Sasanian music
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Sasanian music encompasses the music of the Sasanian Empire, which existed from 224 to 651 CE. Many Sasanian Shahanshahs were enthusiastic supporters of music, including the founder of the empire Arda
Marble mosaic of Sasanian harpist playing angular harp, c. 260 CE, from the palace of Shapur I in Bishapur.
7th century plate depicts Sasanian era musicians. The British Museum.
Barbad
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Barbad was a Persian musician-poet, music theorist and composer of Sasanian music. He served as chief minstrel-poet under the Shahanshah Khosrow II. A barbat player, he was the most distinguished Pers
Sasanian music
…Sasanian dynasty from 224 until 651 CE. In this era, many of Persian music's dastgahs and modes were invented, most of them traditionally attributed to Barbad. He employed 30 sounds for music. Naturally he recorded his inspirations and performed them for his audience, since if he did not, he could not play…
Detail of Barbad playing the barbat for Khosrow II. Imaginary painting by Muhammad-Mukim, 1664
Bahram Gur and Courtiers Entertained by Barbad the Musician (Barbad bottom right). From a manuscript of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, second half 17th century.
An illustration from a manuscript of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, depicting Barbad (top left) hidden in the trees playing for Khosrow (bottom right).
Barbad (left) playing music for Khosrow II