Music is the rhythm of the human soul. Spirituality, the silent language of the universe, is embedded in peaceful music. Music is the official medium of emotions that cannot be expressed in words. That is why it is called a universal language.
Persian traditional music or Iranian traditional music, also known as Persian classical music or Iranian classical music, is a country’s music that has developed through the classical, medieval and contemporary eras. It has also influenced the regions that are considered part of Greater Iran.
Throughout history, due to the exchange of musicology, many classical styles in Iran are related to its neighboring cultures.
Iranian classical music continues to function as a spiritual instrument, much less as a recreational activity, as it has throughout history. The society as a whole participates in folk and It is more often associated with the social elite than with popular music. However, components of Iranian classical music are also incorporated into folk and pop music compositions.
Iranian traditional music is rich in flavor and has a deep spiritual dimension. The tradition of Persian music dates back centuries, and many of the most beautiful musical instruments were invented in Persia. Entering the world of Persian classical music is a step into a world that awakens all the senses.
History of Persian Music
Archaeological evidence shows that the development of music in Iran traces its origins to its early civilization. Musical instruments, texts, and paintings testify to the emergence of musicians as far back as the Elamite civilization. Although we have few details about the musical tradition under the great Persian Empire of the Achaemenids, we know that it was already a central part of court life. Greek historians wrote about the battles against the Assyrian army Before the attack, Cyrus the Great is said to have sung a heroic song, which was announced by a brass band. In Iranian legends, the glorious king Jamshid is credited with the invention of music.
Persian music traces its true roots to the Sassanid period, and many inscriptions from this period testify to its importance. For example, musicians are depicted on several Sassanid bas-reliefs, such as the Taq-e Bostan in Kermanshah. At that time, music was not a simple entertainment for the court, but was considered a way for people to communicate with God.
Many famous musicians lived near the Sassanid court, among them Babad, one of the founding fathers of Iranian music. This highly respected poet and musician played for King Khosrow II, and he is considered the inventor of the musical tradition as we know it today.
Under the Qajar dynasty, many famous musicians developed the art of Persian music contributed to. At the same time, as the Qajar kings were particularly attracted to the West, the influence of Western musical principles began to enter the traditional music of Iran. Mirza Abdullah, a tar and setar player at the Qajar court, played a major role in establishing Persian music by teaching in conservatories and universities. He is considered one of the most prominent musicians in Iranian history.
Traditional Persian music is based on a series of modal scales and tones. The repertoire, which was fully developed in the 19th century, is called “Radif”. It is based on seven modes called “Dastag”, with many sub-modes and five derivative modes called “Avaz”. These modes contain more than 200 short melodic movements called “Gusheh”, which succeed each other in a specific order.
This traditional and unique repertoire, “Radif in Iranian Music”, is a UNESCO In 2009, it was listed as an element of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Traditional music of Khorasan, Iran Musicians from South Khorasan, eastern Iran, Amin Karimi 1 Musicians follow this style while improvising the scales and melodies. In this way, artists can express different emotions according to their own inspiration. A traditional performance usually consists of five parts. The main ones are the introduction, the melody, the rhythmic part, the chorus, and the final rhythmic composition.
Music played a significant spiritual role during the Persian empires. In Zoroastrianism, the main religion of many Persian kings, singing was a major part of religious ritual, as the “Gathas”, which are five hymns, were sung.
The arrival of Islam in Persia had an impact on Iranian musical practice, as it was limited to private celebrations and military parades. In addition, Islamic music often occurs in the context of the Quran. For recitation. However, the cultural tradition of music in Iran has been perpetuated, and is mainly taught from masters to novices, and therefore traditional music has gradually become intertwined with religious practices. For example, music is a major part of Tazieh, the theatrical representation of the death of Imam Hossein, and religious songs and music accompany sports training in Zurkhanehs.
Spiritually, all sounds in the world have a rhythm. The rhythm of water flowing in a stream, the rhythm of a bird’s cry, create different flavors in the mind.
Music is a major part of the religious practice of Sufism, the mystical and highest branch of Islam. It is used to reach a state of contemplation and to learn through meditation.
BY -Shifani zamaa
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