Santoor
۲۰ مهر ۱۴۰۳ ۱۴۰۳-۰۷-۲۰ ۱۴:۰۴Santoor
Santoor: The Heavenly Hammered Dulcimer of Persian Classical Music
When the santoor’s delicate hammers dance across its 72 strings, they release shimmering cascades of sound that have defined Persian classical music for centuries. This trapezoidal wonder – neither quite string nor percussion – creates the celestial tones that accompany Iran’s most profound musical poetry.
Echoes from Antiquity: The Santoor’s Timeless Journey
The santoor’s ancestors appear in Babylonian carvings (1600 BCE) and Sassanian mosaics (3rd century CE). While similar instruments exist across Asia, the Persian santoor distinguishes itself through:
Key Historical Developments:
- Medieval Persia: Central to court radif traditions
- Qajar Era: Standardization of 72-string configuration
- 20th Century: Transition from accompaniment to solo instrument
Anatomy of Resonance: How a Santoor is Crafted
Every element contributes to its signature sound:
Precision Components:
- Body: Walnut or maple wood (90cm width × 35cm depth)
- Strings: 72 brass/steel strings (4 courses of 18)
- Bridges: 27 movable kharak (goat-shaped) bridges
- Hammers: Walnut mezrab with felt tips
The Art of Santoor Technique
The Santoor in Persian Musical Tradition
Classical Performance
In radif repertoire, the santoor:
- Interprets dastgah modal systems
- Accompanies avaz vocal improvisation
- Performs pishdaramad preludes
Contemporary Innovations
- Fusion with Western orchestras
- Electronic santoor hybrids
- Cross-cultural collaborations
Masters of the Hammers
Parviz Meshkatian (1955-2009)
The poet of santoor who:
- Composed seminal Radif-Navazi works
- Pioneered new fingering techniques
- Elevated santoor to solo prominence
Contemporary Virtuosos
- Ardavan Kamkar: Pushes technical boundaries
- Pashang Kamkar: Cross-genre experiments
- Navid Afghah: Microtonal innovations
The Santoor’s Global Resonance
Today’s santoor renaissance includes:
- Academic programs at Tehran Music Conservatory
- International santoor festivals
- Therapeutic sound healing applications
Begin Your Journey: Listen to Meshkatian’s Dastan album or explore workshops at the Center for Persian Music to discover why this ancient instrument continues to enchant listeners worldwide.
Teachers
