Music Making in Iran from the 15th to the Early 20th Century

Examines the music of Iran in its historical and social contexts between the 15th and early 20th centuries

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This book comprises a study of music in Iran from the Timurid period in the fifteenth century up until the end of the Qajar period at the beginning of the twentieth century. It examines many aspects of music making in this span of time including centres of musical patronage, the role of patrons, music theorists, music treatises, the social organization of musicians, courtesan and concubine culture, and performance contexts. It also compares descriptions of musical sessions and performance formats from different periods and considers Western influence, socio-political developments, and contact with other musical cultures. Music Making in Iran also scrutinizes the emergence and evolution of modal entities, rules for modulation, the formation of court repertoires, the development of rhythmic structures, vocal and instrumental genres, and forms of composition.