The Art of Persian Music uses a multimedia, multifaceted approach to introduce the music and culture of Iran through its art. Persian music is as fine, subtle, and beautiful as a Persian carpet, and yet for the most part it has remained unknown in the West. It has unique aesthetic qualities quite different from Western music. It is monophonic, undramatic, and mostly solo, with rich modal variety and melodic subtlety--an intimate music of the spirit most appreciated by the initiated. This book provides the keys and definitions essential for understanding Persian music: its history, instruments, repertory, organisation, rhythms, and modes (or dastaghs). Through quotes and anecdotes by and about masters past and present, the reader can grasp the ethos, spirit, and philosophy of Persian music. Filled with exquisite illustrations of instruments and musicians from museums around the world, as well poetry and calligraphy, this volume will introduce the enthusiast both to the whole aesthetic of Persian art and the art of Persian music. Although it is based on the most recent scholarship, this book is intended for the general audience. All details superfluous to the general reader have been intentionally omitted. But The Art of Persian Music is not just a compilation from past sources -- it is full of new ideas and insights that illuminate the state of contemporary Persian music and reward both the layman and the specialist. Anthology of Persian Music, the 72 minute compact disc which comes with the book gives the reader and listener a taste of some musical styles, both rare and remarkable. Includes Audio-CD.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
This innovative introduction to the music and culture of Iran combines text, illustrations, and a sampler disk in a single package. Important terms, instruments, repertories, and personalities are cataloged and thoroughly explained, making it accessible to anyone interested. The high price tag is the only drawback. However, the distressing increase in oversimplified, popular accounts of Middle Eastern culture makes this serious study all the more valuable. For large music collections.
- Mark Annichiarico, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Mark Annichiarico, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
Introduces the reader to several important aspects of Persian music: scales, rhythms, and forms. . . . The book is lavishly illustrated and accompanied by a CD providing a short historical anthology of Persian music recordings. Well written, with good bibliography and index. -- Choice Magazine
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
OK for background info., but NOT enough technical detail,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Art of Persian Music (Hardcover)
I was disappointed that this book did not go into much technical detail about Persian music. It seems to be more of a coffee table book than a substantive reference text.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Splendid book and yes it is for a coffee table,
By
This review is from: The Art of Persian Music (Hardcover)
This book is absolutely splendid. Infact, I am sad that it is out of print, since I wanted to buy multiple copies as gifts. The book is phenomenal in that it is more of a kind of partly-academic partly-mystical partly-historical exploration of the nature of the varied persian instruments, the attitudes that govern the general persian music style, and insights are offered into the masters and their opinions on what persian music essentially conveys, and the rigors involved in the master-disciple relationship. It is beautiful specially in that it explores the mystical dimension of persian music, Sufism/Irfan being quite inseperable from music. It delves very minimally into the technical music theory of persian music, something I didn't care too much for, since I already have encountered manuals that serve this purpose. But the book is accompanied by rare quotes from Hafez, Dr.Nasr, and various sources such as interviews of Ostads (masters) from many decades ago. Also, the text is accompanied by various beautiful pictures of instruments and Persian miniatures illustrating the intruments used in courtyard revelry.
An absolute must have, if you enjoy listening to Traditional Persian Music.
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