Iran, Ahmad Pejman was exposed

There are also some growing attempts to combine Persian classical music and western classical music. Persian traditional music (also known as Iranian traditional music, Musiqi-e Sonati-e Irani, also Persian classical music or Iranian classical music Classical music is a broad term that usually refers to mainstream music produced in or rooted in the traditions of Western liturgical and Secular music Davood Azad, a renowned Iranian musician and vocalist, melded Johann Sebastian Bach's music style and Iranian classical music. Davod Azad (born 1963 in Urmia, Iran) is an Iranian singer and a prominent master of Iranian classical music WikipediaWikiProject Composers#Lead section.2 This article is written in British English including maximised use of "-ise"

Iran's main orchestra include: National Orchestra, Tehran Symphony Orchestra and Perspolis Symphony Orchestra (Nations Orchestra). National Iranian Orchestra founded in 1998 under the conduction of maestro Farhad Fakhreddini. Tehran Symphony Orchestra ( Persian: ارکستر سمفونیک تهران founded originally as "Municipality Symphony Orchestra" in 1933 by Gholamhossein Minbashian The Persepolis Orchestra, also known as the Melal Orchestra, is a Persian symphony orchestra.

Iran is not alien to western classical music either. Many radio stations in Tehran play Mozart's concertos on a daily basis, and many Iranians even make it to world fame and fortune. The late 20th century classical composer Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji was of Iranian descent. Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji ( August 14, 1892 &ndash October 15, 1988) was a British Parsi Composer, music journalist The best examples of these Iranians are perhaps Shardad Rohani (LA Symphony Orchestra conductor), Lily Afshar (world class classical guitarist and student of Andrés Segovia), Loris Tjeknavorian(principal conductor to the Rudaki Opera House Orchestra in Tehran) [2] , and Hormoz Farhat (Composer, Ethnomusicologist, Music Professor). Shahrdad Rohani ( Persian: شهرداد روحانی is an Iranian Composer, Violinist / Pianist, and conductor. Dr Lily Afshar (لیلی افشار is an Iranian American Classical guitarist She is regarded as one of the world's best female classical guitarists Andrés Torres Segovia 1st Marquess of Salobreña ( 21 February 1893 &ndash 2 June 1987) was a Spanish Classical guitarist Loris Tjeknavorian (also spelt Cheknavarian, Armenian: Լորիս Ճգնավորյան, born October 13 1937 as son of an Armenian immigrant Hormoz Farhat (Born 1929 Tehran) is a renowned Persian musician composer researcher and University lecturer Moreover, Zubin Mehta, the world-famous classical conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, is of Iranian ancestry and acted as guest conductor of Tehran Symphony Orchestra. WikipediaWikiProject Classical music#Biographical_infoboxes --> Zubin Mehta (born April 29 1936 is an Indian conductor Tehran Symphony Orchestra ( Persian: ارکستر سمفونیک تهران founded originally as "Municipality Symphony Orchestra" in 1933 by Gholamhossein Minbashian

In 2005, Ali Rahbari, the head of Tehran Symphony Orchestra, performed Beethoven's 9th Symphony in Tehran Vahdat Hall. Ali (Alexander Rahbari (علی رهبری is a world renowed Persian ( Iranian Composer and conductor born in Tehran in 1948 Tehran Symphony Orchestra ( Persian: ارکستر سمفونیک تهران founded originally as "Municipality Symphony Orchestra" in 1933 by Gholamhossein Minbashian Ludwig van Beethoven ( English ˈlʊdvɪg væn ˈbeɪtoʊvən, 16 December 1770 &ndash 26 March 1827 was a German Composer and Pianist. [3]

Also in 2005, Perspolis Orchestra (Melal Orchestra) played a piece which dates back to 3000 years ago. The notes of this piece of music, which is believed to have belonged to Sumerians and ancient Greeks, were discovered among some ancient inscriptions and after being deciphered by archaeologists, was orchestrated by Siavosh Beizaee for Perspolis Orchestra Symphony. The Ancient Greek language is the historical stage in the development of the Hellenic language family spanning the Archaic (c However, as it is demonstrated on ancient reliefs of that era, the instrumentations of such pieces probably comprised wind instruments like horn and pipe. Renowned Iranian musician, Peyman Soltani, conducted the Perspolis orchestra. Peyman Soltani (Born 1970 Kerman is a notable Persian musician and conductor of Persepolis Orchestra. [2] in 2007, keyvan yahya, young mathemusician, established a symphony orchestra named satrap philharmonic orchestra,this orchestra performs some classical and modern music by western composer and also concerns Persian symphonic pieces in it's repertoire.

Folk music

Ancient Iranians attached great importance to music and poetry, like today. Post Sassanid era silver plate. 7th century. The British Museum.
Ancient Iranians attached great importance to music and poetry, like today. Post Sassanid era silver plate. The Sassanid Empire or Sassanian Dynasty or Sassanian Dynasty (ساسانیان) is the name used for the third Iranian dynasty and the second Persian empire 7th century. The British Museum.

Main article: Iranian folk music

The modal concepts in Persian folk music are directly linked with that of the classical music. Despite all common roots the folk music in each different part of Iran has certain characteristics in correlation with its native myths dialects geographical and social situation and does not enjoy However, improvisation plays a minor role as folk tunes are characterized by relatively clear-cut melodic and rhythmic properties. The function of each folk melody determines its mood. The varying aesthetic requirements of wedding songs, lullabies, love songs, harvest songs, dance pieces, etc. , are met with transparent and appropriate simplicity. The majority of the classical instruments are too elaborate and difficult for the folk musicians. Instead, there are literally dozens of musical instruments of various sorts found among the rural people. In fact, each region of the country can boast instruments peculiar to itself. Three types of instruments, however, are common to all parts of the country. They are, a kind of shawm called Surnay (or Sorna ~ Zorna), the various types of Ney (flute), and the Dohol, a doubleheader drum. A discussion of Persian music must necessarily include the new hybrid of mixed Persian-Western music which is functioning as a popular-commercial music. The use of western popular rhythms, an elementary harmonic superimposition, and relatively large ensembles composed of mostly western instruments, characterize this music. The melodic and modal aspects of these compositions maintain basically Persian elements. On the whole, it would be something of an understatement to say that the artistic merit of such a melange as this is rather questionable. (Prof. Farhat-musicologist Persianartmusic. com)

Iran is home to several ethnic groups, including Kurdish, Azerbaijanis, Bakhtiari and Baluchi peoples. This article is about the region in Iran for other uses see Azerbaijan (disambiguation. The Bakhtiari (or Bakhtiyari Bakhtyari) are a group of southwestern Iranians. Turkmen epic poets similar to Central Asian musicians are common in Khorasan, while Kurdish music is known for its double-reed duduk and an earthy, dance-oriented sound. This article is about the Turkmen people of Turkmenistan. For the distinct group of Turk peoples of Iraq see Iraqi Turkmen. Asian music encompasses numerous different musical styles originating from a large number of Asian cultures Kurdish Music ( Sorani Kurdish:گۆرانی کوردی Gorani Kurdi) ( Kurmanji Kurdish: Muzîk û strana kurdî) refers to music performed in The duduk (duˈduk is a traditional woodwind instrument of Armenian origins The most famous personalities in Iranian folk music are Pari Zangeneh and Sima Bina. Simā Binā ( Persian: سیما بینا (born 1944 in Birjand, Iran) is a master of Persian classical music and Iran's top researcher composer

Kurdistan

The forms of music found in various parts of Kurdistan, all known as Kurdish music, vary depending on the climate and geography of the regions as well as their contact with the neighboring cultures. Kurdish Music ( Sorani Kurdish:گۆرانی کوردی Gorani Kurdi) ( Kurmanji Kurdish: Muzîk û strana kurdî) refers to music performed in For example, the melodies found among the people living in the mountains are different from those found among the people living in the meadows. However, the poetry and the rhythms are common to both areas.

Kurdish music, similar to other Eastern music, is monophonic and modal (more specifically, based on the maqam system, which is loosely translated as modal). However, because multiple instruments with varying pitch range, color, and ornamentation capabilities are used to play the same melody, it is also heterophonic. In addition to` specifically Kurdish modes (maqams), Kurdish music also utilizes all the modes and dastgahs found in the traditional music of Iran.

There are two forms of Kurdish music. The first is based on the maqam system. Similar to traditional music of Iran, improvisation plays an important role in Kurdish music. While a maqam is used to designate a certain melodic structure, a musician may improvise within this structure by employing variations on ornamental figures, rhythms, and melodic forms. The maqams of Kurdistan, preserved by oral tradition throughout generations, are based on microtonal tuning systems where one can find intervals of half step, full step, three quarter step, and one and a quarter step. [These intervals are not necessarily in an equal-tempered 24 tone scale. ]

The second form of Kurdish music is based on a set of melodies, known as gourani or closed, which have distinct and structured rhythms. The word gourani is derived from gabaran, which literally means "one who worships fire. " This word is related to the ancient rituals of fire worship among the Zoroastrians. Through the passage of time gabaran was changed to gouran. Gourani is also the name of a tribe whose members speak Kurdish and are known for their poetry. The members of certain groups of dervishes (Ahle Hagh) in Kermanshah and certain regions of Sanandaj, use this word to refer to the songs performed during their spiritual ceremonies. Because of its distinct rhythm, gourani is often accompanied by other instruments, and in some cases by clapping.

The poems used in most Kurdish music are filled with stories of romance and unrequited love. These poems have often two verses, which are divided in ten, eleven, or twelve syllables, and are based on the Gathas of the Zoroastrians. The word "Gātha" means a "hymn of praise" in the earliest Indo-Iranian poetry Zoroastrianism (ˌzɔroʊˈæstriəˌnɪzəm is the religion and philosophy based on the teachings Kurdish melodies are very simple; their range is usually confined to a few notes. The form of the music is often strophic, and every gourani has a particular melody which is sung with various stanzas. At the end of every stanza the strophe is repeated unchanged throughout the song. Every gourani is characterized by a specific strophe. Similar to a lied or a chanson, gouranis may be accompanied by instrumental sections, which have three parts: prelude, middle section, and the ending. The prelude and the ending are performed by the group, and the middle section is performed in the form of call and response.

Gouranis fall into several categories, each performed with specific melodies for specific occasions. Some examples are work gouranis, shepherd gouranis, romantic gouranis, religious and spiritual gouranis, festive gouranis, Chemari (mourning) gouranis, war gouranis, children gouranis, women gouranis, and Ramadan gouranis.

Before Islam, the "religious and spiritual gouranis" were used by the Kurds in their worship rituals of Ahura Mazda (the wise and supreme god of Zoroastrianism), fire, the sun, and the moon. Within Islam, new gouranis were developed for worship of God and paying tribute to sacred figures. The dervish houre, Azan (special forms of reciting of the Koran), and zekr [also a ritualistic dance performed by the dervishes during devotional ceremonies] are among these types of gouranis. The "festive gouranis", which have strong and exciting rhythms, are used for marriage, circumcision, or holiday celebrations, and are often accompanied by dancing and clapping. The "war gouranis" have moving rhythms and are often used with poems which induce feelings for nationalism and the protection of freedom. "Children gouranis" have very simple rhythms accompany children's poems. "Women gouranis" are sung by women during their everyday chores, such as milking the cows, carrying water from the springs, or picking flowers. "Chemari gouranis", which are sung in the funerals while carrying the dead (especially a young deceased), are accompanied by sorna (a wind instrument) and dohol (a large percussion instrument), and have very sad poems. "Ramadan gouranis" are mostly used during the month of Ramadan to declare the coming of dawn [when people have food before fasting during the day]. Accompanied by sorna and dohol, they are played in elevated regions of cities and villages. (H. Kamkar - master musician www. kereshmeh. com)

Flyer for Masters of Persian Music concert autographed by Shajarian (from left to right: Alizadeh, Shajarian,Kalhor, and Shajarian's son: Homayoun)
Flyer for Masters of Persian Music concert autographed by Shajarian (from left to right: Alizadeh, Shajarian,Kalhor, and Shajarian's son: Homayoun)

Khorasan

Due to its ethnic diversity and the existence of different languages and religious observations (Sunni and Shi'a), the musical tradition of Khorasan is very rich. Masters of Persian Music is a Persian music group consisted of the following Mohammad Reza Shajarian: Vocals Manoochehr Mohammad Reza Shajarian ( محمد رضا شجريان) (born September 23, 1940 in Mashhad, Iran) is an internationally Hossein Alizadeh ( is a distinguished Iranian Composer, Radif -preserver researcher teacher and excellent tar and setar Mohammad Reza Shajarian ( محمد رضا شجريان) (born September 23, 1940 in Mashhad, Iran) is an internationally Kayhan Kalhor ( born 1963 is a Kurdish Iranian Kamancheh player composer and master of classical Persian music Homayoun Shajarian (born May 21, 1975) is a renowned Persian classical music vocalist as well as a Tombak and Kamancheh player From the north to the south, the music scene varies greatly. In the north of Khorasan, one can find the bakhshi narrating and singing, among other things, "daastans" (stories in old Persian), although they can also sing in Kurdish about the historical deeds of local figures. They accompany themselves on the dotar. A leading exponent of this type is the late Haj Ghorban Soleimani. Haj Ghorban Soleimani (1920 &ndash January 20 2008) was a celebrated Iranian Dotar player and Vocalist. One can also find in the north, the Asheq who play "dohol" (double-faced drum), the "sorna" (a kind of oboe-like reed instrument) and the "qoshme" (double clarinet made of the central nervure of the plumage of birds tied together). The Asheq are specifically associated with the Kurds and play at wedding dances and village feasts. In the East of Khorasan, near Torbat Jam , the main instrument is the dotar with some modifications (hear it), but there are no Bakhshi and the music is different. Torbat-e-Jam County (شهرستان تربت جام is a County in Razavi Khorasan Province in Iran. Here, the music takes the form of "ghazal khani'" and is performed by singers of quatrains and "ghazals" - lyric poems based on the invocations of mystic poets like Rumi, Attar and Sheikh Ahmad Jami. Abū Hamīd bin Abū Bakr Ibrāhīm (born 1145-46 in Nishapur &ndash died c Nur ad-Din Abd ar-Rahman Jami (نورالدین عبدالرحمن جامی ( August 18, 1414 &ndash November 19, 1492) was one of the greatest Purely instrumental pieces also figure in the repertoire.

More towards the south, in the regions of Birjand and Qa'in, the musical culture changes again: the dotar is no longer present (although it seems that in the past, it was played). The songs are called "sotak" and are accompanied on the "dayereh" (tambourine). (Ameneh Yousefzadeh - Musicologist www. kereshmeh. com)

Turkmen Music

In Khorasan as in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, the word bakhshi means instrumentalist, singer, and storyteller. The origin of the word bakhshi comes from Turkish which in turn comes from a Chinese word po-shih meaning erudite. It was through the Turkish Ouigours that certain elements of Chinese language infiltrated 13th and 14th century Mongol literature). The word bakhshi appeared in Iranian and Turkish literature with the advent of the Mongols. At the time, the role of the bakhshi seems to have been sometimes that of the healing shaman, and at other times that of a Buddhist priest.

As for the bakhshi of Khorasan, they claim that the origin of their name can be found in the word bakhshande (donor, bestower of gifts) because of the musical gift that God has bestowed upon them. This is a title of respect in northern Khorasan and among the Turkmen of Torkaman-Sahra.

The bakhshi can also be found in almost all of Central Asia, among the Kazakh, Kirghiz, Uzbek, and Turkmen people as well as in Afghanistan, Tajik-Arab and in East Turkestan. Among other ethnicities, on the other hand, the term bakhshi, throughout centuries has designated a bard, a story-teller, and singer of legends and epics.

As a singer, the bakhshi is more precisely a narrator of dastan (story) and an instrumentalist who plays the dotar (long-necked two-stringed instrument) and who, in most cases, fabricates his own musical instrument. The majority of the great bards of Khorasan, regardless of their ethnic origin, sing in three languages (Turkish, Persian, and Kurdish). Whether professional or semi-professional, nowadays the bard doesn't usually earn his living solely through playing music. Most often, he is also, for example, a farmer, a barber, or a teacher. With his instrument, the dotar, he usually sings and plays by himself. However, the Turkmen bards prefer to play in groups of two or three. In this case, the bard is accompanied by another dotar player and a person playing the kamanche.

Iran's legendary conductors of 20th century: Ali Rahbari, Farhad Fakhreddini and Loris Tjeknavorian
Iran's legendary conductors of 20th century: Ali Rahbari, Farhad Fakhreddini and Loris Tjeknavorian

The right to assume the title of bakhshi is subject to specific conditions. Ali (Alexander Rahbari (علی رهبری is a world renowed Persian ( Iranian Composer and conductor born in Tehran in 1948 Farhad Fakhreddini (Born 1937 is a renowned Iranian composer conductor and founder of Iran’s National Orchestra. Loris Tjeknavorian (also spelt Cheknavarian, Armenian: Լորիս Ճգնավորյան, born October 13 1937 as son of an Armenian immigrant A bakhshi should not only be a good musician and have a good voice, he also needs excellent diction for telling stories. Ideally, he learns his art from his father or his uncle while living under the family roof. Some acquire their apprenticeship under the tutelage of a master (ostad). The learning process evolves in three stages: 1) learning the dotar technique, 2) learning vocal techniques, 3) memorizing the stories. In the last stage, the master teaches his student a fragment of a dastan on a daily basis, so that he can memorize and recite it the next day. The bakhshi is renowned for his prodigious memory.

Traditionally, the bakhshi plays at village ceremonies such as weddings and circumcisions, but he also performs at private gatherings and in ghahve-khanes (coffee houses) of the bazars. Unfortunately, nowadays, television has taken the place of the traditional bard in the Ghahve-khane. Fortunately, today we can also hear the bakhshi performing in concerts often within the context of festivals. (Ameneh Yousefzadeh)

Mazandaran

Mazandaran has a diverse folk music culture that includes songs and instrumental and ritual music. Mazandaran is a Caspian Rhythm is usually simple in songs, which include katuli, which is most common around the town of Aliabad-e Katul; the song is sometimes said to be sung when people take a catouli cow out to graze. Katuli is of the most important tunes in Mazandaran music It is a part of vocal music Because the song was originally sung while walking and working, it often has syllables like jana, hey or aye added, in order to allow the singer to breath while he was working (a work song). A work song is typically a Rhythmic A cappella Song sung by people working on a physical and often repetitive task Another kind of song is called kaleh haal (or kal kaal or Leili's lover). The term kaleh haal may refer to its shortness of length (kale haal means short present) or to its common wingers, housewives who sang it while cooking with a kaleh, a type of oven. Amiri songs usually use long poems written by Amir Pazevari, a legendary poet from Mazandaran. Amir Pazevari was a Mazandarani Iranian poet with numerous works written in the Mazandarani language. There is also a type of song called najma which describes the love between Prince Najmedin of the Fars area and a girl named Ranaa. Fars (pronounced/fɑː(ɹs ( Persian: فارس Fârs) is one of the 30 provinces of Iran. The najma is popular throughout Iran, adapted for the local cultures. The Charvadars are an ancient class of merchants who sold commodities abroad for a local village; their songs are called charvadari. In contrast to most Mazandarani music, charvadari has a prominent rhythm, which may be because it was often sung on horseback.

Pop music

Main article: Persian pop music
Vigen Derderian, founder of Iranian pop and jazz
Vigen Derderian, founder of Iranian pop and jazz

Iran developed its own pop music by the 1970s, using indigenous instruments and forms and adding electric guitar and other imported characteristics; the most popular pop singer of this period was Googoosh. Persian pop music refers to Pop music with songs in the Persian language. Vigen Derderian ( November 23 1929 - October 26, 2003, Hamadan, Iran) known as "Sultan of Pop" and "Sultan This article is about the Decade 1970-1979 For the Year 1970 see 1970. An electric guitar is a type of Guitar that uses pickups to convert the vibration of its steel-cored strings into an electrical current which is made louder Googoosh (alternately spelled Gogosh, Googosh or Gougoush; گوگوش, born Faegheh Atashin, فائقه آتشین After the Iranian Revolution in 1979, pop music's future seemed so dark because of the new Islamic laws and restrictions. The Iranian Revolution' (mostly known as the Islamic Revolution, Persian: انقلاب اسلامی Enghelābe Eslāmi was the Revolution that transformed Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) Many Iranians migrated to foreign countries, especially Los Angeles in the United States, and Iranian-in-exile pop stars include (in alphabetical order) Vigen Derderian, Dariush Eghbali,EBI [ebrahim hamedi], Siavash Ghomeyshi, Hayedeh, Homeirah, Mahasti, and Sattar. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Vigen Derderian ( November 23 1929 - October 26, 2003, Hamadan, Iran) known as "Sultan of Pop" and "Sultan Dariush Eghbali (A phenomenon in the history of Iranian music Dariush’s art carries forth an essence from an ancient land Siavash Ghomeyshi ( born 1945 in Dezful, Khuzestan, Iran) is an Iranian Singer and Song writer. Hayedeh (also transcribed Haideh or Haydeh,, born Masoumeh Dadehbala in 1942 - d Mahasti ( مهستی) Eftekhar Dadehbala 1946 Tehran - d June 25 2007, Santa Rosa California) was a female Iranian Hassan Sattar (known as Sattar,) is an Iranian pop and traditional/classic singer

Iranian Rock and Metal Music

Iranian rock
Iranian rock
Main article: Iranian rock

Rock music in Iran has been influenced by many traditional forms of Iranian music and popular Western rock bands such as Pink Floyd, The Doors, Dire Straits, ACDC, Metallica and Pantera. Iranian rock (موسیقی راک ایرانی is a form of rock music that is largely produced in Europe and Tehran 's underground circles and is rising to challenge Iranian rock (موسیقی راک ایرانی is a form of rock music that is largely produced in Europe and Tehran 's underground circles and is rising to challenge Rock music is a genre of Popular music often though not necessarily employing Electric guitar, Bass guitar, and Drums. Pink Floyd are This article is about the band For their self-titled debut album see The Doors (album; for the Oliver Stone film see The Doors (film; for Doors in computing Dire Straits was a British rock band, formed in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (guitar and vocals his brother David Knopfler (guitar AC/DC are an Australian Hard rock band formed in Sydney, Australia in 1973 by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young. Metallica is an American heavy metal band that formed in 1981 in. Pantera was an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas, formed by the Abbott brothers Vinnie Paul ( drums) and

Iranian rock music first developed in the 1970s, but was largely silent during the 1980s, only to witness a recurrence in the 1990s.

Iranian Hip Hop and Rap Music

Persian Rap is largely underground in Iran and abroad
Persian Rap is largely underground in Iran and abroad
Main article: Persian Rap

The term hip hop refers to a musical and political movement that has developed predominantly over the last quarter-century. Iranian hip hop is Hip hop music from Iran. Intro The first group to release an Iranian Rap album was the Los Angeles based Iranian hip hop is Hip hop music from Iran. Intro The first group to release an Iranian Rap album was the Los Angeles based Hip hop is a cultural movement which developed in New York City in the 1970s primarily among African Americans and Latinos. Since first emerging in New York City in the seventies, hip-hop has grown to encompass not just music, but an entire lifestyle that consistently incorporates diverse elements of ethnicity, technology and urban life. Iranians gen Xr's have mixed taken elements of the new and the old to create a new chapter in the "Music of Iran".

Electronic music

First experiments of electronic music with Persian music was performed by Dariush Dolatshahi other Pioneers include Som'ma Ensemble directed by Shirzad Sharif in San Francisco as well as experimentations of Shahrokh Yadegari & Alan Kushan.

Many of the expatriate Iranians in North America and Europe are involved in electronic music. Electronic music is music that employs Electronic musical instruments and Electronic Music technology in its production The best known group is the Washington, D. C. -based Deep Dish which consists of Ali "Dubfire" and Shahram. Deep Dish is a duo of DJ and House music producers consisting of Iranian-American members Ali " Dubfire " Shirazinia

Known personalities

Iranian Children Music

Iranian children music has commonly simple melodies and lyrics and are performed by kids. 16B or Omid 16B (real name Omid Nourizadeh) is a British electronic music "producer/composer" and "DJ" based in London. Ali Movasat, (علی مواساط born March 10 1975 more commonly known as DJ Aligator was born in Tehran Iran. The Kingdom of Denmark ( ˈd̥ænmɑɡ̊ (archaic ˈd̥anmɑːɡ̊ commonly known as Denmark, is a country in the Scandinavian region of northern Europe Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Mohsen Namjoo, ( is an Iranian Singer-songwriter, Author, Musician, and setar player

Iranian music in other countries

Iranian music style influenced the music of central Asia.

Songs

International recognition of Iranian music

Music of Iran and Iranian musicians have received countless awards in the course of history. Since the 1980s Afghanistan has been involved in near constant violence Tajik Music is closely related to Central Asian forms The classical music is Shashmaqam, which Uzbeks also developed classical music of Tajiks The music of Pakistan includes diverse elements ranging from music from other parts of South Asia as well as Central Asian folk music, Persian music The music of India' includes multiple varieties of folk, popular, pop, and classical music. Music of Azerbaijan includes various styles that reflect influences from the music of the Iran, Caucasus and Central Asia. Armenia is situated close to the Caucasus Mountains, and its music is a mix of indigenous Folk music, perhaps best-represented by Djivan Gasparyan 's well-known The music of Turkey includes diverse elements ranging from Central Asian folk music and music from Ottoman Empire dominions such as Persian music, Ey Iran (ای ایران (O Iran is a famous and popular anthem in Iran. Here are some:

2008

2007

2006

2005

Akbar Golpa

Sattar

Muhammad Heidari

Mahasti

Hooshmand Aghili

2003

2001

2000

1999

1977

Others

See also

Sources and Further reading

Notes

  1. ^ Iranian performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony (BBC Persian)
  2. ^ 3000 Year Old Piece to be Performed at Persepolis
  3. ^ Maestro Shajarian was awarded the Mozart Medal.(2007)

External links

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