Setar
۱۴ مهر ۱۴۰۳ ۱۴۰۳-۰۷-۱۴ ۱۴:۰۵Setar
Setar: The Soulful Lute of Persian Classical Music
When a setar player’s fingers dance across its delicate strings, they release the whispered secrets of Persian poetry in musical form. This ‘three-stringed’ (se-tar) wonder – despite now having four – produces the most intimate tones in Iran’s classical repertoire, capable of conveying both profound melancholy and ecstatic joy through its nuanced vibrations.
Echoes from Medieval Persia: The Setar’s Evolution
The setar’s lineage connects to ancient lutes like the barbat (4th century CE), evolving into its current form during the Safavid dynasty (1501-1736). While its name suggests three strings, modern setars feature four – a testament to its organic development:
Key Transformations:
- 15th Century: Emergence as distinct from the oud
- 18th Century: Addition of the fourth sympathetic string
- Qajar Era: Standardization of 25-28 movable frets
Anatomy of a Whisper: The Setar’s Construction
Every element contributes to its ethereal sound:
Precision Components:
- Body: Carved from single block of walnut (50-60cm length)
- Neck: Mulberry wood with bone/brass frets
- Strings: 3 steel + 1 brass sympathetic string
- Decoration: Khatam-kari (Persian marquetry) inlay
The Art of Setar Technique
The Setar in Persian Musical Tradition
Radif Repertoire
In classical dastgah systems, the setar:
- Interprets gusheh melodic motifs
- Accompanies avaz vocal improvisation
- Performs chaharmezrab rhythmic pieces
Contemporary Innovations
- Fusion with jazz and world music
- Extended techniques like harmonic tapping
- Electric setar adaptations
Masters of the Four Strings
Mirza Abdollah (1843-1918)
The father of modern setar who:
- Systematized radif repertoire
- Established classical techniques
- Trained generations of masters
Contemporary Virtuosos
- Mohammad Reza Lotfi: Pushed technical boundaries
- Dariush Talai: Preserved authentic styles
- Hossein Alizadeh: Fusion innovations
Learning the Setar Today
The setar’s revival includes:
- Academic programs at Tehran University of Art
- Online tutorials reaching global students
- Youth ensembles blending tradition with innovation
Begin Your Journey: Listen to Lotfi’s Radif of Mirza Abdollah or explore workshops at the Center for Persian Music Preservation to discover why this delicate instrument continues to captivate hearts worldwide.
