Iranian Classical Music

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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

Music: Classical

Music: World: Middle East & Africa

Exploring the rich traditions of Persian classical music and what makes it classical.

Over the course of three episodes, we explore the rich traditions of Persian classical music and what makes it classical.

Over the course of three episodes, we explore the rich traditions of Persian classical music and what makes it classical. With roots in the urban and courtly traditions, we hear works of the long pre-Islamic period and the Greek, Jewish and Christian musical theories and practices behind them. We explore how the arrival of Islam and the influence of neighbouring Arab musicians brought new modes, scales and rhythms to the music. And as a new genre of composed pieces arrived in the 20th century, we hear the works that have shaped Persian classical music over the last century. These traditions cross borders, and we hear how Persian classical music is performed in Afghanistan, India and Central Asia.

Iranian Classical Music: Persian Classical Music after the Islamic Revolution

Persian Classical Music after the Islamic Revolution

BBC Radio 3 - Iranian Classical Music, Persian Classical Music after the Islamic Revolution

Mahsa Vahdat explores the music created after 1979 and the Islamic Revolution.

Mahsa Vahdat explores the music created after 1979 and the Islamic Revolution, and how, despite restrictions and bans, musicians were still able to write and perform.

Iranian singer and educator, Mahsa Vahdat, with the third episode of her three part series on Iranian - or Persian - Classical Music. In this episode she explores the music created after 1979 and the Islamic Revolution, and how against restrictions and bans, musicians were still able to write and perform. Mahsa shares her memories of this time, of attending her first public concert, and how women musicians responded by giving private concerts in their homes and - where possible - performing overseas. We hear from some of the younger musicians performing today in Iran, such as oud player Yasamin Shahhosseini, and Mahsa ends with a performance by her and her sister of a song called 'Daram Omidi', or 'Twinklings of Hope'.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

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Iranian Classical Music

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