Majid Derakhshani
Encyclopedia
Majid Derakhshani is an acclaimed Iran
ian musician.
He was born into a family of artists from the Iran
ian province Semnan. During his studies of string instruments and composition at the University of Tehran
, the legendary Mohammad Reza Lotfi became his teacher.
Subsequent to his emigration to Germany
he founded the Nawa Musikzentrum in Cologne
; the primary and most active center for Persian classical music outside of Iran. In Iran Majid Derakhshani is deemed to be amongst the best on his instrument – the tar
. Hence he carries the venerable title Ostad, denoting him as a master of his instrument. His virtuosity has been celebrated worldwide in festivals, concerts, radio and television productions.
He has composed for myriads of international musicians, such as the greatly renowned Iranian singer Mohammad Reza Shajarian
(Album Dar Khial). Majid’s declared ambition is to familiarize western culture with Iranian classical music. He views himself as an ambassador of these magnificently mystical melodies which themselves lead dynamic lives of their own where change is certain and compulsory. Thus, a novel musical style developed, that spices oriental music with European elements. The subliminal magic of his harmonies enthrall unswervingly, enchanting people of all ages. Especially in a time replete with one-dimensional and superficial stimulation, this music may serve to enlighten us.
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
ian musician.
He was born into a family of artists from the Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
ian province Semnan. During his studies of string instruments and composition at the University of Tehran
University of Tehran
The University of Tehran , also known as Tehran University and UT, is Iran's oldest university. Located in Tehran, the university is among the most prestigious in the country, and is consistently selected as the first choice of many applicants in the annual nationwide entrance exam for top Iranian...
, the legendary Mohammad Reza Lotfi became his teacher.
Subsequent to his emigration to Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
he founded the Nawa Musikzentrum in Cologne
Cologne
Cologne is Germany's fourth-largest city , and is the largest city both in the Germany Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia and within the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Area, one of the major European metropolitan areas with more than ten million inhabitants.Cologne is located on both sides of the...
; the primary and most active center for Persian classical music outside of Iran. In Iran Majid Derakhshani is deemed to be amongst the best on his instrument – the tar
Tar (lute)
The tār is a long-necked, waisted Iranian instrument. It has been adopted by other cultures and Azerbaijan. The word tar itself means "string" in Persian, though it might have the same meaning in languages influenced by Persian or any other branches of Iranian languages like Kurdish...
. Hence he carries the venerable title Ostad, denoting him as a master of his instrument. His virtuosity has been celebrated worldwide in festivals, concerts, radio and television productions.
He has composed for myriads of international musicians, such as the greatly renowned Iranian singer Mohammad Reza Shajarian
Mohammad Reza Shajarian
Mohammad-Reza Shajarian is an internationally and critically acclaimed Persian traditional singer, composer and ostad of Persian music...
(Album Dar Khial). Majid’s declared ambition is to familiarize western culture with Iranian classical music. He views himself as an ambassador of these magnificently mystical melodies which themselves lead dynamic lives of their own where change is certain and compulsory. Thus, a novel musical style developed, that spices oriental music with European elements. The subliminal magic of his harmonies enthrall unswervingly, enchanting people of all ages. Especially in a time replete with one-dimensional and superficial stimulation, this music may serve to enlighten us.