Classical Music of Iran, Vol. 1: The Dastgah Systems

The repertoire of melody patterns in traditional Persian art music is organized into systems or modes. The seven main systems are called dastagh, and the five secondary systems are avaz. Classical Music of Iran, Vol. 1: The Dastgah Systems presents examples of both. The music usually consists of a solo instrument or instrument plus voice, often singing verses from mystic Persian poets. Musicians improvise off a traditional melody and use a number of instruments, such as the tar (6-string lute), santour (hammered dulcimer), and kamancheh (stringed instrument similar to violin). Liner notes include an analysis of Persian music and track notes. Parts of this album, along with Classical Music of Iran, Vol. 2: The Dastgah Systems were reissued in 1991 as SFW40039.

Track Listing

101	Dastgah of Mahour	Ahmad Ebadi	09:18
102	Avaz of Esfahan (Secondary Dastgah of Homayoun)	Mohamad Heydari	07:33
103	Avaz of Afshari (Secondary Dastgah of Shour)	Ashgar Bahari	03:10
201	Dastgah of Shour	Khatereh Parvaneh	10:51
202	Dastgah of Chahrgah	Houshang Zarif	04:42
203	Dastgah of Homayoun	Hassan Kassayi	04:24
204	Drum Solo	Hossein Tehrani	04:24