Nagisa | |
|---|---|
| Born | 6th–7th centuries |
| Died | c. 628 |
| Other names | Nakisa |
| Occupations | Harpist, Composer |
| Known for | Noted harpist and composer of Sasanian music in the royal court ofKhosrow II |
| Notable work | Royal Khosrowvani |
Nagisa orNakisa was a notedharpist and composer ofSasanian music in theroyal court ofKhosrow II (r. 590–628).[1] She was singing in this court.
Nizami mentioned her in his bookKhosrow and Shirin.Amir Khosrow Dehlavi mentioned her in another story of Shirin and Khosrow.[2]
Themusic of Iran/Persia stretches to at least theprehistoricdepictions ofarched harps from 3300 to 3100 BCE,[3] though not until the 224–651 CESasanian Empire is substantial information available.[4]
This influx of Sasanian records suggests a prominent musical culture in the Empire,[5] especially in the areas dominated byZoroastrianism.[4]
Many SassanianShahanshahs were ardent supporters of music, including the founder of the empireArdashir I andBahram V.[4]Khosrow II (r. 590–628) was the most outstandingpatron, his reign being regarded as agolden age of Persian music.[4]
In addition to Nagisa, musicians in Khosrow's service included Āzādvar-e Changi,[n 1]Bāmshād,Rāmtin,Sarkash andBārbad,[7] who was the most famous.[8]
These musicians were usually active asminstrels, which were performers who worked as both court poets and musicians;[9] in the Sassanian Empire there was little distinction between poetry and music.[10]
Nagisa is believed to have been of Greek origin.[7]
She collaborated withBarbad[1] on her famousseptetpiece, theRoyal Khosrowvani (سرود خسروانى). The main themes of her songs were in praise of KingKhosrau II.
Barbad and Nagisa greatly influenced and contributed to the Persian musical system,Khosrowvani.[11] Accounts say that once Nakisa's audience was so moved by her performance that they passed out, or tore their garments (jame-daran).[12]
