Sasanian music encompasses the music of theSasanian Empire, which existed from 224 to 651 CE. Many SasanianShahanshahs were enthusiastic supporters of music, including the founder of the empireArdashir I andBahram V.[1] In particular,Khosrow II (r. 590–628) was an outstandingpatron, his reign being regarded as agolden age ofPersian music.[1]
Persian classical music dates to the sixth century BCE; during the time of theAchaemenid Empire (550–331 BCE), music played an important role in prayer and in royal and national events. But Persian music had its zenith during the Sasanian dynasty from 224 until 651 CE.
In this era, many of Persian music'sdastgahs and modes were invented, most of them traditionally attributed toBarbad. He employed 30sounds for music. Naturally he recorded his inspirations and performed them for his audience, since if he did not, he could not play them again.
Dance andchanson were prevalent in courtbanquets. It said that on several occasions Persian musicians and dancers were given to the court ofChinese emperors by Sassanid kings, implying the high reputation and virtuosity of Persian musicians and dancers in that era. Another important role that music played was in the reception of foreign diplomats and kings from neighbouring countries, such asByzantine orHephthalites.
Five centuries after Barbad's death,Farabi made a record of all the musicalpieces of his period and described the ancient note recording method.
The history of musical performance in Sassanid Iran is however better documented than earlier periods. This is specially more evident in the context ofZoroastrian ritual.[1]
By the time ofKhusro Parviz, the Sassanid royal court was the host ofprominent musicians. In general the period ofKhosro Parviz reign is regarded as a "golden age of Iranian music" and himself is shown in a large relief atTaq-e Bostan among his musicians and himself holding bow and arrows and while standing in a boat amidst a group of harpists. Therelief depicts two boats and the whole picture shows these boats at "two successive moments within the same panel".[1]
The musical instruments which appear distinctly on the Sassanid sculptures are the harp, thehorn, theDaf, thedrum and theflute orpipe.
Theharp is triangular, and has sevenstrings; it is held in the lap, and played apparently by both hands.
The drum is of small size.
The horns and pipes are too crudely represented for their exact character to be apparent.
Concerted pieces seem to have been sometimes played by harpers only, of whom as many as ten or twelve joined in the execution. Mixed bands were more numerous.
In one instance the number of performers amounts to twenty−six, of whom seven play the harp, an equal number the flute or pipe, three the horn, one the drum, while eight are too slightly rendered for their instruments to be recognized. A portion of the musicians occupy an elevated orchestra, to which there is access by a flight of steps.
By the time ofKhusro Parviz, the Sassanid royal court was the host of prominent musicians such as[2]
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