What You Need to Know About Shiraz Folk Music

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Shiraz folk music has a long and storied history. This type of music is often passed down through the generations, and has been used as a form of entertainment and expression for centuries. If you’re interested in learning more about this unique genre, read on to find out what you need to know.

Shiraz Folk Music

Shiraz folk music is a type of Iranian folk music that originates from the city of Shiraz. The music is traditionally sung in the Persian language and is often accompanied by traditional instruments such as the tar and the setar. Shiraz folk music is often characterized by its use of simple, catchy melodies and its often upbeat and cheerful nature.

What is Shiraz Folk Music?

Shiraz Folk Music is a style of music that originates from the city of Shiraz, Iran. The music is based on the Persian scale and uses a variety of instruments, including the sitar, dambura, and tabla. Shiraz Folk Music has been popularized by a number of Iranian musicians, such as Ali-Akbar Moradi and Hossein Alizadeh.

The History of Shiraz Folk Music

Shiraz folk music has its origins in the city of Shiraz, Iran. It is a form of traditional Iranian music that is often played at weddings and other special occasions. The style of music is typically very upbeat and lively, and often features lots of dancing.

The history of Shiraz folk music can be traced back to the 13th century, when the city of Shiraz was founded. At that time, the style of music was very different from what it is today. It wasn’t until the 16th century that Shiraz folk music began to take on its current form.

One of the most important aspects of Shiraz folk music is its use of traditional instruments. These include the tar (a type of Iranian lute), the setar (a type of Iranian guitar), and the daf (a type of Iranian drum). Other instruments used in Shiraz folk music include the ney (an Iranian flute), the santur (an Iranian hammered dulcimer), and the tambur (an Iranian stringed instrument).

Shiraz folk music is typically very upbeat and lively, and often features a lot of dancing. The style of music is usually based on Traditional Persian scales and modes, but it can also incorporate elements from other genres such as Western pop or classical music.

If you’re interested in experiencing Shiraz folk music for yourself, there are a few ways to do so. One option is to attend a live performance; another is to purchase a CD or DVD featuring Shiraz folk musicians; and finally, you can also find many Shiraz folk songs available for download online.

The Different Types of Shiraz Folk Music

Shiraz folk music has a long and storied history, spanning many centuries and cultures. There are a number of different styles of Shiraz folk music, each with its own unique characteristics.

The most common type of Shiraz folk music is the Sufi style, which is typically characterized by devotional lyrics and spiritual themes. Sufi music is often deeply emotional and moving, and can be both meditative and uplifting.

Another popular style of Shiraz folk music is the ghazal, which is a form of love poetry that often features finely-wrought lyrics and passionate emotions. Ghazals are typically sung by solo artists, accompanied by a small ensemble of instruments.

Last but not least, there is the qawwali, which is a type of Islamic devotional music that is based on the Sufi tradition. Qawwalis are typically performed by large groups of musicians, and often feature complex vocal harmonies and elaborate percussion sections.

The Instruments Used in Shiraz Folk Music

Shiraz folk music is a type of Iranian music that originates from the city of Shiraz. The music is characterised by its use of traditional Iranian instruments, such as the tar and the setar. The music is often accompanied by singing and dancing.

The Tar

The tar is a Persian long-necked, fretted lute. It has twenty-four to twenty-six frets on its neck, which is tuned to a variety of open tunings. The tar used in Shiraz folk music is generally tuned to the notes of the typical minor pentatonic scale, with some enlarged versions including extra bass strings being tuned to the first, second, or third harmonic. The instrument’s body is usually crafted from a gourd, though other materials such as wood and fiberglass are sometimes used. The neck of the tar is traditionally made from wood, but in modern times various synthetic materials such as fiberglass or carbon fiber may be used instead. The fingerboard of the tar generally has eighteen to twenty-four frets, though some instruments have more. The strings of the tar are made from various materials such as silk, nylon, or metal.

The tar is played with a plectrum (pick) and typically has two melody strings and two drone strings. The drone strings are generally tuned to the same note or an octave apart. The player plucks the melody strings with the right hand and uses the left hand on the fingerboard to stop the strings and change pitch. Tar players will often use techniques such as string bends and vibrato to add expression to their playing.

The music of Shiraz would not be complete without the sound of the tar. This instrument provides an essential foundation for many of the region’s traditional songs and dances. If you’re interested in learning more about Shiraz folk music, be sure to check out our other articles on this subject!

The Setar

The setar (also spelled sehtar or sitar) is a Persian musical instrument. It has a pear-shaped body and four strings, which are plucked with the fingers. The setar is played with the left hand holding the neck of the instrument, and the right hand plucking the strings.

The setar is often used in folk music, and it is one of the most popular instruments in Iran. It is also used in classical Persian music, and it has been adapted to other genres such as jazz and rock.

The Tombak

The tombak is a goblet drum from Iran, typically used in folk music. It is considered the national instrument of Iran, and is also found in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Georgia, and Kurdistan. The tombak is usually made of walnut wood, and has a single membrane which is hit with the hands. The instrument can be played solo or in ensembles, and has a wide variety of techniques and styles.

The Kamancheh

The kamancheh is a traditional Persian string instrument. It is also known as the spiked fiddle, because of the spikes on its body which are used to adjust the tension of the strings. The kamancheh has a very distinctive sound, and is an important part of Shiraz folk music.

The kamancheh is played upright, and held between the legs like a cello. It has four strings which are plucked with a plectrum. The plectrum is worn on the right forefinger, and the strings are stopped with the left hand. The kamancheh can be tuned to different pitches, depending on the type of music being played.

The sound of the kamancheh is said to be like that of a human voice, and it is often used in traditional Iranian music to imitate the sound of speech. This makes it an ideal instrument for singing accompaniment, as well as for playing melodies.

The Santur

The santur is a struck zither that originated in Persia (Iran), and is used in a wide variety of musical traditions throughout the Middle East. The word santur derives from the Persian words سنتور (san + tur), meaning “100 strings”.

The santur has a rectangular soundboard with two bridges, on which strings are stretched. The number of strings on a santur can vary from 24 to 36, with the most common number being 26. The strings are usually made of bronze, and are each tuned to a different pitches. The instrument is played with two soft mallets, which are used to strike the strings.

The santur is used in a style of music known as dastgah, which is improvised and based on specific melodic modes. It is also commonly played in ensembles, where it provides accompaniment for other instruments such as the ney (flute) and tar (lute).

The Santur has been used in Shiraz folk music since at least the 18th century. It continues to be an important part of the city’s musical heritage.

The Tonbak

The tonbak is a goblet-shaped Persian drum used in folk music. It is made of walnut wood and has a single head. The instrument is played with the help of two small sticks, one of which is made of rubber.

The tonbak is believed to have originated in the city of Shiraz, Iran. It was originally used as a way to communicate messages between villages. In the past, each village had its own unique rhythm that was used to communicate specific messages. For example, a slow rhythm might be used to signal a warning, while a fast rhythm might be used to signal an attack.

Today, the tonbak is still used in folk music, but it has also gained popularity as an instrument in other genres of music such as classical and pop. The instrument has a wide range of sounds that can be mellow or energetic.

The Different Styles of Shiraz Folk Music

Shiraz folk music is a style of Iranian music that is traditionally played on the city of Shiraz. The music is mainly played on traditional Iranian instruments, such as the tar and the setar. The music is usuallyfast-paced and lively, and often features improvised solos.

The Ghazal

Shiraz folk music is a type of music that is native to the city of Shiraz in Iran. The music is very similar to the folk music of other parts of Iran, but it has its own unique flavor.

One of the most popular styles of Shiraz folk music is the ghazal. Ghazals are a type of song that is typically about love, loss, or longing. They often have a very emotional lyrics and can be very beautiful.

Another popular style of Shiraz folk music is the dastgah. Dastgahs are pieces of music that are based on a specific mode or scale. They often have a very hypnotic quality to them and can be quite trance-like.

Shiraz folk music is often played on traditional instruments such as the tar (a type of lute), the setar (a type of mandolin), and the tombak (a type of drum). However, modern instruments such as guitars and keyboards are also sometimes used.

If you’re interested in learning more about Shiraz folk music, there are many resources available online and in libraries. You can also find recordings of Shiraz folk music in many online stores.

The Radif

The radif is the core of the repertoire of Persian classical music, and it consists of a set of melodic templates called gusheh, which are maintained by oral tradition and improvised upon in performance. A gusheh may be understood as a harmonic, melodic, or rhythmic cell, lasting anywhere from four to 32 beats. Shirazi oral tradition holds that there are Exactly 12 dastgah in the radif, each with its own mood, tempo, and melodic character; but modern ethnomusicologists have identified more than twice that number. The dastgah are themselves divided into two groups: the seven dastgah proper (dasht), which are associated with specific moods or behaviors (e.g., relaxation or partying); and the five Chaharmezrab (literally “four conditions”), whose primary function is didactic. The names and order of some dastgah vary significantly from one region to another; for instance, some systems include Afshariyat as a 13th dastgah instead of Humayun.

The foundation for all improvisation in Persian classical music is the radif, which contains between 50 and 300 short cyclical melodic phrases called gushehs. Though each gusheh is only four to 16 measures long—and sometimes as short as a single measure—they are incredibly diverse in terms of melody, rhythm, andmode (scale). In performance, musicians will improvise variations on these melodic cells, often developing them into lengthy solos.

The Dastgah

Shirazi music is based on the Persian music tradition and uses the dastgah system. The dastgah is a set of melodic modes used as the basis for improvisation. Each dastgah has its own unique feel and mood, and each one is associated with a particular time of day or season. The different dastgahs are:

* Chahargah: associated with dawn and spring, this dastgah is lively and cheerful.
* Dashti: related to midday and summer, this dastgah is rhythmic and energetic.
* Espandar: linked to sunset and autumn, this mode is melancholic and introspective.
* Segah: connected to nightfall and winter, this dastgah is tranquil and meditative.

The Maqam

The Maqam is the most common and well-known type of Shiraz folk music. It is based on a system of melodic modes, which are often passed down from generation to generation. Maqams typically consist of a series of improvisations on a given theme, often with improvised variations.

The Different Genres of Shiraz Folk Music

Shiraz is a city in Iran with a long and rich history. The music of Shiraz has been influenced by many different cultures over the years. As a result, there are a variety of different genres of Shiraz folk music. These genres include hawzan, bazm, and chalghi.

The Classical Genre

The classical genre of Shiraz folk music is characterized by its sophisticated and elegant composition. The instruments used in this genre are usually strings and woodwinds, with a occasional percussion accompaniment. The melodies are often complex and beautiful, with a strong emphasis on counterpoint and harmonization. This genre is often associated with the upper class of Shirazi society, and its music is often used in formal occasions such as weddings and parties.

The Sufi Genre

Shiraz folk music has many different genres, each with their own unique style and history. One of the most popular genres is Sufi music, which is often performed at Sufi shrines and ceremonies. This type of music usually has a strong spiritual message and is often based on the poetry of Rumi, Hafiz, and other Persian poets.

Another popular genre is traditional folk music, which is typically played on traditional instruments like the tar (a type of Iranian lute) and the tombak (a type of Iranian drum). This type of music often includes elements of Persian classical music and has a more relaxed, mellow sound.

If you’re looking for something a little more upbeat, you might enjoy contemporary folk music, which often incorporates modern instruments and sounds. This type of Shiraz folk music is sometimes referred to as “pop folk” or “rock folk” and is becoming increasingly popular in Iran and around the world.

The Folk Genre

Shiraz folk music is a type of Iranian music that is traditionally sung by the people of the city of Shiraz. The music is characterized by its use of simple, catchy melodies and rhythms, and its lyrics are often based on everyday life and love. Shiraz folk music has been popular in Iran for centuries, and it has been influenced by both the Persian classical tradition and the more modern genre of pop music.

The Pop Genre

Shiraz folk music has always been incredibly varied, but in recent years the pop genre has become increasingly popular. Pop Shiraz folk is a fusion of traditional Persian instruments and Western pop music, and it often has a very catchy sound. Many famous Shiraz pop musicians have found success in the West, and their music is often played on radio stations across the world. If you’re looking for something new to listen to, pop Shiraz folk is a great place to start.

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