Persian traditional music is one of the most beloved musical styles, enjoyed not only by Iranians but also by audiences worldwide. Known for its unique vocal artistry and the beautiful instruments that define it, Persian music offers an enchanting experience. Each Iranian musical instrument is crafted with care and produces mesmerizing sounds that captivate listeners.
The history of Iranian instruments dates back thousands of years and forms an essential part of Iran’s cultural heritage. These instruments have been used to convey human emotions and values through the ages. Over different historical periods, numerous musical instruments were developed, often influenced by foreign cultures.
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History of Iranian Musical Instruments
In ancient times, Iranian musical instruments were used in religious ceremonies, celebrations, and national events. Instruments like the tombak and setar have their origins in this period. With the advent of Islam and the Islamic Caliphate, Persian music flourished, influenced by both Arab and Islamic cultures. Instruments such as the ney and rubab were introduced to Iran during this era.
During the Seljuk era, Persian music reached new heights, and instruments like the tar and santur evolved into unique forms. The Safavid dynasty marked the golden age of Persian music, with Shah Ismail Safavi supporting its promotion. Instruments like the santur, kamancheh, and tombak became more popular and refined during this period. The Qajar period saw European influences, with instruments like the piano and violin merging with traditional Persian music. Later, during the Pahlavi era, music was recognized as a significant cultural element, evolving into new forms and styles.
Categories of Iranian Musical Instruments
Iranian Musical instruments are a cultural treasure, with diverse sounds that reflect the rich history of this country. They are categorized into four main groups: stringed instruments, percussion instruments, bowed instruments, and wind instruments. Here is a detailed overview of these categories.
Stringed Instruments
Stringed instruments play a significant role in Iranian music. They produce sound through vibrations created by plucking or strumming strings, either with fingers or a plectrum. Here are some of the most well-known Iranian stringed instruments:
Tar
The Iranian Tar, a traditional stringed instrument, is central to Persian classical music.
The tar is one of the most prominent Persian stringed instruments. It has a double bowl-shaped body and a long neck. The smaller bowl, known as the nagareh, is connected to the main bowl and neck, with six strings stretched across the neck and tied to the body. The tar’s rich tone makes it a cornerstone of Persian classical music.
Setar
The setar is another well-known Persian instrument, featuring a small bowl and a long neck with four strings. The setar is known for producing a deep, emotional sound and is mainly used in traditional and folk music.
Santur
The santur is a highly popular Persian instrument with a soothing and melodious sound. Shaped like a trapezoid, it has nine bridges on each side to hold both yellow and white strings. The most common type, nine-bridge santur, is played with two light wooden mallets called “mezrab” and is a central part of Persian classical music.
Tanbur
The tanbur has a pear-shaped body and a long neck, with three strings played with all fingers of the right hand. Holes are made on the body to enhance sound projection. This ancient instrument produces a unique spiritual sound.
Dotar
The dotar is similar to the tanbur but has only two strings, as its name suggests (“do” meaning two). This instrument is one of Iran’s oldest stringed instruments and is plucked by hand.
Oud (Barbat)
The oud or barbat is another Persian stringed instrument with a large water-drop shaped body and a short neck. Known for its deep, resonant sound, the oud is also widely used in Arabic music.
Qanun
The qanun is used not only in Persian music but also globally. It has a trapezoidal body with 72 strings, played with two plectrums attached to the fingers. The hands move along the sides of the instrument, producing its rich and complex melodies.
Percussion Instruments
Percussion instruments are played by striking them with hands or sticks, often used to keep rhythm in group performances.
Tombak
The tombak (or zarb) is a goblet-shaped drum played by hand. It has different parts such as the base, large head, small head, and throat, typically made from walnut, mulberry, or ash wood with animal skin stretched over the head. Tombak is crafted in different sizes to accommodate players of all ages.
Daf
The daf is a circular drum with a diameter of 60 cm, used in both religious ceremonies and traditional music. Constructed from wood, skin, and metal, it is an important instrument in Persian culture.
Dayereh
The dayereh is a smaller version of the daf, used mainly in folk and Azeri music.
Bowed Instruments
Bowed instruments produce sound through the friction of a bow on strings, with the kamancheh and ghaychak being notable examples.
Kamancheh
The kamancheh has a spherical body and a long neck, with a spike at the bottom to anchor it on the ground. It produces a mournful sound and is commonly used in Persian classical music. The Lori kamancheh is an open-backed variation used in regional music.
Ghaychak
The ghaychak is similar to the kamancheh and played using a bow. It is often used in regional folk music across Iran.
Wind Instruments
Wind instruments create sound through air vibrations. Some of the well-known wind instruments in Persian music are:
Ney
The ney is one of the oldest Persian wind instruments. It has a mournful, soulful sound and is crafted from reed. The ney features five holes in front and one in the back, which are covered by fingers to produce different notes.
Other wind instruments such as ney anban, serna, and karnay are also popular in various regional music styles across Iran.
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Traditional Folk Instruments
In addition to the well-known classical instruments, Iran is home to many local folk instruments. These instruments add diversity to the music of each region, contributing to the rich cultural landscape of Iranian traditional music.
Some examples of folk instruments include:
- Ney Anban (Bushehr)
- Dozaleh (Kurdistan)
- Ney Jofti (Hormozgan)
- Dotar (North Khorasan)
- Surna, Naghareh, and Dohol (Fars)
- Dammam (Khuzestan)
- Baghlama (Azerbaijan)
- Diwan (Kurdistan)
- Karnay (Kermanshah)
- Rubab (Baluchistan)
These instruments are integral to the music of their respective regions, enriching the traditional and cultural music of Iran.
Conclusion
In summary, the history of Iranian musical instruments reflects the continuity and evolution of Persian music. These instruments are not merely tools for creating beautiful melodies but are also mirrors of Iran’s history, culture, and art. Whether used in folk ceremonies or classical performances, Iranian instruments carry the profound heritage of an ancient civilization. If you want to hear the beauty of Persian musical instruments in action, listen to the sample performances showcasing these beautiful sounds.
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