Zoroastrian music is a genre of religious music that accompanies religious and traditional rites among the Zoroastrian people.
Although, certain ancient Zoroastrian traditions show a negative approach towards Zoroastrian melodies such as the pre-Islamic pastorals and minstrels, Zoroastrian music has been in the religion since it was founded.
Historical texts prove that prior to the arrival of Islam in Persia, Zoroastrians knew choral and solo performance songs. The majority of these songs are no longer performed, although Zoroastrian religious songs still do remain. The wording of these songs are attained from either from the Avesta, or from the Gathas (sayings attributed to Zoroaster). Islamic influence can be seen in the melodies of the Naderi method of prayer recitation and pilgrim's songs. The ancient tambourine music of Kermanshah (in Iran) is similar to some kinds of Zoroastrian music.
Due to the death of mobeds, many Zoroastrian customs have been forgotten and only a few remain.
Famous quotes containing the word music:
“But listen, up the road, something gulps, the church spire
Opens its eight bells out, skulls’ mouths which will not tire
To tell how there is no music or movement which secures
Escape from the weekday time. Which deadens and endures.”
—Louis MacNeice (1907–1963)