Mohammad Reza Shajarian Avaz In Iran And Beyond: 1979-2010

In the realm of Persian classical music, few names hold as much reverence as Mohammad Reza Shajarian. Renowned for his powerful and mesmerizing vocals, Shajarian established himself as a master of the art form, captivating audiences both in Iran and beyond. From the period of 1979 to 2010, his musical journey carved out a unique legacy that continues to inspire generations of musicians and music enthusiasts.

Early Years and Musical Foundation

Mohammad Reza Shajarian was born on September 23, 1940, in Mashhad, Iran. Growing up in a family of musicians, he was exposed to the rich traditions of Persian classical music from an early age. Influenced by the works of renowned maestros, such as Ghamar Molouk Vaziri and Esmaeil Mehrtash, Shajarian honed his skills and embarked on a lifelong journey to explore the beauty and complexity of Avaz.

Shajarian's unparalleled ability to convey emotion and evoke deep feelings through his voice quickly gained recognition, leading him to become a student of maestro Esmaeil Mehrtash. Under Mehrtash's guidance, Shajarian absorbed the intricate nuances of Persian classical music, delving into the various modes and structures that define Avaz.

Mohammad Reza Shajarian's Avaz in Iran and Beyond, 1979–2010

by Rob Simms(Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4816 KB
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Impact and Influence

As Shajarian rose to prominence, his captivating performances and collaborations with distinguished poets and composers garnered widespread acclaim. His unique interpretations of classical Persian poems, combined with his extraordinary vocal range and control, elevated the status of Avaz and attracted a devoted international following.

Shajarian's impact extended beyond his captivating performances. He dedicated his life to the preservation and promotion of Persian classical music, working tirelessly to replicate the essence of Avaz through teaching and mentoring young talents. By nurturing the next generation of musicians, he ensured the continuity of this timeless art form.

A Voice of Resistance

Mohammad Reza Shajarian's musical journey intersected with significant political and social changes in Iran. Amidst the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Shajarian's distinctive voice became a powerful tool for expressing dissent and resistance. His songs spoke to the struggles faced by ordinary Iranians during this period of immense change and uncertainty.

Shajarian's courageous stance and refusal to conform to traditional expectations made him an icon of the Iranian Resistance Movement. His music became a symbol of hope and resilience, connecting people across different generations and uniting them in the face of adversity.

Legacy

The legacy of Mohammad Reza Shajarian extends far beyond his time. His contributions to Persian classical music and Avaz will forever remain significant. Throughout his career, Shajarian received numerous accolades and honors, including the UNESCO Picasso Medal and the prestigious Nushin Medal from the Iranian Academy of Arts.

Tragically, Mohammad Reza Shajarian passed away on October 8, 2020. However, his influence, passion, and dedication continue to inspire musicians and music enthusiasts worldwide. The unmistakable timbre of his voice and the emotional depth he brought to every performance ensure that his legacy remains alive, allowing future generations to experience the transformative power of Avaz.

Whether you are a devoted fan or someone new to the mesmerizing world of Persian classical music, exploring the illustrious career of Mohammad Reza Shajarian is an enchanting journey that unveils the beauty and richness of Avaz. Step into this musical world, discover the magic of his voice, and immerse yourself in the timeless melodies that have left an indelible mark.

Mohammad Reza Shajarian's Avaz in Iran and Beyond, 1979–2010

by Rob Simms(Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4816 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	306 pages

FREE

Mohammad Reza Shajarian’s Avaz in Iran and Beyond, 1979–2010 is a comprehensive study of the legacy of Mohammad Reza Shajarian, the greatest living exponent of avaz, the traditional art of singing classical Persian poetry. Picking up where the authors’ previous volume (The Art of Avaz and Mohammad Reza Shajarian: Foundations and Contexts) left off, this study examines the landmark recordings Shajarian made following the Islamic Revolution of 1979 as artistic masterpieces of avaz and as shrewd, mass-mediated expressions of frustration and dissent that boldly crystallized public sentiments under highly repressive conditions. These recordings transformed Shajarian into a national icon in Iran and through the diaspora. The book traces the subsequent expansion of Shajarian’s music and presence in ever-widening circles to his current global profile, powerfully underlined by his receipt of prestigious awards from UNESCO and other global institutions. Shajarian’s artistic accomplishments, including his recent activity in designing and crafting a range of new stringed instruments, and socio-political significance are placed in the broader context of Iranian musical culture in the decades following the Revolution. In surveying Shajarian’s legacy, this study concludes with questions arising from the Election Crisis of 2009—where he was popularly proclaimed as “Master of the Green Movement” (Ostad-e Sabz) for his outspoken opposition to the violent crackdown—the subsequent political stalemate, and how these dynamics resonate with issues of the present state and relevance of Persian classical music in the twenty-first century. This book forms the of the most detailed study to date of the music, life, and environment of the most influential musician in Iranian classical music of the past three decades.