Music

Iranian Instruments

The canonical instruments of Iranian classical music — the voices of the Radif.

18 entries

Tar — Iconic classical instrument of the Radif. Deep, projecting tone shaped by its double-bowl body and skin soundboard.

Setar — Intimate, breath-like sound; the contemplative sibling of the Tar.

Kamanche — The lyrical bowed voice of Iranian music—keen, vocal, and agile.

Santur — Shimmering cascades and crystalline resonance define its orchestral role.

Dotar — Epic-tale companion with earthy drone and bright articulation.

Tanbur — Mystic timbre associated with ritual hymns and trance-like cycles.

Qanun — Harp-like clarity with instant modulation via mandals.

Barbat (Ud) — Warm, round low-mid body; ancestor to the ud family.

Dayereh — Groove engine with sparkling jingle articulation.

Daf — Trance-driving ceremonial power with swirling overtones.

Tombak — Virtuosic solo instrument; the heartbeat of contemporary ensembles.

Rubab — Woody attack with halo of resonant sympathetic strings.

Balaban (Duduk family) — Velvety, mournful reed voice ideal for lyrical themes.

Sorna — Ceremonial powerhouse often paired with dohol.

Ney — Human-voice-like inflections, subtle and poetic.

Naqareh — Signal and spectacle—antiphonal drum dialogues.

Dozhale — Twin-voice reedy shimmer; rustic and hypnotic.

Karna — Monumental ceremonial trumpet for grand entries.