Mohammad Reza Shajarian – محمدرضا شجريان (23 September 1940 – 8 October 2020) was an internationally and critically acclaimed Persian classical singer, composer and Ostad (master) of Persian music. He was considered “Iran’s greatest living master of traditional Persian music.” Shajarian was also known for his skills in Persian calligraphy, and humanitarian activities.
Both within Iran and worldwide, Mohammad Reza Shajarian was widely considered the foremost exponent of Persian classical music (dastgah).
Vocalist & Composer
Mohammad Reza Shajarian was the undisputed master of Persian traditional (classical) singing and was regarded as a national treasure by both musicians and music lovers. He was perhaps Iran’s most diverse and prolific singer of all time and has a huge repertory of recorded works.
Kayhan Kalhor: If you live in certain locations you may be able to view the exclusive screening of the film #lostinthedesertsky Kayhan Kalhor in Memory of Mohammad Reza Shajarian.
Hossein Alizadeh: see works by Mohammad Reza Shajarian, Hossein Alizadeh, Kayhan Kalhor, Homayoun Shajarian
One of the 50 greatest voices of all time
About Shajarian
Shajarian was considered as one of the most celebrated world music artists. His singing was widely believed to be technically flawless, powerful, and strongly emotional. In Persian classical Dastgah music, singing is the most difficult art to master and Shajarian is the embodiment of the perfect singer and a major source of inspiration. In 1999 UNESCO in France presented him with the prestigious Picasso Award, one of Europe’s highest honors.
Musical Instruments
Previously, we had no counterparts for international double-bass and bass instruments among our national instruments (Iranian instruments). Alongside M.R Shajarian, these instruments have had the opportunity to be played on major stages, for their sound to be heard in hands of virtuoso musicians, for their capabilities to be witnessed and to emerge victorious through examinations. Shajarian always encouraged that, even for once, you hold any instrument in your hands, play it and taste the sonority, so that you find how close it is to your musical gusto.
Latest
The Voice of Dust and Ash, Film
The film is the directorial debut of Iranian filmmaker Mandana Biscotti. It features appearances by several Iranian notables in the Arts and Academia. The score is by three-time Academy Award-nominated composer J. Ralph, whose credits include Man on Wire, The Cove, Virunga, Racing Extinction, and Jim: The James Foley Story. Watch trailer on Youtube.