Explore the kamancheh and the music of Lorestan, with an introduction to the instrument, selected performances by Mazdak Alipour and further reading.
What is the kamancheh?
The kamancheh is a bowed string instrument played upright. Its resonating body is covered with a skin membrane, and many modern instruments have four strings. It is heard in both classical and regional musical traditions.
In 2017, the art of making and playing the instrument was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity through a joint nomination by Iran and Azerbaijan. This recognition concerns the craft and practice of the instrument.
Luri music and Lorestan
Luri, also written Lori, refers here to musical traditions associated with Lorestan and the wider Luri-speaking communities of western and southwestern Iran. These traditions bring together instrumental music, song and dance. The kamancheh is among the instruments played in Lur communities.
Mazdak Alipour’s performances draw on the melodies and poetry of Lorestan, with kamancheh and Lori vocals central to his work. His music includes traditional performances and contemporary arrangements. ZÂ is a concert project rooted in the musical traditions of Lorestan.
Listen and watch
- Spring (Bahar): a Lori and Kurdish folk music collaboration with Sahar Zibaee.
- Magham-e Ghatar: a kamancheh solo.
- Gol-e-Goldoon: an instrumental kamancheh performance.
- Morvarid-e Oqyanus: kamancheh orchestra with the sound of Shahmirza Moradi’s sorna.
- Sweet Dream: Lori folk and country fusion, with poetry by Mirnorouz, presented as an AI music video.
Learning the instrument
Interested in playing kamancheh? Visit online kamancheh lessons to learn about studying with Mazdak and discuss your experience and musical goals. For live performances, see the concert calendar.
کمانچه و موسیقی لری
کمانچه سازی زهی و آرشه‌ای است که به‌صورت عمودی نواخته می‌شود. این ساز در موسیقی کلاسیک و موسیقی نواحی حضور دارد. موسیقی لری با آواز، ساز و رقص پیوند دارد و کمانچه یکی از سازهای رایج در میان جوامع لر است.
در آثار مزدک علی‌پور، کمانچه و آواز لری جایگاه مهمی دارند. برای آشنایی بیشتر، اجراهای بالا و صفحهٔ فارسی مزدک علی‌پور را ببینید.