dastgahs

A dastgah is a modal system in traditional Persian music. It serves as a melodic framework for improvisation and composition, dictating the characteristic intervals and melodic movements. Each dastgah has a unique emotional character and is associated with specific moods and human emotions.

There are seven principal dastgahs: Shur, Segah, Chahargah, Mahur, Homayun, Roust, and Navah. Additionally, there are several important "avaz" or sub-modes that are closely related to the main dastgahs, often sharing many of their characteristics but with distinct melodic nuances.

The structure of a dastgah involves a series of melodic phrases and motifs called "gusheh." These gusheh are the building blocks of improvisation, and a musician will typically move through a selection of them within a given dastgah to create a coherent musical performance. The order and selection of gusheh are flexible, allowing for individual expression.

The dastgah system is not simply a collection of scales; it embodies a complex melodic grammar that guides the performer's choices and shapes the music's emotional trajectory. Understanding the dastgah system is fundamental to appreciating the depth and sophistication of Persian classical music.