Traditional Iranian Music: Orality, Physicality and Improvisation

Explore the intricacies of traditional Iranian music through orality, physicality, and improvisation.

In Traditional Iranian Music, Masato Tani delves into the heart of this rich musical tradition, revealing how Iranian musicians view their art as an ever-evolving, never-repeated experience. What are the underlying norms that make improvisation possible? How do individual expression and cultural heritage intertwine?

Tani, both a researcher and a santūr player, draws on years of fieldwork and personal experience to elucidate the senses, physicality, and mentality of Iranian musicians. This auto-ethnography offers a unique perspective on:

• The concept of improvisation in Iranian culture
• The role of orality and physicality in musical performance
• The learning process and the acquisition of musical norms

For musicians, ethnomusicologists, and anyone captivated by the beauty and complexity of Iranian music, this is an insightful and engaging exploration of a vibrant cultural tradition. Discover the secrets behind the music that is impossible to play in the same way twice.