The musical language Elements of Persian musical language: modes, rhythm and syntax

In treating the subject of musical language, a Persian musician would be intrinsically drawn to the structural similarities between the Persian music and language. Indeed Persian music and language are extremely related in their metrics, intonations and structural phrases (syntax). Although we will draw upon this relationship, our aim in this article is to present “music as a language,” consisting of acoustic, melodic, and rhythmic, elements, which together create a musical expression or a “musical language.” Persian music is a modal music. It applies a multi-modal system called the dastgâh which presents a macro form for a performance. This form refers to melodic models, each called a gushe, along with rhythmic compositions, including pishdarâmad, charmezrâb, tasnif, and reng. Basically Persian music has been preserved and transmitted through a collection of melodies. These canonical melodies, which serve as models for all compositions and improvisations are organized into a body of music referred to as the radif, including seven dastgâhs and their derivatives.