This media item will not play in the Internet software you are currently using.
Classical music in Iran has a long history that is connected to the music of medieval Persia and a rich solo performance tradition. Under the religious provisions and social system of Islam, Persian art music was relegated to private practice. This type of seclusion, however, has led to the preservation of this music in its original form for an unusually long period of time. The instrument featured in this recording is the santur, a hammered dulcimer played with wooden mallets.
"Avaz of Bayate Esfahan" from Classical Music of Iran: The Dastgah Systems (Cat.# Smithsonian-Folkways CD SF 40039) (p)1991 Smithsonian-Folkways Records. All rights reserved.