170-479: The music of Iran encompasses music that is produced by Iranian artists. In addition to the traditional folk and classical genres , it also includes pop and internationally celebrated styles such as jazz , rock , and hip hop . Iranian music influenced other cultures in West Asia , building up much of the musical terminology of the neighboring Turkic and Arabic cultures, and reached India through
340-421: A chord progression (a sequence of chords), which is the norm in small jazz and blues groups. Rehearsals of orchestras, concert bands and choirs are led by a conductor. Rock, blues and jazz bands are usually led by the bandleader. A rehearsal is a structured repetition of a song or piece by the performers until it can be sung or played correctly and, if it is a song or piece for more than one musician, until
510-408: A computer screen . In ancient times, music notation was put onto stone or clay tablets. To perform music from notation, a singer or instrumentalist requires an understanding of the rhythmic and pitch elements embodied in the symbols and the performance practice that is associated with a piece of music or genre. In genres requiring musical improvisation , the performer often plays from music where only
680-637: A "self-portrait, a gesture of friendship, prescription for an ideal party... [and] an environment consisting solely of what is most ardently loved". Amateur musicians can compose or perform music for their own pleasure and derive income elsewhere. Professional musicians are employed by institutions and organisations, including armed forces (in marching bands , concert bands and popular music groups), religious institutions, symphony orchestras, broadcasting or film production companies, and music schools . Professional musicians sometimes work as freelancers or session musicians , seeking contracts and engagements in
850-521: A battle between the destructive Ahriman and his hordes of demonic Div s and their Aneran supporters, versus the Creator Ahura Mazda , who although not participating in the day-to-day affairs of mankind, was represented in the world by the izad s and the righteous ahlav Iranians. The only written texts relating to religious come from prophet Zoroaster , initiated the reforms which would become Zoroastrianism. Iranian mythology
1020-690: A common use for MP3 players , CD players , and smartphones . The modern English word ' music ' came into use in the 1630s. It is derived from a long line of successive precursors: the Old English ' musike ' of the mid-13th century; the Old French musique of the 12th century; and the Latin mūsica . The Latin word itself derives from the Ancient Greek mousiké ( technē )— μουσική ( τέχνη )—literally meaning "(art) of
1190-455: A computer. Music often plays a key role in social events and religious ceremony . The techniques of making music are often transmitted as part of a cultural tradition. Music is played in public and private contexts, highlighted at events such as festivals and concerts for various different types of ensembles. Music is used in the production of other media, such as in soundtracks to films, TV shows, operas, and video games. Listening to music
1360-586: A court singer who had sung a warning to the king of the Median Empire of the plans of Cyrus the Great , who would later establish the Achaemenid dynasty on the throne. Athenaeus also points out to the capture of singing girls at the court of the last Achaemenid king Darius III (336–330 BC) by Macedonian general Parmenion . Xenophon 's Cyropaedia also mentions a great number of singing women at
1530-461: A defense to scare off predators. Prehistoric music can only be theorized based on findings from paleolithic archaeology sites. The disputed Divje Babe flute , a perforated cave bear femur , is at least 40,000 years old, though there is considerable debate surrounding whether it is truly a musical instrument or an object formed by animals. The earliest objects whose designations as musical instruments are widely accepted are bone flutes from
1700-456: A fashion. The closest word to mean music in Chinese , yue , shares a character with le , meaning joy, and originally referred to all the arts before narrowing in meaning. Africa is too diverse to make firm generalizations, but the musicologist J. H. Kwabena Nketia has emphasized African music's often inseparable connection to dance and speech in general. Some African cultures, such as
1870-450: A form of sexual selection , perhaps via mating calls. Darwin's original perspective has been heavily criticized for its inconsistencies with other sexual selection methods, though many scholars in the 21st century have developed and promoted the theory. Other theories include that music arose to assist in organizing labor, improving long-distance communication, benefiting communication with the divine , assisting in community cohesion or as
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#17327942859412040-553: A lighter, clearer and considerably simpler texture than the Baroque music which preceded it. The main style was homophony , where a prominent melody and a subordinate chordal accompaniment part are clearly distinct. Classical instrumental melodies tended to be almost voicelike and singable. New genres were developed, and the fortepiano , the forerunner to the modern piano, replaced the Baroque era harpsichord and pipe organ as
2210-558: A new diversity in theatre music , including operetta , and musical comedy and other forms of musical theatre. In the 19th century, a key way new compositions became known to the public was by the sales of sheet music , which middle class amateur music lovers would perform at home, on their piano or other common instruments, such as the violin. With 20th-century music , the invention of new electric technologies such as radio broadcasting and mass market availability of gramophone records meant sound recordings heard by listeners (on
2380-514: A performer learns a song " by ear ". When the composer of a song or piece is no longer known, this music is often classified as "traditional" or as a "folk song". Different musical traditions have different attitudes towards how and where to make changes to the original source material, from quite strict, to those that demand improvisation or modification to the music. A culture's history and stories may also be passed on by ear through song. Music has many different fundamentals or elements. Depending on
2550-426: A performer. Although a musical composition often uses musical notation and has a single author, this is not always the case. A work of music can have multiple composers, which often occurs in popular music when a band collaborates to write a song, or in musical theatre, when one person writes the melodies, a second person writes the lyrics, and a third person orchestrates the songs. In some styles of music, such as
2720-420: A private music school in 1924, where he also created a school orchestra composed of his students, formed by a combination of the tar and some western instruments. Vaziri then founded an association named Music Club ( Kolub-e Musiqi ), formed by a number of progressive-minded writers and scholars, where the school orchestra performed concerts that were conducted by himself. He was an extraordinary figure among
2890-678: A project developed by the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults , a cultural and educational institute that was founded under the patronage of Iran's former empress Farah Pahlavi in 1965. They were produced in a collection of quality recordings, performed by professional vocalists such as Pari Zanganeh , Monir Vakili , and Minu Javan, and were highly influential in Iran's both folk and pop music productions. Iran's symphonic music, as observed in
3060-429: A prophet of Zoroastrianism religion and his mission. Mazdaism is a religion that has Ahura Mazda at the head of their gods, and in other words, it is Zoroastrian religion. After Zoroaster's death, Oshidar, Oshidar Mah and Saoshyant take over the leadership of Behdinan. Sushyant period is the period of evolution of Urmazdi creatures, and all divans from the generation of bipeds and quadrupeds are destroyed. Sushyant has
3230-438: A relationship between the origin of music and the origin of language , and there is disagreement surrounding whether music developed before, after, or simultaneously with language. A similar source of contention surrounds whether music was the intentional result of natural selection or was a byproduct spandrel of evolution. The earliest influential theory was proposed by Charles Darwin in 1871, who stated that music arose as
3400-638: A separate people and had linguistic affinities with the non-Aryans of India, shares some myths contained in the Rigveda . The traditions and beliefs of these people influenced the beliefs of their later society, which was under the cultural domination of the Aryans. With the power of the Medes and then the Persians, a newer mythology, known as the comprehensive mythology of Iran, began. Researchers believe that before
3570-457: A song may state the song is a "slow blues" or a "fast swing", which indicates the tempo and the genre. To read notation, a person must have an understanding of music theory , harmony and the performance practice associated with a particular song or piece's genre. Written notation varies with the style and period of music. Nowadays, notated music is produced as sheet music or, for individuals with computer scorewriter programs, as an image on
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#17327942859413740-521: A source of ideas for classical music. Igor Stravinsky , Arnold Schoenberg , and John Cage were influential composers in 20th-century art music. The invention of sound recording and the ability to edit music gave rise to new subgenres of classical music, including the acousmatic and Musique concrète schools of electronic composition. Sound recording was a major influence on the development of popular music genres, because it enabled recordings of songs and bands to be widely distributed. The introduction of
3910-528: A strong, insistent back beat, and a catchy melody." The traditional rhythm section for popular music is rhythm guitar, electric bass guitar, drums. Some bands have keyboard instruments such as organ, piano, or, since the 1970s, analog synthesizers . In the 1980s, pop musicians began using digital synthesizers, such as the DX-7 synthesizer, electronic drum machines such as the TR-808 and synth bass devices (such as
4080-426: A variety of settings. There are often many links between amateur and professional musicians. Beginning amateur musicians take lessons with professional musicians. In community settings, advanced amateur musicians perform with professional musicians in a variety of ensembles such as community concert bands and community orchestras. A distinction is often made between music performed for a live audience and music that
4250-436: A vibrant tradition of secular song (non-religious songs). Examples of composers from this period are Léonin , Pérotin , Guillaume de Machaut , and Walther von der Vogelweide . Renaissance music ( c. 1400 to 1600) was more focused on secular themes, such as courtly love . Around 1450, the printing press was invented, which made printed sheet music much less expensive and easier to mass-produce (prior to
4420-522: Is pentatonic - diatonic , having a scale of twelve notes to an octave (5 + 7 = 12) as does European-influenced music. The medieval music era (500 to 1400), which took place during the Middle Ages , started with the introduction of monophonic (single melodic line) chanting into Catholic Church services. Musical notation was used since ancient times in Greek culture , but in
4590-556: Is a common means of entertainment . The culture surrounding music extends into areas of academic study , journalism , philosophy , psychology , and therapy . The music industry includes songwriters, performers, sound engineers , producers, tour organizers, distributors of instruments, accessories, and publishers of sheet music and recordings . Technology facilitating the recording and reproduction of music has historically included sheet music , microphones , phonographs , and tape machines , with playback of digital musics being
4760-518: Is a core component and an essential criterion of performances. Music is composed and performed for many purposes, ranging from aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, or as an entertainment product for the marketplace. When music was only available through sheet music scores, such as during the Classical and Romantic eras, music lovers would buy the sheet music of their favourite pieces and songs so that they could perform them at home on
4930-412: Is a genre of popular music that developed in the 1950s from rock and roll , rockabilly , blues , and country music . The sound of rock often revolves around the electric or acoustic guitar, and it uses a strong back beat laid down by a rhythm section . Along with the guitar or keyboards, saxophone and blues-style harmonica are used as soloing instruments. In its "purest form", it "has three chords,
5100-499: Is also known for the story of his Seven Labours . Another great hero is Jamshid (also given as Yama), who rules the world with justice. He is given power by the gods as a reward for his selfless devotion and uses it wisely. In Persian mythology and folklore , Jamshid is described as the fourth and greatest king of the epigraphically unattested Pishdadian Dynasty (before the Kayanian dynasty ). Edward FitzGerald transliterated
5270-489: Is an important conductor and composer who has mor than 250 published albums and conducted more than 450 orchestras,he is now conductor of Mariinsky theatre's Orchestra In 2005, the Persepolis Orchestra (Melal Orchestra) played a piece that dates back 3000 years. The notes of this piece, which were discovered among some ancient inscriptions, were deciphered by archaeologists and are believed to have belonged to
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5440-499: Is based on a poem by prominent 13th-century Persian poet Rumi . Jazz and blues artists who work in post-revolutionary Iran have also gained popularity. Rock music was introduced into Iran's popular music by the 1960s, together with the emergence of other Western European and American musical genres. It soon became popular among the young generation, especially at the nightclubs of Tehran. In post-revolutionary Iran, many rock music artists are not officially sanctioned and have to rely on
5610-438: Is based on the battle between good and evil. Indo-Iranian peoples believed in two general categories of gods: Ahuras, and evil: Divan. The characteristics of these two ranks of gods among Iranians and Hindus, and were transformed into each other, in the sense that among Indians Ahuras became evil and Divan became good, And among Iranians, Ahuras became good and Divan became evil. They sacrificed for both types of gods. The purpose of
5780-402: Is broad enough to include the creation of popular music and traditional music songs and instrumental pieces as well as spontaneously improvised works like those of free jazz performers and African percussionists such as Ewe drummers . Performance is the physical expression of music, which occurs when a song is sung or piano piece, guitar melody, symphony, drum beat or other musical part
5950-428: Is called aleatoric music , and is associated with contemporary composers active in the 20th century, such as John Cage , Morton Feldman , and Witold Lutosławski . A commonly known example of chance-based music is the sound of wind chimes jingling in a breeze. The study of composition has traditionally been dominated by examination of methods and practice of Western classical music, but the definition of composition
6120-400: Is female. Mishiyeh is known as the father of humans and Mishyaneh as the mother of humans. Ahriman attacks their thoughts and they utter the first lie and attribute creation to Ahriman. They both repent and have seven pairs of children and die after living for a hundred years. The genealogy of the descendants of Mishiyeh and Mishyaneh includes the origins of many different races. The Iranian race
6290-449: Is from a couple called Siamak and Neshak. After them, Farag-Farwagin and after them the couple Hushang and Guzak are born. The fourth three thousand years: The third three thousand years ends in the middle of the era of Kay Lohrasp . The most important feature of this period is the emergence of Zoroaster . This period is the period of religious revelation. Ahura Mazda reveals the secrets of religion to Zoroaster, and he declares himself
6460-440: Is gamelan, an ensemble of tuned percussion instruments that include metallophones , drums , gongs and spike fiddles along with bamboo suling (like a flute ). Chinese classical music , the traditional art or court music of China, has a history stretching over about 3,000 years. It has its own unique systems of musical notation, as well as musical tuning and pitch, musical instruments and styles or genres. Chinese music
6630-430: Is generally agreed to be a cultural universal that is present in all human societies. Definitions of music vary widely in substance and approach. While scholars agree that music is defined by a small number of specific elements , there is no consensus as to what these necessary elements are. Music is often characterized as a highly versatile medium for expressing human creativity . Diverse activities are involved in
6800-569: Is in the early Islamic era; But most of them are based on the texts of the late Sassanid period . Some of the most famous of these books are Bundahisn , Denkard and the Vendidad . The other major source for Persian mythology is the Shahnameh (“The Book of Kings”) written by the Persian poet Abolqasem Ferdowsi (940-1020 CE). In the mythological beliefs of Iranians before Zoroastrian,
6970-584: Is known on the music scene of the classical Iranian empires of the Medes , the Achaemenids , and the Parthians , other than a few archaeological remains and some notations from the writings of Greek historians. According to Herodotus , the magi , who were a priestly caste in ancient Iran , accompanied their sacrifice rituals with singing. Athenaeus of Naucratis , in his Deipnosophistae , mentions
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7140-687: Is much easier for listeners to discern the pitch of a single note played on a piano than to try to discern the pitch of a crash cymbal that is struck. Persian mythology Pontic Steppe Caucasus East Asia Eastern Europe Northern Europe Pontic Steppe Northern/Eastern Steppe Europe South Asia Steppe Europe Caucasus India Indo-Aryans Iranians East Asia Europe East Asia Europe Indo-Aryan Iranian Indo-Aryan Iranian Others European Iranian mythology, or Persian mythology in western term ( Persian : اسطورهشناسی ایرانی ),
7310-524: Is not the case worldwide, and languages such as modern Indonesian ( musik ) and Shona ( musakazo ) have recently adopted words to reflect this universal conception, as they did not have words that fit exactly the Western scope. Before Western contact in East Asia , neither Japan nor China had a single word that encompasses music in a broad sense, but culturally, they often regarded music in such
7480-427: Is notated relatively precisely, as in classical music, there are many decisions that a performer has to make, because notation does not specify all of the elements of music precisely. The process of deciding how to perform music that has been previously composed and notated is termed "interpretation". Different performers' interpretations of the same work of music can vary widely, in terms of the tempos that are chosen and
7650-475: Is one of the oldest musical traditions in the world. Sculptures from the Indus Valley civilization show dance and old musical instruments, like the seven-holed flute. Stringed instruments and drums have been recovered from Harappa and Mohenjo Daro by excavations carried out by Mortimer Wheeler . The Rigveda , an ancient Hindu text, has elements of present Indian music, with musical notation to denote
7820-417: Is performed in a studio so that it can be recorded and distributed through the music retail system or the broadcasting system. However, there are also many cases where a live performance in front of an audience is also recorded and distributed. Live concert recordings are popular in both classical music and in popular music forms such as rock, where illegally taped live concerts are prized by music lovers. In
7990-429: Is played. In classical music, a work is written in music notation by a composer and then performed once the composer is satisfied with its structure and instrumentation. However, as it gets performed, the interpretation of a song or piece can evolve and change. In classical music, instrumental performers, singers or conductors may gradually make changes to the phrasing or tempo of a piece. In popular and traditional music,
8160-468: Is prevalent in Persian myths as well as Zoroastrianism. Before the Medes , individual Aryan civilizations lived in this land, which mostly had no linguistic, racial, or even religious kinship with their neighbors outside the Iranian plateau, and sometimes they had solidarity. These tribes included Lullubi , Gutian , Kassites , and Urartu . The Elamites also had an old and well-known civilization in
8330-517: Is put in command of the Iranian army until the arrival of Tous . His most important adventure is in the story of Farud , where he fights with Turanian army along with other Iranian heroes. Rudaba : a Persian mythological female figure in Ferdowsi 's epic Shahnameh . She is the princess of Kabul , daughter of Mehrab Kaboli and Sindukht , and later she becomes married to Zal , as they become lovers. They had two children, including Rostam ,
8500-526: Is remembered in many documents and has been named as remarkably highly skilled. He was a poet-musician who performed on occasions such as state banquets and the festivals of Nowruz and Mehrgan . He may have invented the lute and the musical tradition that was to transform into the forms of dastgah and maqam . He has been credited to have organized a musical system consisting of seven "royal modes" ( xosrovāni ), 30 derived modes ( navā ), and 360 melodies ( dāstān ). These numbers are in accordance with
8670-738: Is sacred and praised in Iranian and Indian beliefs, and they used to perform sacrifices for the gods in a similar manner. The oldest examples of the ancient form of Iranian mythology are references in Avesta , especially in Yashta . Because Yashta are above all a collection of prayer hymns, there are no detailed references to myths in them. Everything is closed and short. The most detailed texts about Iranian mythology are in Zoroastrian writings in Middle Persian. The final compilation of most of them
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#17327942859418840-442: Is shown among his musicians on a large relief at the archaeological site of Taq-e Bostan , holding a bow and arrows himself and standing in a boat amidst a group of harpists . The relief depicts two boats that are shown at "two successive moments within the same panel". The court of Khosrow II hosted a number of prominent musicians, including Azad, Bamshad , Barbad , Nagisa , Ramtin, and Sarkash . Among these attested names, Barbad
9010-632: Is sometimes to the extent of the similarity of the names of persons and places. The close languages of these two groups also confirm their common roots; Therefore, the origin of the mythology of these two nations has been the same in the distant past, but the migration of Indians from the Aryan plateau to lands with different nature and climatic conditions, as well as indigenous peoples, has brought about fundamental changes in their mythology and religious beliefs. There are good and evil forces in both of these myths. The names of their gods are close to each other. Fire
9180-400: Is the body of the myths originally told by ancient Persians and other Iranian peoples and a genre of ancient Persian folklore. These stories concern the origin and nature of the world, the lives and activities of deities, heroes, and mythological creatures, and the origins and significance of the ancient Persians' own cult and ritual practices. Modern scholars study the myths to shed light on
9350-647: Is the same as what was found in Latin and Armenian texts. After that, the Sassanid period begins, and they are introduced as descendants of the Kayanians. The one who chose to follow Ahura Mazda, would live a good life with others, and the one who chose Ahriman, will become a source of strife. Death is a journey to the afterlife, and the soul of the dead person has to cross the Chinvat Bridge . Good souls found
9520-492: Is the world belonging to Ahura Maza, which is full of light, life, knowledge, beauty, and fragrance, and the second is the world belonging to Ahriman, which is dark, ugly, smelly, and full of sorrow and disease. Ahura Maza first creates Amesha Spenta , which are: Sepand Mino, Khordad, Mordad, Bahman, Ordibehesht, Shahrivar and Spandarmad. After the creation of Amshaspandan, Ahura Mazda creates the gods. Ahriman also creates Sardivan for each of Amshaspandans to deal with Ahura Maza. At
9690-424: Is untruth, one is fragrant and the other is bright, one is light and the other is darkness. In fact, serving good concepts is still one of the great mythological messages of Iran. In Iranian mythology, what can be seen everywhere in all mythological narratives is the presence of evil and evil forces in the world. These evil forces, which are considered to be the assistants of Angra Mainyu (Ahriman), are mentioned by
9860-414: Is used in a number of different contexts. The two most common contexts can be differentiated by describing them as the "rudimentary elements of music" and the "perceptual elements of music". Pitch is an aspect of a sound that we can hear, reflecting whether one musical sound, note, or tone is "higher" or "lower" than another musical sound, note, or tone. We can talk about the highness or lowness of pitch in
10030-485: The Šāhnāme , using traditional melodic forms, interspersing with spoken commentary, which is a practice found also in Central Asian and Balkan traditions. The bakshy ( baxši ), wandering minstrels who play the dotar , entertain their audiences at social gatherings with romantic ballads about warriors and warlords. There are also lament singers ( rowze-xān ), who recite verses that would commemorate
10200-500: The 16th-century Persianate Mughal Empire , whose court promoted new musical forms by bringing Iranian musicians. Music in Iran, as evidenced by the "pre-Iranian" archaeological records of Elam , the oldest civilization in southwestern Iran, dates back thousands of years. Iran is the birthplace of the earliest complex instruments, which date back to the third millennium BC. A number of trumpets made of silver , gold , and copper were found in eastern Iran that are attributed to
10370-550: The Iranian Plateau and its bordering plains . The Encyclopædia Iranica project uses the term Iranian cultural continent for this region. Most characters in Persian mythology are either good, or they are evil. The resultant discord mirrors the nationalistic ideals of the early Islamic era as well as the moral and ethical perceptions of the Zoroastrian period, in which the world was perceived to be locked in
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#173279428594110540-538: The Oxus civilization and date back between 2200 and 1750 BC. The use of both vertical and horizontal angular harps have been documented at the archaeological sites of Madaktu (650 BC) and Kul-e Fara (900–600 BC), with the largest collection of Elamite instruments documented at Kul-e Fara . Multiple depictions of horizontal harps were also sculpted in Assyrian palaces, dating back between 865 and 650 BC. Not much
10710-680: The Roman Empire , Eastern Europe, and the Byzantine Empire changed Greek music. The Seikilos epitaph is the oldest surviving example of a complete musical composition, including musical notation, from anywhere in the world. The oldest surviving work written about music theory is Harmonika Stoicheia by Aristoxenus . Asian music covers a swath of music cultures surveyed in the articles on Arabia , Central Asia , East Asia , South Asia , and Southeast Asia . Several have traditions reaching into antiquity. Indian classical music
10880-690: The Songye people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Tiv people of Nigeria, have a strong and broad conception of 'music' but no corresponding word in their native languages. Other words commonly translated as 'music' often have more specific meanings in their respective cultures: the Hindi word for music, sangita , properly refers to art music , while the many Indigenous languages of
11050-517: The Sumerians and the ancient Greeks . Renowned Iranian musician Peyman Soltani conducted the orchestra. Following the emergence of radio , under the reign of the Qajar dynasty, a form of popular music was formed and began to develop in Iran. Later, the arrival of new western influences, such as the use of the guitar and other western instruments, marked a turning point in Iran's popular music by
11220-725: The Swabian Jura , Germany, namely from the Geissenklösterle , Hohle Fels and Vogelherd caves. Dated to the Aurignacian (of the Upper Paleolithic) and used by Early European modern humans , from all three caves there are eight examples, four made from the wing bones of birds and four from mammoth ivory ; three of these are near complete. Three flutes from the Geissenklösterle are dated as
11390-481: The TB-303 ) or synth bass keyboards. In the 1990s, an increasingly large range of computerized hardware musical devices and instruments and software (e.g. digital audio workstations ) were used. In the 2020s, soft synths and computer music apps make it possible for bedroom producers to create and record types of music, such as electronic dance music , in their home, adding sampled and digital instruments and editing
11560-529: The blues , a composer/songwriter may create, perform and record new songs or pieces without ever writing them down in music notation. A piece of music can also be composed with words, images, or computer programs that explain or notate how the singer or musician should create musical sounds. Examples range from avant-garde music that uses graphic notation , to text compositions such as Aus den sieben Tagen , to computer programs that select sounds for musical pieces. Music that makes heavy use of randomness and chance
11730-460: The chord changes and form of the song are written, requiring the performer to have a great understanding of the music's structure, harmony and the styles of a particular genre e.g., jazz or country music . In Western art music, the most common types of written notation are scores, which include all the music parts of an ensemble piece, and parts, which are the music notation for the individual performers or singers. In popular music, jazz, and blues,
11900-510: The feudalistic background point to a date in the Parthian period of Iranian history . The story is about Vis, the daughter of Shāhrū and Qārin, the ruling family of Māh (Media) in western Iran , and Ramin (Rāmīn), the brother to Mobed Manikan, the King of Marv in northeastern Iran. Manikan sees Shāhrū in a royal gala, wonders at her beauty, and asks her to marry him. She answers that she
12070-427: The fugue , the invention , the sonata , and the concerto . The late Baroque style was polyphonically complex and richly ornamented. Important composers from the Baroque era include Johann Sebastian Bach ( Cello suites ), George Frideric Handel ( Messiah ), Georg Philipp Telemann and Antonio Vivaldi ( The Four Seasons ). The music of the Classical period (1730 to 1820) aimed to imitate what were seen as
12240-413: The jam band scene, live, improvised jam sessions are preferred to studio recordings. Music notation typically means the written expression of music notes and rhythms on paper using symbols. When music is written down, the pitches and rhythm of the music, such as the notes of a melody , are notated. Music notation often provides instructions on how to perform the music. For example, the sheet music for
12410-423: The multitrack recording system had a major influence on rock music , because it could do more than record a band's performance. Using a multitrack system, a band and their music producer could overdub many layers of instrument tracks and vocals, creating new sounds that would not be possible in a live performance. Jazz evolved and became an important genre of music over the course of the 20th century, and during
12580-462: The sasando stringed instrument on the island of Rote, the Sundanese angklung , and the complex and sophisticated Javanese and Balinese gamelan orchestras. Indonesia is the home of gong chime , a general term for a set of small, high pitched pot gongs. Gongs are usually placed in order of note, with the boss up on a string held in a low wooden frame. The most popular form of Indonesian music
12750-592: The syncretism of exploring different art-forms in a musical context, (such as literature), history (historical figures and legends), or nature itself. Romantic love or longing was a prevalent theme in many works composed during this period. In some cases, the formal structures from the classical period continued to be used (e.g., the sonata form used in string quartets and symphonies ), but these forms were expanded and altered. In many cases, new approaches were explored for existing genres, forms, and functions. Also, new forms were created that were deemed better suited to
12920-415: The 1950s, Iran's music industry was dominated by classical artists. New western influences were introduced into the popular music of Iran by the 1950s, with electric guitar and other imported characteristics accompanying the indigenous instruments and forms, and the popular music developed by the contributions of artists such as Viguen , who was known as the " Sultan " of Iranian pop and jazz music. Viguen
13090-508: The 1950s. Iranian pop music is commonly performed by vocalists who are accompanied with elaborate ensembles, often using a combination of both indigenous Iranian and European instruments. The pop music of Iran is largely promoted through mass media, but it experienced some decade of prohibition after the 1979 Revolution. Public performances were also banned, but they have been occasionally permitted since 1990. The pop music of Iranian diasporan communities has also been significant. Jazz music
13260-467: The 19th century, is the oldest documented version of the seven dastgah system, and is regarded as a rearrangement of the older 12 maqam system. Ali-Naqi Vaziri , a respected player of numerous Iranian and western instruments who studied western musical theory and composition in Europe, was one of the most prominent and influential musicians of the late Qajar and early Pahlavi periods. He established
13430-401: The 1st century AD. It has also been suggested that Gorgani's story reflects the traditions and customs of the period immediately before he himself lived. The framework of the story is the opposition of two Parthian ruling houses , one in the west and the other in the east. Gorgani originally belongs to Hyrcania which is one of main lands of Parthians . The existence of these small kingdoms and
13600-455: The 20th and early 21st century, as "common practice" Western art music performance became institutionalized in symphony orchestras, opera houses, and ballets, improvisation has played a smaller role, as more and more music was notated in scores and parts for musicians to play. At the same time, some 20th and 21st century art music composers have increasingly included improvisation in their creative work. In Indian classical music , improvisation
13770-500: The American hip hop culture, and was later combined with elements from the indigenous Iranian musical forms. Iranian A cappella (music without instrument) in 2011 with a new type was first introduced by Damour Vocal Band led by Faraz Khosravi Danesh . This genre of music has been performed as a choir in the past, but since 2011 it has become such that the human larynx has replaced musical instruments . Various groups, including
13940-558: The Americas have words for music that refer specifically to song but describe instrumental music regardless. Though the Arabic musiqi can refer to all music, it is usually used for instrumental and metric music, while khandan identifies vocal and improvised music. It is often debated to what extent the origins of music will ever be understood, and there are competing theories that aim to explain it. Many scholars highlight
14110-412: The Classical period was the development of public concerts. The aristocracy still played a significant role in the sponsorship of concerts and compositions, but it was now possible for composers to survive without being permanent employees of queens or princes. The increasing popularity of classical music led to a growth in the number and types of orchestras. The expansion of orchestral concerts necessitated
14280-437: The Classical style of sonata is completely distinct. All of the main instrumental forms of the Classical era, from string quartets to symphonies and concertos, were based on the structure of the sonata. The instruments used chamber music and orchestra became more standardized. In place of the basso continuo group of the Baroque era, which consisted of harpsichord, organ or lute along with a number of bass instruments selected at
14450-712: The German Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Iranian conductor Ali Rahbari in 1980. Loris Tjeknavorian , an acclaimed Iranian Armenian composer and conductor, composed Rostam and Sohrab , an opera with Persian libretto that is based on the tragedy of Rostam and Sohrab from Iran's long epic poem Šāhnāme , in over two decades. It was first performed by the Tehran Symphony Orchestra at Tehran 's Roudaki Hall in December 2003. Alexander Rahbari
14620-464: The Ghaznavid rulers at their court. In the post-medieval era, musical performances continued to be observed and promoted through especially princely courts, Sufi orders , and modernizing social forces. Under the reign of the 19th-century Qajar dynasty , Iranian music was renewed through the development of classical melody types ( radif ), that is the basic repertoire of Iran's classical music, and
14790-487: The Internet and underground scenes. In 2008, power metal band Angband signed with German record label Pure Steel Records as the first Iranian metal band to release internationally through a European label. They had collaborations with well-known producer Achim Köhler. Iranian hip hop emerged by the 2000s, from the country's capital city, Tehran . It started with underground artists recording mixtapes influenced by
14960-478: The Iranian musicians of the 20th century, and his primary goal was to provide music for ordinary citizens through a public arena. The Tehran Symphony Orchestra ( Orkestr-e Samfoni-ye Tehrān ) was founded by Gholamhossein Minbashian in 1933. It was reformed by Parviz Mahmoud in 1946, and is currently the oldest and largest symphony orchestra in Iran. Later, Ruhollah Khaleqi , a student of Vaziri, established
15130-680: The Middle Ages, notation was first introduced by the Catholic Church, so chant melodies could be written down, to facilitate the use of the same melodies for religious music across the Catholic empire. The only European Medieval repertory that has been found, in written form, from before 800 is the monophonic liturgical plainsong chant of the Catholic Church, the central tradition of which was called Gregorian chant . Alongside these traditions of sacred and church music there existed
15300-468: The Muses". The Muses were nine deities in Ancient Greek mythology who presided over the arts and sciences . They were included in tales by the earliest Western authors, Homer and Hesiod , and eventually came to be associated with music specifically. Over time, Polyhymnia would reside over music more prominently than the other muses. The Latin word musica was also the originator for both
15470-710: The Parthians used drums to prepare for battle. Under the reign of the Sasanians , the Middle Persian term huniyāgar was used to refer to a minstrel . The history of Sasanian music is better documented than the earlier periods, and is especially more evident in Avestan texts. The recitation of the Sasanian Avestan text of Vendidād has been connected to the Oxus trumpet. The Zoroastrian paradise itself
15640-543: The Sasanian royal court, such as Bāğ-e Širin ("Garden of Shirin"), Bāğ-e Šahryār ("Garden of the Sovereign"), and Haft Ganj ("Seven Treasures"), and some are named after nature, such as Rowšan Čerāğ ("Bright Light"). The academic classical music of Iran , in addition to preserving melody types that are often attributed to Sasanian musicians, is based on the theories of sonic aesthetics as expounded by
15810-459: The Society for National Music ( Anjoman-e Musiqi-ye Melli ) in 1949. Numerous musical compositions were produced within the parameters of classical Iranian modes, and many involved western musical harmonies . Iranian folkloric songs and poems of both classical and contemporary Iranian poets were incorporated for the arrangement of orchestral pieces that would bear the new influences. Prior to
15980-535: The Spanish música and French musique via spelling and linguistic adjustment, though other European terms were probably loanwords , including the Italian musica , German Musik , Dutch muziek , Norwegian musikk , Polish muzyka and Russian muzïka . The modern Western world usually defines music as an all-encompassing term used to describe diverse genres, styles, and traditions. This
16150-474: The Tehran Vocal Ensemble, began to operate after that, and this style of music flowed in a creative and new way in the Iranian A cappella music. The following are a number of notable internationally awarded Iranian musical works. Music Music is the arrangement of sound to create some combination of form , harmony , melody , rhythm , or otherwise expressive content . Music
16320-478: The Western art music tradition, improvisation was an important skill during the Baroque era and during the Classical era. In the Baroque era, performers improvised ornaments, and basso continuo keyboard players improvised chord voicings based on figured bass notation. As well, the top soloists were expected to be able to improvise pieces such as preludes . In the Classical era, solo performers and singers improvised virtuoso cadenzas during concerts. However, in
16490-424: The bridge to be a wide road leading to heaven, and for bad souls who chose to follow Ahriman during their life, they fell from the bridge into hell. Persian myths is filled with famous heroes, to name a few: the greatest Persian hero is Rostam , who is the grandson of the hero Sām , and son of the equally Zal and Rudaba . Rostam was always represented as the mightiest of Iranian paladins (holy warriors). He rides
16660-487: The building of large public performance spaces. Symphonic music including symphonies, musical accompaniment to ballet and mixed vocal/instrumental genres, such as opera and oratorio , became more popular. The best known composers of Classicism are Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach , Christoph Willibald Gluck , Johann Christian Bach , Joseph Haydn , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Schubert . Beethoven and Schubert are also considered to be composers in
16830-563: The champion, Olad. Rostam and Sohrab : The tragedy of Rostam and Sohrab forms part of the 10th-century Persian epic Shahnameh by the Persian poet Ferdowsi . It tells the tragic story of the heroes Rostam and his son, Sohrab . Esfandiyār : a legendary Iranian hero and one of the characters of Ferdowsi 's Shahnameh . He was the son and the crown prince of the Kayanian King Goshtasp and Queen Katāyoun . He
17000-616: The church to aristocratic courts, kings, queens and princes competed for the finest composers. Many leading composers came from the Netherlands, Belgium, and France; they are called the Franco-Flemish composers. They held important positions throughout Europe, especially in Italy. Other countries with vibrant musical activity included Germany, England, and Spain. The Baroque era of music took place from 1600 to 1750, coinciding with
17170-462: The composer typically orchestrates his or her own compositions, but in musical theatre and in pop music, songwriters may hire an arranger to do the orchestration. In some cases, a songwriter may not use notation at all, and instead, compose the song in her mind and then play or record it from memory. In jazz and popular music, notable recordings by influential performers are given the weight that written scores play in classical music. Even when music
17340-414: The conflict of Ahriman and his demons with Ahura Maza and his gods. Meanwhile, Ahriman kills the created cow, grains, plants and animals are created. After 40 years, a rhubarb branch grows from the seed of Keyumars , which has two stalks and fifteen leaves. These fifteen leaves are in accordance with the years that Mishiyeh and Mishyaneh, the first Adam couple have at that time. Mishiyeh is male and Mishyaneh
17510-477: The country, or even different parts of the world, even if they could not afford to travel to these locations. This helped to spread musical styles. The focus of art music in the 20th century was characterized by exploration of new rhythms, styles, and sounds. The horrors of World War I influenced many of the arts, including music, and composers began exploring darker, harsher sounds. Traditional music styles such as jazz and folk music were used by composers as
17680-569: The court in their records. It starts from Kay Lohrasp and ends at Garshasp. However, all these are mythological characters in the Avesta, and in the Zoroastrian texts of the Sasanian period, they are gods of the Izder race. Kayanian dynasty : The Kayanians are the second mythological dynasty of Iran, which in Ferdowsi's Shahnameh is equal to the epic periods. It starts with Kay Kawad and ends with
17850-582: The court of the Achaemenid Empire . Under the Parthian Empire , the gōsān ( Parthian for "minstrel") had a prominent role in society. They performed for their audiences at royal courts and in public theaters. According to Plutarch 's Life of Crassus (32.3), they praised their national heroes and ridiculed their Roman rivals. Likewise, Strabo 's Geographica reports that the Parthian youth were taught songs about "the deeds both of
18020-406: The creation of music notation , such as a sheet music "score", which is then performed by the composer or by other singers or musicians. In popular music and traditional music, the act of composing, which is typically called songwriting, may involve the creation of a basic outline of the song, called the lead sheet , which sets out the melody , lyrics and chord progression . In classical music,
18190-414: The creation of music, and are often divided into categories of composition , improvisation , and performance . Music may be performed using a wide variety of musical instruments , including the human voice . It can also be composed, sequenced, or otherwise produced to be indirectly played mechanically or electronically, such as via a music box , barrel organ , or digital audio workstation software on
18360-466: The creation of the world. He creates the sky, water, earth, plants, animals and humans in one year. The anniversary of these creations are six festivals, which are known as Gahambars . The main prototypes of creation are the cow, four-legged animals, and the human beings. At the end of the second three thousand years, Ahriman, with the help of his allies, returns and decides to destroy the current world. The third three thousand years: in this period, we see
18530-505: The definition of "element" being used, these can include pitch, beat or pulse, tempo, rhythm, melody, harmony, texture, style, allocation of voices, timbre or color, dynamics, expression, articulation, form, and structure. The elements of music feature prominently in the music curriculums of Australia, the UK, and the US. All three curriculums identify pitch, dynamics, timbre, and texture as elements, but
18700-432: The discretion of the group leader (e.g., viol, cello, theorbo, serpent), Classical chamber groups used specified, standardized instruments (e.g., a string quartet would be performed by two violins, a viola and a cello). The practice of improvised chord-playing by the continuo keyboardist or lute player, a hallmark of Baroque music, underwent a gradual decline between 1750 and 1800. One of the most important changes made in
18870-495: The double-reed aulos and a plucked string instrument , the lyre , principally a special kind called a kithara . Music was an important part of education, and boys were taught music starting at age six. Greek musical literacy created significant musical development. Greek music theory included the Greek musical modes , that eventually became the basis for Western religious and classical music. Later, influences from
19040-618: The earth, where the whole divan of "Zeed and Islah". Ahriman appears in 3 forms other than his image: Chelpasa (lizard), Snake and Young. Although he is mentioned in the Shahnameh of the Mardosh kingdom, in the Avesta he is a three-headed, six-eyed and three-nosed demon with a body full of scorpions. However, based on Zoroastrian writings, in the final days of the world, it is Ahura Mazda who will win over Ahriman and destroy him forever, and after that only goodness, light and health will remain in
19210-426: The elite. The influence of dastgah is seen as the reservoir of authenticity that other forms of musical genres derive melodic and performance inspiration from. Iran's folk, ceremonial, and popular songs might be considered "vernacular" in the sense that they are known and appreciated by a major part of the society (as opposed to the art music, which caters for the most part to more elite social classes). The variance of
19380-456: The end of the first three thousand years, a peace is made between Ahura Mazda and Ahriman that the last battle between the forces of evil and good will take place nine thousand years later. After the pact is concluded, Ahura Mazda utters the true prayer, Ahunur, and as a result, Ahriman falls to hell and remains unconscious there for the second three thousand years. The second three thousand years: After Ahriman's unconsciousness, Ahura Mazda begins
19550-514: The fall of Iran at the hands of Alexander. However, the Iranian narrative considered the reign of Alexander and the Greeks to be very short, and did not assume any time for the Seleucids, it also estimated the period of 450 years of rule of the Parthians to be only 200 years. The final data of the Parthian era in Iranian mythology deals with the battle between Artabanus IV and Ardeshir I , which
19720-645: The flourishing of the Baroque artistic style in Europe. The start of the Baroque era was marked by the penning of the first operas . Polyphonic contrapuntal music (music with separate, simultaneous melodic lines ) remained important during this period. German Baroque composers wrote for small ensembles including strings , brass , and woodwinds , as well as for choirs and keyboard instruments such as pipe organ , harpsichord , and clavichord . Musical complexity increased during this time. Several major musical forms were created, some of them which persisted into later periods, seeing further development. These include
19890-645: The folk music of Iran has often been stressed, in accordance to the cultural diversity of the country's local and ethnic groups. Iranian folk songs are categorized in various themes, including those of historical, social, religious, and nostalgic contexts. There are also folk songs that apply to particular occasions, such as weddings and harvests, as well as lullabies, children's songs, and riddles. There are several traditional specialists of folk music in Iran. Professional folk instrumentalists and vocalists perform at formal events such as weddings. Storytellers ( naqqāl ; gōsān ) would recite epic poetry, such as that of
20060-464: The gods and of the noblest men". Parthian songs were later absorbed into the Iranian national epic of Šhāhnāmeh , composed by 10th-century Persian poet Ferdowsi . Šāhnāme itself was based on Xwadāynāmag ( Khwaday-Namag ), an earlier Middle Persian work, which was an important part of Persian folklore and that is now lost. It is also mentioned in Plutarch 's Life of Crassus (23.7) that
20230-451: The introduction of modern technologies and principles that were introduced from the West. Mirza Abdollah , a prominent tar and setar master and one of the most respected musicians of the court of the late Qajar period, is considered a major influence on the teaching of classical Iranian music in Iran's contemporary conservatories and universities. Radif , the repertoire that he developed in
20400-650: The invention of the press, all notated music was hand-copied). The increased availability of sheet music spread musical styles quicker and across a larger area. Musicians and singers often worked for the church, courts and towns. Church choirs grew in size, and the church remained an important patron of music. By the middle of the 15th century, composers wrote richly polyphonic sacred music, in which different melody lines were interwoven simultaneously. Prominent composers from this era include Guillaume Du Fay , Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina , Thomas Morley , Orlando di Lasso and Josquin des Prez . As musical activity shifted from
20570-471: The key elements of the art and philosophy of Ancient Greece and Rome: the ideals of balance, proportion and disciplined expression. (Note: the music from the Classical period should not be confused with Classical music in general, a term which refers to Western art music from the 5th century to the 2000s, which includes the Classical period as one of a number of periods). Music from the Classical period has
20740-508: The late Romantic period, composers explored dramatic chromatic alterations of tonality , such as extended chords and altered chords , which created new sound "colors." The late 19th century saw a dramatic expansion in the size of the orchestra, and the Industrial Revolution helped to create better instruments, creating a more powerful sound. Public concerts became an important part of well-to-do urban society. It also saw
20910-455: The later part of the Classical era, as it began to move towards Romanticism. Romantic music ( c. 1820 to 1900) from the 19th century had many elements in common with the Romantic styles in literature and painting of the era. Romanticism was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement was characterized by its emphasis on emotion and individualism as well as glorification of all
21080-512: The legendary stallion Rakhsh and wears a special suit named Babr-e Bayan in battles. In the Shahnameh , Rostam and his predecessors are Marzbans of Sistan . Rostam is best known for his tragic fight with Esfandiyār , the other legendary Iranian hero; for his expedition to Mazandaran (not to be confused with the modern Mazandaran Province ); and for tragically fighting and killing his son, Sohrab , without knowing who his opponent is. He
21250-712: The likes of Iranian musical theorists in the early centuries of after the Muslim conquest of the Sasanian Empire , most notably Avicenna , Farabi , Qotb-ed-Din Shirazi , and Safi-ed-Din Urmawi . Two prominent Iranian musicians who lived under reign of the third Arab caliphate were Ebrahim Mawseli and his son Eshaq Mawseli . Zaryab of Baghdad , a student of Eshaq, is credited with having left remarkable influences on Spain 's classical Andalusian music . Following
21420-489: The location of the notes to be played on the instrument using a diagram of the guitar or bass fingerboard. Tablature was used in the Baroque era to notate music for the lute , a stringed, fretted instrument. Many types of music, such as traditional blues and folk music were not written down in sheet music ; instead, they were originally preserved in the memory of performers, and the songs were handed down orally , from one musician or singer to another, or aurally, in which
21590-404: The main hero of the Shahnameh. Rostam's Seven Labours : a series of acts carried out by the greatest of the Iranian heroes, Rostam , The story was retold by Ferdowsi in his epic poem, Shahnameh . The Seven Labours were seven difficult tasks undertaken by Rostam, accompanied, in most instances, only by his faithful and sagacious steed Rakhsh , although in two labours he was accompanied also by
21760-480: The main keyboard instrument (though pipe organ continued to be used in sacred music, such as Masses). Importance was given to instrumental music. It was dominated by further development of musical forms initially defined in the Baroque period: the sonata , the concerto, and the symphony . Other main kinds were the trio , string quartet , serenade and divertimento . The sonata was the most important and developed form. Although Baroque composers also wrote sonatas,
21930-401: The martyrdom of religious figures. Iranian singers of both classical and folk music may improvise the lyric and the melody within the proper musical mode. Many Iranian folk songs have the potential of being adapted into major or minor tonalities, and therefore, a number of Iranian folk songs were arranged for orchestral accompaniment. Many of Iran's old folkloric songs were revitalized through
22100-427: The meter and mode of chanting. Indian classical music (marga) is monophonic , and based on a single melody line or raga rhythmically organized through talas . The poem Cilappatikaram provides information about how new scales can be formed by modal shifting of the tonic from an existing scale. Present day Hindi music was influenced by Persian traditional music and Afghan Mughals. Carnatic music , popular in
22270-440: The modern classical concert, religious processions, classical music festivals or music competitions . Chamber music , which is music for a small ensemble with only one or a few of each type of instrument, is often seen as more intimate than large symphonic works. Musical improvisation is the creation of spontaneous music, often within (or based on) a pre-existing harmonic framework, chord progression , or riffs . Improvisers use
22440-401: The modern times, was developed by the late Qajar and early Pahlavi periods. In addition to instrumental compositions, some of Iran's symphonic pieces are based on the country's folk songs, and some are based on poetry of both classical and contemporary Iranian poets. Symphonische Dichtungen aus Persien ("Symphonic Poems from Persia"), a collection of Persian symphonic works, was performed by
22610-416: The more general sense, such as the way a listener hears a piercingly high piccolo note or whistling tone as higher in pitch than a deep thump of a bass drum . We also talk about pitch in the precise sense associated with musical melodies , basslines and chords . Precise pitch can only be determined in sounds that have a frequency that is clear and stable enough to distinguish from noise. For example, it
22780-580: The name as Jamshyd . In the eastern regions of Greater Iran , and by the Zoroastrians of the Indian subcontinent it is rendered as Jamshed Bahram , is an Iranian hero in Shahnameh . He is son of Goudarz and brother of Rohham , Giv and Hojir . In the story of Siavash, he and Zange-ye Shavaran are Siavash's counselors. They unsuccessfully try to convince Siavash not to go to Turan . When Siavash goes to Turan and abandons Iranian army, Bahram
22950-402: The names of Div and Druq. These two have male and female genders, and against every good thing in the world. In Iranian mythology, the world is always the scene of conflict between these evil and good forces. Ahura Mazda and Ahriman have been at war with each other since eternity, and life in the world is a reflection of the cosmic struggle of the two. Ahriman's place of residence is the north of
23120-702: The new subject matter. Composers continued to develop opera and ballet music, exploring new styles and themes. In the years after 1800, the music developed by Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Schubert introduced a more dramatic, expressive style. In Beethoven's case, short motifs , developed organically, came to replace melody as the most significant compositional unit (an example is the distinctive four note figure used in his Fifth Symphony ). Later Romantic composers such as Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky , Antonín Dvořák , and Gustav Mahler used more unusual chords and more dissonance to create dramatic tension. They generated complex and often much longer musical works. During
23290-459: The notes of the chord, various scales that are associated with each chord, and chromatic ornaments and passing tones which may be neither chord tones nor from the typical scales associated with a chord. Musical improvisation can be done with or without preparation. Improvisation is a major part of some types of music, such as blues , jazz , and jazz fusion , in which instrumental performers improvise solos, melody lines, and accompaniment parts. In
23460-481: The number of days in a week, month, and year in the Sasanian calendar . The theories these modal systems were based on are not known. However, writers of later periods have left a list of these modes and melodies. Some of them are named after epic figures, such as Kin-e Iraj ("Vengeance of Iraj"), Kin-e Siāvaš ("Vengeance of Siavash"), and Taxt-e Ardašir ("Throne of Ardashir"), some are named in honor of
23630-742: The oldest, c. 43,150–39,370 BP. The earliest material and representational evidence of Egyptian musical instruments dates to the Predynastic period , but the evidence is more securely attested in the Old Kingdom when harps , flutes and double clarinets were played. Percussion instruments, lyres , and lutes were added to orchestras by the Middle Kingdom . Cymbals frequently accompanied music and dance, much as they still do in Egypt today. Egyptian folk music , including
23800-574: The other identified elements of music are far from universally agreed upon. Below is a list of the three official versions of the "elements of music": In relation to the UK curriculum, in 2013 the term: "appropriate musical notations " was added to their list of elements and the title of the list was changed from the "elements of music" to the "inter-related dimensions of music". The inter-related dimensions of music are listed as: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure, and appropriate musical notations. The phrase "the elements of music"
23970-581: The parts are together from a rhythmic and tuning perspective. Many cultures have strong traditions of solo performance (in which one singer or instrumentalist performs), such as in Indian classical music, and in the Western art-music tradition. Other cultures, such as in Bali , include strong traditions of group performance. All cultures include a mixture of both, and performance may range from improvised solo playing to highly planned and organized performances such as
24140-695: The past and nature. Romantic music expanded beyond the rigid styles and forms of the Classical era into more passionate, dramatic expressive pieces and songs. Romantic composers such as Wagner and Brahms attempted to increase emotional expression and power in their music to describe deeper truths or human feelings. With symphonic tone poems , composers tried to tell stories and evoke images or landscapes using instrumental music. Some composers promoted nationalistic pride with patriotic orchestral music inspired by folk music . The emotional and expressive qualities of music came to take precedence over tradition. Romantic composers grew in idiosyncrasy, and went further in
24310-428: The performers have more freedom to make changes to the form of a song or piece. As such, in popular and traditional music styles, even when a band plays a cover song , they can make changes such as adding a guitar solo or inserting an introduction. A performance can either be planned out and rehearsed (practiced)—which is the norm in classical music, jazz big bands , and many popular music styles–or improvised over
24480-469: The piano. With the advent of the phonograph , records of popular songs, rather than sheet music became the dominant way that music lovers would enjoy their favourite songs. With the advent of home tape recorders in the 1980s and digital music in the 1990s, music lovers could make tapes or playlists of favourite songs and take them with them on a portable cassette player or MP3 player. Some music lovers create mix tapes of favourite songs, which serve as
24650-401: The playing or singing style or phrasing of the melodies. Composers and songwriters who present their own music are interpreting their songs, just as much as those who perform the music of others. The standard body of choices and techniques present at a given time and a given place is referred to as performance practice , whereas interpretation is generally used to mean the individual choices of
24820-406: The possessors. In this period, Zoroastrian religion is presented and we see fundamental changes in the mythological history of Iran. The most important events of this period are related to Iran and Turan wars. The story of Arash belongs to the narratives of this period. In the Shahnameh, it is associated with the epic, and in it Rostam, who is a less prominent character in Zoroastrian texts, rises to
24990-529: The power of the Medes, a branch of Aryans migrated from Iran to India . That is why the ancient forms of Indian mythology are very similar to the ancient forms of Iranian mythology. The mythology of Iran was greatly influenced by the myths of the native peoples of the Iranian plateau and the myths of the Middle River. Researchers have shown these influences in many places in Iranian mythology. Indian and Iranian mythology are close in many ways. This proximity
25160-470: The presidency of Reformist Khatami , as a result of easing cultural restrictions within Iran, a number of new pop singers emerged from within the country. Since the new administration took office, the Ministry of Ershad adopted a different policy, mainly to make it easier to monitor the industry. The newly adopted policy included loosening restrictions for a small number of artists, while tightening it for
25330-705: The radio or record player) became the main way to learn about new songs and pieces. There was a vast increase in music listening as the radio gained popularity and phonographs were used to replay and distribute music; anyone with a radio or record player could hear operas, symphonies and big bands in their own living room. During the 19th century, the focus on sheet music had restricted access to new music to middle and upper-class people who could read music and who owned pianos and other instruments. Radios and record players allowed lower-income people, who could not afford an opera or symphony concert ticket, to hear this music. As well, people could hear music from different parts of
25500-428: The recording digitally. In the 1990s, bands in genres such as nu metal began including DJs in their bands. DJs create music by manipulating recorded music, using a DJ mixer . "Composition" is the act or practice of creating a song, an instrumental music piece, a work with both singing and instruments, or another type of music. In many cultures, including Western classical music, the act of composing also includes
25670-617: The religious and political institutions of not only Iran but of the Persosphere , which includes regions of West Asia , Central Asia , South Asia , and Transcaucasia where the culture of Iran has had significant influence. Historically, these were regions long ruled by dynasties of various Iranian empires, that incorporated considerable aspects of Persian culture through extensive contact with them, or where sufficient Iranian peoples settled to still maintain communities who patronize their respective cultures. It roughly corresponds to
25840-407: The rest. However, the number of album releases increased. The emergence of Iranian hip hop in the 2000s also resulted in major movements and influences in the music of Iran. The classical music of Iran consists of melody types developed through the country's classical and medieval eras. Dastgah , a musical mode in Iran's classical music, despite its popularity, has always been the preserve of
26010-710: The revival of Iranian cultural influences through the arrival of a number of Muslim Iranian dynasties, music became once again "one of the signs of rule". 9th-century Persian poet Rudaki , who lived under the reign of the Samanids , was also a musician and composed songs to his own poems. At the court of the Persianate Ghaznavid dynasty , who ruled Iran between 977 and 1186, 10th-century Persian poet Farrokhi Sistani composed songs together with songster Andalib and tanbur player Buqi. Lute player Mohammad Barbati and songstress Setti Zarrin-kamar also entertained
26180-529: The sacrifice for the evil gods was to pay them a ransom to stop killing people. Sacrifice was made for good gods to seek help and blessing from them. On the other side of the fence is Zahhak , a symbol of despotism who was, finally, defeated by Kāve , who led a popular uprising against him. Zahhak ( Avestan : Aži Dahāka ) was guarded by two vipers which grew out from both of his shoulders. No matter how many times they were beheaded, new heads grew on them to guard him. The snake, like in many other mythologies,
26350-553: The second half, rock music did the same. Jazz is an American musical artform that originated in the beginning of the 20th century, in African American communities in the Southern United States from a confluence of African and European music traditions. The style's West African pedigree is evident in its use of blue notes , improvisation , polyrhythms , syncopation , and the swung note . Rock music
26520-632: The southern states, is largely devotional; the majority of the songs are addressed to the Hindu deities. There are songs emphasizing love and other social issues. Indonesian music has been formed since the Bronze Age culture migrated to the Indonesian archipelago in the 2nd-3rd centuries BCE. Indonesian traditional music uses percussion instruments, especially kendang and gongs . Some of them developed elaborate and distinctive instruments, such as
26690-522: The southwest of the Iranian plateau , but they were not of the Aryan race. These tribes, who controlled the southern half of Iran, the west and the northwest, had their own special myths. Not much is known about their mythology. However, Kassites mythology has some similarities with later Iranian civilizations, namely the Medes and Persians , especially in the names. The mythology of the Elamites, who were
26860-586: The standard musical notation is the lead sheet , which notates the melody, chords, lyrics (if it is a vocal piece), and structure of the music. Fake books are also used in jazz; they may consist of lead sheets or simply chord charts, which permit rhythm section members to improvise an accompaniment part to jazz songs. Scores and parts are also used in popular music and jazz, particularly in large ensembles such as jazz " big bands ." In popular music, guitarists and electric bass players often read music notated in tablature (often abbreviated as "tab"), which indicates
27030-404: The task of raising the dead. Each of these dead people pass through the Chinvat Bridge . Pishdadian dynasty : Pishdadians are the first dynasty of Iranian history according to mythological texts, which are related to Kay Lohrasp . This series of kings who brought the beginning of human civilization to Iranians and were able to record fire and use of metals and other living things and capturing
27200-511: The top. These kings were probably considered the local kings of eastern Iran. Al-Biruni has compared the Achaemenids to the Kayanians in his works. However, it is clear that the last Kiyan king who is defeated by Alexander in mythological texts is the same Darius III of Achaemenid. A fusion of mythological history and real history: This period corresponds to the time when the Iranian mythological narrative coincides with concrete historical data such as stone inscriptions and Greek texts; It means
27370-463: The traditional Sufi dhikr rituals, are the closest contemporary music genre to ancient Egyptian music, having preserved many of its features, rhythms and instruments. The " Hurrian Hymn to Nikkal ", found on clay tablets in the ancient Syrian city of Ugarit , is the oldest surviving notated work of music, dating back to approximately 1400 BCE. Music was an important part of social and cultural life in ancient Greece , in fact it
27540-458: The world at that time, the world was divided into seven regions, the center of which was called Khoonirth, and six satellite lands were around it. The sky had three levels of star base, moon base and sun base. Dark Mountain, which was located in Alborz , was considered the center of the universe. The message of Iranian myths is the confrontation of two gems of good and evil. One is truth and the other
27710-404: The world was round and flat like a plate. The sky was also imagined as stone and hard as a diamond. The earth in the center was completely flat and untouched, and there was no movement between the earth, the moon, and the stars. But everything changed by Ahura Mazda . The dynamism arose, the mountains were created, the rivers flowed, and the moon and stars began to rotate. In the general picture of
27880-417: The world. Creation takes place within twelve thousand mythological years. These twelve thousand years are divided into four periods of three thousand years. The first three thousand years begins with the birth of two children named Ahura Maza and Ahriman from Zarvan. In the first three thousand years, the world is Minoan and there is still neither place nor time. In this period, two entities are mentioned. One
28050-561: Was a symbol of evil, but many other animals and birds appear in Iranian mythology, and, especially, the birds were signs of good omens . Most famous of these is the Simurgh , a large, beautiful, and powerful bird; and the Huma bird , a royal bird of victory whose plume adorned Persian crowns. Peri (Avestan Pairika ), a beautiful albeit evil woman in early mythology, gradually became less evil and more beautiful. The conflict between good and evil
28220-610: Was introduced into Iran's popular music by the emergence of artists such as Viguen , who was known as Iran's " Sultan of Jazz ". Viguen's first song, Moonlight , which was released in 1954, was an instant hit on the radio and is considered highly influential. Indigenous Iranian elements, such as classical musical forms and poetry, have also been incorporated into Iranian jazz. Rana Farhan , an Iranian jazz and blues singer living in New York, combines classical Persian poetry with modern jazz and blues. Her best-known work, Drunk With Love ,
28390-464: Was known as the "House of Song" ( garōdmān in Middle Persian ), "where music induced perpetual joy". Musical instruments were not accompanied with formal Zoroastrian worship, but they were used in the festivals. Sasanian musical scenes are depicted especially on silver vessels and some wall reliefs. The reign of Sasanian ruler Khosrow II is regarded as a "golden age" for Iranian music. He
28560-456: Was one of Iran's first musicians to perform with a guitar. Following the 1979 Revolution , the music industry of Iran went under a strict supervision, and pop music was prohibited for almost two decades. Women were banned from singing as soloists for male audiences. In the 1990s, the new regime began to produce and promote pop music in a new standardized framework, in order to compete with the abroad and unsanctioned sources of Iranian music. Under
28730-501: Was one of the main subjects taught to children. Musical education was considered important for the development of an individual's soul. Musicians and singers played a prominent role in Greek theater , and those who received a musical education were seen as nobles and in perfect harmony (as can be read in the Republic, Plato ). Mixed gender choruses performed for entertainment, celebration, and spiritual ceremonies. Instruments included
28900-507: Was the grandchild of Kay Lohrasp . Esfandiyār is best known for the tragic story of a battle with Rostam . It is one of the longest episodes in Shahnameh and is one of its literary highlights. Vis and Rāmin : a classical Persian love story . The epic was composed in poetry by Fakhruddin As'ad Gurgani in the 11th century. Gurgani claimed a Sasanian origin for the story, but it is now regarded as of Parthian dynastic origin, probably from
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