Persian Traditional Music

The artistic gift of the Persian people has produced a staggering literary heritage, an exquisite tradition of decorative arts and handicrafts, a superb legacy in architecture, and a refined musical culture. The history of musical development in Iran [Persia] dates to the prehistoric era. The great legendary king, Jamshid, is credited with the “invention” of music.

Fragmentary documents from various periods of the country’s history establish that the ancient Persians possessed an elaborate musical culture. Archaeological records attributed to “pre-Iranian” civilizations, such as those of Elam in the southwest and of Oxus in the northeast, demonstrate musical traditions in the prehistoric times. Though there’s not much known about the traditional music of the Achaemenid Empire, Alexander the Great is said to have witnessed many melodies and instruments upon his invasions. Compared to the earlier periods, the history of music in the Sasanian kingdom is well-documented. The names of some important musicians such as Barbod, Nakissa and Ramtin, and titles of some of their works have survived.  Barbad, a highly celebrated poet-musician of the court, is said to be the first to invent the musical tradition that was to transform into the forms of dastgah and maqam. He might have also invented the lute.

It’s during the Sassanid era that Persian music finds its authentic roots, and many documents from this period testify of its importance. Musicians are depicted, for instance, in several Sassanian bas-reliefs, such as Taq-e Bostan, in Kermanshah. At that time, music was not a simple entertainment for the court but was seen as a way for men to communicate with God.

Under the Qajar Dynasty, many famous musicians contributed to developing the art of Persian music. In the same time, as the Qajar kings were particularly attracted by Western countries, influences from the musical principles of the West started to enter the traditional music of Iran. Mirza Abdollah, a tar and setar player of the Qajar court, has played a major role in establishing Persian music by teaching it in conservatories and universities. He is viewed as one of the most significant musicians in Iran’s history.

The Spiritual dimension of Persian music

During the time of the Persian Empires, music held a significant spiritual role. In Zoroastrianism, which was the main religion of most Persian kings, singing is a major part of the religious practice, as the “Gathas”, the five hymns of Zoroastrianism, are sung. The arrival of Islam in Persia had an impact on the practice of music in Iran, as it was restricted to private celebrations and military parades. Besides, music in Islam mostly takes place for the recitation of the Quran. However, the cultural tradition of music in Iran has been perpetuated, taught mainly from masters to apprentices, and thus traditional music has gradually blended with religious practices. Music is also a major part of the religious practice in Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam. It is used to reach a state of contemplation, and to express spiritual and ecstasy states through meditation. Sufi music, as well as Persian traditional music, has been inspired by the work of renowned Iranian Sufi poets, such as Hafez and Rumi, and incorporate many of their works as lyrics.

Cultural and regional influences on music

As a rich multicultural country, the traditional music of Iran has also been influenced by its neighboring countries. Regions close to the borders show cultural influences in the melodies, rhythms, songs, and even instruments, coming from Turkmenistan, Turkey, Arabs countries, India, Pakistan, etc. Within Iran itself, various ethnic groups have developed their own folk music in small cities, villages, and tribes. Folk music is an oral tradition only, and lyrics carry local beliefs and traditions. Abolhasan Saba, a student of Mirza Abdollah and one of Iran’s most influential figures in traditional music, has contributed a lot to the preservation and valorization of folk music of Iran. He played most Iranian instruments at the highest level and travelled throughout all the country to learn traditional music from locals. Close to its spiritual meaning, music in Iran can also be something that cures people. It’s the case for the Zar ceremony, practiced in the South of Iran, on the coast of the Persian Gulf, and which finds its roots in Africa. This exorcism ritual is done by playing music which brings the master and the person to be healed in a state of trance.

the Tradition of Persian classical music is still vividly alive in Iran, from highly respected masters to folk music played by rural people. It is one of the most important aspects of Persian culture, whose many forms can be experienced in all the cities and villages of Iran.