An Introduction to Persian Classical Music: The Dastgah System

Persian classical music can sound free and improvised, yet it rests on a deep and carefully organised tradition. Its foundation is the radif, a large repertoire of melodic pieces called gusheh, traditionally passed from master to student by ear. In 2009 the radif of Iranian music was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Seven dastgahs

The radif is organised into seven main modal systems, or dastgahs: Shur, Homayun, Segah, Chahargah, Mahur, Rast-Panjgah and Nava. Each has its own scale, characteristic phrases and emotional colour. Alongside them are five avaz, smaller systems derived from Shur and Homayun: Abu Ata, Bayat-e Tork, Afshari, Dashti and Bayat-e Esfahan.

How a performance unfolds

A performer usually begins in the lower register of a dastgah and travels through its gushehs, modulating and rising before returning home. Much of it is improvised within the rules of the tradition, which is why no two performances are the same.

Instruments to listen for

• Tar and setar: long-necked lutes, the setar softer and more intimate.
• Santur: a hammered dulcimer with a shimmering sound.
• Kamancheh: a spike fiddle played with a bow.
• Ney: an end-blown reed flute.
• Tombak and daf: goblet drum and frame drum.

Listen for these sounds on Persian Nights, our programme dedicated to the music of Iran.