Folk Music of Iran

The modal ideas in Persian traditional music are directly connected with that of the classical music. Though, improvisation plays a minor role as traditional tunes are characterized by relatively clear-cut melodic rhythmic properties. The function of each of the folk melody determines its mood. The changing aesthetic requirement of wedding songs, love song, lullabies, dance pieces and harvest songs etc, are met with the transparent and appropriate simplicity. The majority of the classical instruments are too big and complex for the traditional artists. Instead, there are literally dozens of musical instruments of different kinds found among the local people. In fact, place of the country can boast instruments peculiar to itself. There are three types of instruments though, that are common to all parts of the country. They are, a kind of shawn known as the Surnay (or Sorna; Zorna), the different types of Ney (which is known as flute) and the Dohol, a doubleheaded drum.

source of picture: donaldsweblog.blogspot.com

Persian music includes a combine Persian-western music that functions as famous commercial music. The use of western famous rhythms, an elementary vocal superimposition, and relatively large ensembles composed of mostly western instruments, characterize this music. The melodic and modal parts of these compositions maintain basically Persian elements. Iran is a home to many ethnic orchestras that include the Bakhtiari, Baluchi and Kurds peoples, Turkmen epic poets similar to the Central Asian artists are common in Khorasan, while the Kudish music is known for its double-reed duduk and an earthy, dance oriented sound. The most popular personalities in Iranian traditional music are Pari Zangeneh and Sima Bina.