Classical Music of Iran

Iranian classical music, or Persian art music, is a sophisticated tradition rooted in centuries of history. It features intricate melodies called "dastgahs," which encompass modes and related motifs, allowing expressive improvisation. Instruments like the tar, setar, santur, and ney play central roles, producing nuanced sounds. This music emphasizes emotive depth, poetic lyricism, and complex rhythm patterns. Often linked to poetry and spiritual themes, Iranian classical music maintains its cultural significance through performance in formal settings, preserving a rich heritage that balances composition, improvisation, and deep melodic structures.