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:
“This music crept by me upon the waters,
Allaying both their fury and my passion
With its sweet air; thence have I followed it,
Or it hath drawn me rather.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)