Persian Folk Music: A History

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the history of Persian folk music and how it has evolved over the years.

Origins of Persian Folk Music

Persian folk music has its roots in the ancient folk music of Iran. Persian folk music is a mixture of two types of music: the music of the Iranian people and the music of the Central Asian Turkic people. The first type of music is called “Gusheh” and is characterized by its use of Iranian instruments and melodies; the second type of music is called “Turkic” and is characterized by its use of Turkic instruments and melodies.

The influence of the Iranian peoples

Persian folk music ( Iranian folk music) has been shaped by the musical traditions of the Iranian peoples.
“Folk music” is defined as music by and for the common people. It typically has a strong cultural or national identity, and is often associated with traditional dance and storytelling.

The term “Persian folk music” encompasses the music of various Iranian ethnic groups, including Azeri, Kurdish, Gilaki, Mazandarani, Balochi, and Turkmen people

The influence of the Arab people

Persian folk music has been shaped by the many peoples who have inhabited the Persian region throughout history, including the Arab people. The Arabs brought with them the Desert winds, which blew across Persia and added a new dimension to the existing music of the region. The Arabs also introduced the first stringed instruments to Persia, which were used in both folk and classical music.

Characteristics of Persian Folk Music

Persian Folk music is the music of the people of Iran. It includes both rural and urban music and is often sung in Persian, the country’s official language. The music is often accompanied by instruments such as the Tar (a Persian string instrument), the Setar (a Persian lute), the Santur (a hammered dulcimer), and the Ney (a flute).

The use of microtones

One of the most distinctive features of Persian folk music is the use of microtones, or tones that are smaller than what is typically heard in Western music. Microtones are used to create a wide range of sounds and emotions, from the delicate and nuanced to the harsh and jarring. They are an integral part of Persian music and give it its unique flavor.

Persian music is also known for its use of ornamentation, which is often used to add emotion and flavor to the melody. Ornamentation can take many forms, from simple trills and turns to more complex embellishments such as slides and vibrato.

The use of ornamentation

The use of ornamentation is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of Persian folk music. Most Persian folk songs are based on a simple melodic line which is then ornamented with a variety of embellishments. These embellishments can take the form of trills, slides, vibrato, or repeated notes.

Ornamentation is used to add interest and excitement to the melody, and to show off the vocalist’s skill. It is also important for creating a sense of rhythmic variety in the music. In some cases, the ornamentation may be so dense that it completely obscures the original melody.

Another characteristic of Persian folk music is the use of microtones, or tones that are slightly higher or lower than what is typically heard in Western music. Microtones give the music a distinctive “buzzing” sound, and add to the overall richness and complexity of the harmony.

Persian Folk Music in the Modern Era

Persian folk music has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times. In the modern era, Persian folk music has been influenced by a variety of factors, including the rise of Western pop music, the Iranian Revolution, and the spread of Iranian pop music.

The influence of digital technology

The influence of digital technology has had a profound effect on Persian folk music. In the past, Persian folk music was only accessible to those who lived in Iran or who had access to Iranian radio and television broadcasts. With the advent of the internet, Persian folk music is now available to anyone with an internet connection.

The ability to download and share music files has made Persian folk music more accessible to a wider audience. However, it has also resulted in a decrease in the quality of the recordings, as many amateur musicians have started to record and share their own versions of traditional songs.

Despite the challenges posed by digital technology, Persian folk music continues to be an important part of Iranian culture. Many young Iranians are rediscovering their musical heritage and finding new ways to keep the traditions alive.

The influence of globalization

The globalization of Persian folk music has had a profound effect on the development of the genre in the modern era. With the increasing popularity of world music, Persian folk music has begun to gain traction in Western mainstream culture. This has led to a renewed interest in the genre among Iranian youth, who are increasingly exposed to different cultures and sounds through travel and media.

The influx of Persian folk music into the Western world has also led to a greater appreciation for the genre among non-Iranians. In particular, there has been a growing interest in the use of traditional instruments and methods of composition. This trend is evident in the work of some contemporary Western musicians, who have incorporated elements of Persian folk music into their own repertoire.