By Mana Poursmaeil, PhD Student
One of the disc records in our Ethnomusicology Archive & Lab features a rare album by the Iranian composer and singer Nasser Rastegar-Nejad, whose work stands out as a unique fusion of traditional and popular musical styles. While the album incorporates classical Iranian court instruments, its overall tone evokes the vibrant street music of 1950s Iran. This blend of classical instrumentation with accessible compositions and lyrics creates a distinct musical experience.
The album’s cover notes state: “Nejad is heard in the Warner Bros film Performance; he also composed and performed the score for the off-Broadway show The Persian (APA-Phonex, Spring 1970), receiving favorable reviews from The New York Times and other publications.” The notes also highlight the Santur, a classical Iranian instrument with a deep cultural history. The recording took place at Electra Sound Record in New York, adding an international layer to its historical significance.
Stay tuned as we continue to regularly post highlights and gems from our Ethnomusicology Archive & Lab!
