The Beauty of Iranian Folk Music

Iranian folk music is some of the most beautiful and soulful music in the world. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history and traditions of Iranian folk music, and listen to some of the best examples of this beautiful art form.

The Various Types of Iranian Folk Music

Iranian folk music consists of many different styles and genres, which can be broadly categorised into two main types: urban and rural. Rural folk music is usually more traditional and has a stronger connection to the countryside and its culture, while urban folk music is more modern and often influenced by pop music.

Dastgah Music

Dastgah music is one of the various types of Iranian folk music. Dastgah is the name of the twelve major melodic modes used in Iranian music, each with its own distinct character and mood. Each dastgah can be further subdivided into smaller melodic sections called gusheh, which are often improvised upon by skilled musicians.

Dastgah music is typically performed on traditional Iranian instruments such as the tar (a type of lute), setar (a three-stringed lute), ney (a type of flute), and santur (a hammered dulcimer). Sometimes, other instruments such as the kamancheh (a type of fiddle) and tombak (a type of drum) may also be used. Dastgah music is often improvised, and can be quite complex and virtuosic.

While dastgah music may be less well-known internationally than some other types of Iranian folk music, it is nonetheless an important part of Iran’s musical heritage. If you have a chance to see a dastgah performance, it is sure to be a memorable experience!

Radif Music

Radif music is one of the most important aspects of Iranian folk music. The radif is a collection of melodic figures and phrases which provide the basis for improvisation and composition. Each region of Iran has its own radif, which is passed down from generation to generation by ear. The radif is not just a collection of tunes, but a complex system which governs the relationship between melody and rhythm, improvisation and composition.

The radif usually contains around two hundred melodic units, or gusheh, which are grouped into twelve or thirteen families. These families are then arranged into sets of six or seven, called dastgah. The dastgah are the main divisions of the radif, and each one has its own characteristic mood and feel. Improvisation within a dastgah is based on the gusheh of that particular dastgah.

There are many different types of Iranian folk music, each with its own unique style and history. The radif is just one example of the rich musical tradition of Iran.

Chalipa Music

Chalipa music is one of the most popular genres of Iranian folk music. It is often performed at weddings and other special occasions. The music is fast-paced and lively, and often features traditional instruments such as the sitar and daf.

The Instruments Used in Iranian Folk Music

Iranian folk music is a beautiful and complex genre that uses a variety of instruments. The most common instruments used are the tar (a type of lute), the setar (a type of lute), the santur (a type of dulcimer), and the ney (a type of flute). The tar and the setar are the most important instruments in Iranian folk music, as they are used to play the melodic line. The santur and the ney are used to provide accompaniment.

Tar

The tar is a Persian long-necked, waisted instrument, traditionally decorated with intricate inlays of mother-of-pearl. It has twenty-four frets and three double courses of strings. The lower course is tuned in unison, the next octave higher, and the top course an octave above that. The instrument is usually played with a small metal plectrum.

The tar was traditionally used for accompaniment in Iranian folk music, especially for solo daf performances. In this context it is often referred to as the “Persian guitar”. It is also used in certain Iranian regional styles such as the music of Gilan and Mazandaran.

Setar

The setar (ستار), meaning “three-strings,” is a plucked, pear-shaped Iranian musical instrument used in the traditional music of Iran. It usually has four strings, but can also have three, five or six. The setar has a long neck and a small, rounded body. The instrument is tuned in such a way that the interval between the highest and lowest notes (the octave) is divided into three equal parts. Each of these parts is then divided into two semitones, making a total of nine notes, or pitches.

The setar is played with the right hand and has a movable bridge (kamancheh-girih) which divides the strings into two unequal parts. The shorter part, called the chaharmahal, consists of two strings which are tuned to the same note. The longer part, called the bahar, consists of either two or three strings which are tuned to different notes. The player uses the bridge to change the length of the vibrating string and thus produce different pitches.

The setar is believed to have originated in Persia sometime during the 13th century. It is thought to have evolved from an earlier instrument called the chang or shichangi, which was mentioned in Chinese texts dating back to 1200 CE. Changs were probably introduced into Persia by Central Asian musicians who came to work at the court of the Persian ruler Jalal al-Din Mangubirdi (1231-1260).Setars

Kamancheh

The kamancheh is a traditional Iranian folk instrument. It is a bowed string instrument with a long, narrow neck and a round body. The kamancheh is usually made of wood, but can also be made of metal or other materials. It is played with a bow and has four strings. The kamancheh has a distinctive sound that is often described as ” nasal” or “throaty.”

The kamancheh is believed to have originated in the Persian empire, and it is still widely used in Iranian folk music. It is also popular in other parts of the Middle East and Central Asia. In recent years, the kamancheh has gained popularity in the West, and there are now several Western classical and jazz musicians who play the instrument.

Tonbak

The tonbak is a goblet drum used extensively in Persian music. It is also known as a tombak, donbak, dombak or zarb. It usually has a diameter of about 30 cm and is 50 cm high. The deepest part of the instrument is’gole bafi’, Special wood is used to make the tonbak which gives the instrument its special acoustic features, The neck of the tonbak (or tumbak) is made of hard wood, such as’ siahdar’. The animal skin that covers the bowl-shaped body is usually made of goat skin. There are two types of tonbaks: Tonbak-e Del and Tonbak-e Zarbi.

The Origins of Iranian Folk Music

Iranian folk music has been around for centuries, and has origins in various regions of Iran. The music is often passed down from generation to generation, and has been influenced by many different cultures. Iranian folk music is typically very upbeat and happy, and often features instruments such as the tar, Setar, and tombak.

The influence of Iranian Folk Music on Western Music

Iranian folk music has had a significant influence on Western music, particularly on classical and popular music. Iranian folk music is rich and varied, and has been shaped by the country’s culture and history.

The popularity of Iranian folk music in the West began in the early 20th century, when it was heard by Western musicians who were impressed by its melodic and rhythmic richness. Iranian folk music has since been performed and recorded by many Western artists, including Pablo Casals, Leonard Bernstein, and Yehudi Menuhin.

The most well-known form of Iranian folk music is probably chahargah, which is often performed at weddings and other festive occasions. Chahargah is characterized by its complex rhythms and melodies, which are played on a variety of traditional instruments, including the tar (a type of lute), the setar (a type of guitar), and the daf (a type of frame drum).

Other important forms of Iranian folk music include tasnif (songssung in a highly emotional style), jangi (a type of war song), peshrev (an improvised instrumental genre), dohol (a type of drum used in performance), and gusheh (traditional Persian poetry).

Iranian folk music has been an important source of inspiration for many Western composers, including Maurice Ravel, Darius Milhaud, George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, and Philip Glass.

The Popularity of Iranian Folk Music

Iranian folk music has been around for centuries, and it is still popular today. The music is known for its beautiful melodies and passionate lyrics. It is often played on traditional instruments, such as the tar and the setar. Iranian folk music is often used in films and television shows, as well as in commercials.

The increasing popularity of Iranian Folk Music in the West

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Iranian folk music in the Western world. Traditional Iranian folk music is rich and varied, and has been influencing Western music for centuries. Today, Iranian folk music is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, and is becoming increasingly popular in the West.

There are many reasons for the increasing popularity of Iranian folk music in the West. One of the most important factors is the growing number of Iranians living in the West. As more and more Iranians move to western countries, they bring their rich musical heritage with them. In addition, the internet has made it easier than ever for people to access Iranian folk music from anywhere in the world. And finally, as Westerners become more interested in world music, they are increasingly turning to traditional Iranian folk music for its beauty and uniqueness.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional Iranian folk music, or you’re just curious about this growing trend, there are many ways to enjoy Iranian folk music in the West. You can find Iranian folk musicians performing at concerts and festivals, or you can listen to recorded albums or online streaming services. You can also learn to play traditional Iranian instruments, or even sing traditional songs yourself! Whatever your interest, there’s sure to be a way for you to enjoy the beautiful sounds of Iranian folk music.