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The Iranian songs, which fall into the category of classical music, are of the modal and monophonic form. The most serious interpretations of the Iranian songs consist of a solo performer.
At certain occasional times, the interpretations of the Iranian songs also consist of a duet, and most often a percussion accompanist. Combinations of orchestras are slowly catching on popularity.
The Iranian songs consist of twelve basic modes. Of these twelve modes, seven are primary modes and five of them are secondary modes. Each of the secondary modes of the Iranian songs is derived from a specific primary mode, but it is also able to stand by itself.
The Iranian songs have certain standard melodic patterns. These patterns are codified into something called the Radif. The Radifs have been written down from varied oral sources right from the beginning of this century.
A large body of classical poetry, which has been around from medieval times is available to the Iranian singers. This poetry comprises of some of the world's greatest poetic literature.
It is the flowing, timeless intensity of an Iranian singer transformed into the Iranian songs, which really brings these fine poems to life. Most of these poems are of a free rhythmical nature.
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