THE IRANIAN TRADITION OF THE OUD

The Iranian style of playing the oud is a unique tradition, shaped by the distinctive musical language of Persian classical music. The oud, historically known as the barbat in Iran, has deep roots in Persian musical culture and holds an important place in the region’s history. Persian traditions have also exerted a significant influence on the development of modal systems and the musical vocabulary of neighboring cultures.
Beginning in the Safavid period, the barbat gradually disappeared from musical practice in Iran and eventually faded from the core tradition of Persian classical music. After continuing to evolve in neighboring regions, the instrument returned to Iran during the 20th century. In the meantime, Persian classical music had undergone a profound transformation and had become structured around the system now known as dastgâh. The encounter between this instrument, which had returned to Iran, and this new musical context gave rise to a distinctive style of playing the oud, characterized by the ornamentation, modal progression, phrasing, rhythms, and aesthetic specific to the dastgâh tradition.

This workshop is dedicated to this repertoire and to this Iranian style of playing the oud.

Workshop Content

• Focus on the fundamentals of oud playing: posture, instrumental technique, articulation, and tone quality.

• Development of listening skills and understanding of the melodic structures specific to the dastgâh tradition.

• Study of the dastgâh modal system and its repertoire, including metered pieces and unmetered forms (âvâzi).

• Study of the traditional tasnif repertoire and, depending on participants’ interests, practice of singing accompanied by the oud.

• Practice of improvisation at the intermediate and advanced levels, building on acquired modal and musical knowledge.

• Oral transmission and learning through listening, essential elements of the musical tradition.

• Individual and group practice, tailored to each participant’s level, needs, and goals.

All levels welcome