Famous Iranians - Mohammad Reza Shajariyan
- 1940 - Born in Mashad, Khorasan Province
- 1959 - Began singing career with Radio Khorasan
- 1999 - Presented with UNESCO Picasso Medal for artistic achievement
- 2001 - Sellout tour of North America
- 2020 - Died 8 October 2020 in Tehran aged 80
In today's world of Iranian music, Mohammad Reza Shajariyan is regarded as the undisputed master of Iranian classical singing. His singing style blends intense passion with tenderness and his mastery of the traditional vocal radif is second to none
At just five years old, Shajarian began to sing spiritual songs under the guidance of his father and in just a few years his name was known all over the city as a prodigious talent. As a schoolteacher, he found time to immerse himself in all forms of Iranian music and began to move away from religious singing.
From his earliest musical beginnings Shajarian was taught by some of the era's most talented singers - Zelli, Ghamar al-Molk Vaziri, Taherzadeh, and Gholam-Hossein Banan. When he arrived in Tehran he studied alongside the master of the setar, Ahmad Ebadi. Later he became a student of the santour which helped him to adapt instrumental techniques into his vocal repertoire.
In 2001, Shajarian toured North America with a group consisting of Hossein Alizadeh, Kamanche master Kayhan Kalhor and Shajarian's son Homayoun. It was the first time that Iranian music had been played abroad to mainly foreign audiences. The tour was a huge success and found a new audience for Iranian music in general.
Shajarian is also well known for his humanitarian activities. After the devastating 2003 earthquake in Bam, he performed a number of concerts to raise money for the victims.
The influence of Mohammad-Reza Shajarian has been so great that an entire generation of young Iranian singers have been either directly or indirectly influenced by his style. Some of his notable students include Shahram Nazeri, Iraj Bastami and his own son, Homayoun Shajarian.
Key Recordings by Mohammad Reza Shajariyan
Abu-Ata Concert
Night Silence Desert
Without You
Bidad (Injustice)
Website
Aryan Rahmanian