How Germanic Folk Sounds Influenced Persian Music
Contents
How Germanic Folk Sounds Influenced Persian Music is a blog post that explores the interesting connection between two seemingly disparate cultures.
Introduction
The origins of Persian music can be traced back to the ancient world, with Persian folk music particularly having been influenced by the sounds of Germanic folk music. Persian music has been incredibly influential in the development of both Eastern and Western musical traditions, and it is interesting to explore how this came about. In this article, we will take a look at how Germanic folk sounds influenced Persian music, and how this musical tradition has continued to influence the world today.
The sounds of Persian music
Persian music has been influenced by many different cultures over the years, including the Germanic folk sounds that came to Persia through the migration of the Goths in the fifth century. This influence can be heard in the use of certain instruments and in the rhythms and melodies of Persian music.
The influence of Germanic folk music
The influence of Germanic folk music on Persian music can be traced back to the Safavid era, when the royal court in Persia became enamoured with all things European. One of the most important figures in this musical exchange was Michael Ryan, an Irishman who served as head of the royal musical troupe at the Persian court in Isfahan. Ryan introduced a number of European instruments to Persia, including the lute, violin and keyboard, and his students went on to compose some of the most important works in Persian classical music.
The influence of Germanic folk music is particularly evident in the work of two of Ryan’s most famous pupils: Ali Akbar Khan-e Shahnazi and Abdolrasul Ashrafi. Khan-e Shahnazi was a master of the lute and composed a number of pieces that were inspired by German folk tunes. Ashrafi, meanwhile, was a skilled violinist and his compositions often featured elements of both Iranian and Germanic folk music.
While Germanic folk music had a significant impact on Persian classical music, it should be noted that this influence was not always positive. In some cases, it led to a watering down of traditional Iranian musical styles and an overemphasis on Western forms and structures. Nevertheless, the exchange between Persian and Germanic musicians during the Safavid era was an important one, and it helped to create a rich tapestry of sounds that can still be heard in Persian music today.
The influence of Arabic music
Persian music has been greatly influenced by Arabic music, particularly during the Safavid period when the two cultures had frequent contact. Persian Sufi music also incorporates elements of Indian classical music, and the sounds of Persian folk music have in turn been influential on both western classical music and popular music.
The instruments of Persian music
The sitar and the tabla are two of the most commonly used instruments in Persian music. The sitar is a stringed instrument that is played with a pick, and the tabla is a percussion instrument. Both of these instruments have their origins in Germanic folk music.
The influence of Germanic folk music
The influence of Germanic folk music on Persian music can be traced back to the 11th century, when the Seljuk Turks introduced many instruments from Central Asia and the Middle East to Persia. One of these instruments was the lute, which quickly became a popular instrument among the Persians. The lute was then modified by the Persians to create their own unique version of the instrument, known as the tar. The tar has a deep, mellow sound that is perfect for playing Persian folk music.
In addition to introducing new instruments to Persia, the Seljuk Turks also brought with them a new type of music called Sufi music. Sufi music is based on religious texts and is designed to promote spiritual ecstasy. Sufi music quickly became popular in Persia, and it continues to be an important part of Persian culture today.
The influence of Germanic folk music can also be heard in the traditional Persian scales that are used in much of Iranian music. These scales are based on a system of intervals that is similar to the interval system used in Germanic folk music. By using these scales, Iranian composers are able to create melodies that have a distinctly Persian flavor while still retaining some of the melodic characteristics of Germanic folk music.
The influence of Arabic music
The sitar, a plucked string instrument used in Persian music, has its roots in Arabic music. The word “sitar” itself is derived from the Arabic word “sithr,” meaning “three strings.” The sitar likely originated in Persia in the 16th century, but it did not gain popularity in India until the 18th century. The sitar quickly became one of the most popular instruments in Persian music, thanks to its unique sound and ability to create complex melodies.
The structure of Persian music
Persian music has its roots in the music of the ancient Persians, who dominated present-day Iran from 550 BCE to 651 CE. After the fall of the Persian Empire, Iranian music was influenced by the music of the Arab and Turkic peoples who invaded the country. However, Persian music has retained its own unique character.
The influence of Germanic folk music
The music of Persia has been strongly influenced by the music of the Iranian people’s neighbors. The strong influence of Central Asian, Caucasian and Turkic music has led to a rich tradition of musical exchange throughout history. In addition, Persia has been an important stop on the Silk Road, which has facilitated musical exchange between East and West.
One of the most significant influences on Persian music is the music of the Germanic peoples. Although there is no direct evidence of musical exchange between the two cultures prior to the 19th century, it is clear that there was a significant influence. This can be seen in both the melodies and harmonies of Persian music, as well as in the instruments used.
The most obvious influence of Germanic folk music on Persian music is in the use of modal scales. These scales are based on intervals which are not within the conventional major or minor scale, and they have a distinct sound which is very different from Western tonality. Modal scales are used extensively in Persian music, and they give it a very distinctive sound.
Another significant influence from Germanic folk music is in the use of drone tones. Drone tones are sustained notes which create a sense of stability and provide a foundation for the melody to sit on. They are commonly used in traditional folk music from Germany and Austria, and they can be heard in some Persian songs as well.
Finally, Germanic folk music has also influenced Persian instrumental music. Traditional folk instruments from Germany such as the accordion and zither are commonly used in Persian bands, and they give the music a very distinctive sound.
The influence of Arabic music
The structure of Persian music is based on the maqam, a system of melodic modes similar to those used in Arabic music. Iranian musicians use a variety of different maqams, each with its own unique melodic shape. The influence of Arabic music can be seen in the use of certain melodic intervals, as well as in the overall structure of Persian compositions.
Although Persian music has been strongly influenced by Arabic music, it has also been shaped by the indigenous sounds of Iran. Iranian folk music, for example, is often based on simple melodies that are repeated several times. This repetition gives the music a hypnotic quality that is perfect for dancing.
The structure of Persian music is based on the maqam, a system of melodic modes similar to those used in Arabic music. Iranian musicians use a variety of different maqams, each with its own unique melodic shape. The influence of Arabic music can be seen in the use of certain melodic intervals, as well as in the overall structure of Persian compositions.
Although Persian music has been strongly influenced by Arabic music, it has also been shaped by the indigenous sounds of Iran. Iranian folk music, for example, is often based on simple melodies that are repeated several times. This repetition gives the music a hypnotic quality that is perfect for dancing.
Conclusion
Persian music has been influenced by many different genres over the years, but one of the most unexpected is Germanic folk music. This may be due to the fact that Persia and Germany have had a long history of trade and cultural exchange. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Germanic folk music in Iran, and many Persian musicians are now incorporating these sounds into their own work.
If you’re interested in learning more about the influence of Germanic folk music on Persian music, there are a few resources that can help you. The documentary film “ Echoes of Iran: The Forgotten Music of the Shahnameh ” features interviews with Iranian musicians who discuss how this genre has impacted their work. You can also find a number of Persian musicians who have released albums that blend Germanic folk sounds with traditional Persian instrumentation and melodies.
