Contents

Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Preface vii
3. Contents xi
4. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS xii
5. Note on the Transliteration of Persian Words xiv
6. Symbols used in Musical Expressions xv
7. Abbreviations xviii
8. Introduction The Present State of Music in Iran 1
9. 1 The Historical Background 17
10. 2 The Theory of Persian Art Music 41
11. 3 The Radif of Persian Art Music 62
12. 4 The Practice of Persian Art Music: Improvisation 98
13. 5 The Practice of Persian Art Music: Rhythm and Form 126
14. 6 Persian Musical Instruments 149
15. 7 Traditional Persian Music in Modern Iran 185
16. Appendix A The Medieval Rhythmic Modes 205
17. Appendix Β Excerpts from the Bahjat al Ruh 209
18. Bibliography 213
19. Discography 228
20. Index 229