Characteristics
The following characteristics are shared between Iranian and other Central Asian music:
* The music is mainly monophonic, with each instrument in an ensemble following one melodic scheme.
* The music is based upon a modal system; with each mode engendering different melodic types, called gushehs in Farsi. The execution of the melodic types are left up to the musician.
* The use of microtones divides the scales into more than twelve semi-tones.
* A priority is given to ornamentation.
* There are a number of substantial pauses in each piece.
The following are characteristics which distinguish Persian music from other Central Asian music:
* Melodies are concentrated on a relatively narrow register.
* Melodic movement occurs by conjunct steps.
* Emphasis is on cadence, symmetry, and motivic repetition at different pitches.
* Rhythmic patterns are kept simple.
* The tempo is often rapid, and the ornamentation is dense.
* Vocal parts are often decorated with Tahrir, a vocal ornamentation similar to yodeling.
* Also, Iranian music is unique in the Middle Eastern tradition in that the different melodic phrases, or gushes are supposed to model the rhythmic stamp and melodic pattern of poetry.
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