HarmonyTalk Journal’s Twentieth Anniversary Celebration

On the 10th of Khordad, 1403 (equivalent to May 30, 2024), the twentieth anniversary celebration of the online journal “HarmonyTalk” took place at the Ersbārān Cultural Center. The event garnered such interest from enthusiasts that the venue was completely filled.


At the beginning of the program, after a warm welcome by the experienced host, Sofia Monshipour, a video clip showcasing twenty years of the journal’s activities was played. Following that, the National Youth Orchestra of Iran, led by Arvin Sedaqatkish (who is also one of the authors of HarmonyTalk), performed pieces composed by Hossein Dehlavi and Parviz Meshkatian.

Later, Sadjad Pourqannad (the editor-in-chief of HarmonyTalk) presented a report on the journal’s two decades of activity. This comprehensive report will be published in upcoming issues of the journal.


Subsequently, Babak Khazraei was invited to speak. He emphasized the importance of sustaining HarmonyTalk’s activities and shared his initial acquaintance with the journal. Khazraei noted that over time, HarmonyTalk has evolved toward a more scholarly approach.

Khazraei also recalled how, twenty years ago, there were predictions that print magazines would soon cease to exist, and today, we see that this prediction has indeed come true.

Babak Khazraei’s Conclusion: Babak Khazraei concluded by expressing his hope to witness the magazine’s 30th and 40th anniversary celebrations and its continued operation.

Invitation to Mohammadreza Fayyaz: After Babak Khazraei’s speech, Mohammadreza Fayyaz was invited to speak.

Fayyaz stated: “Every phenomenon, whether it be a media outlet or a group of people, is the culmination of its own era. HarmonyTalk is also a combination of two parts: harmony and talk. It signifies an era where it was believed that a harmonious dialogue could exist. The same concept that, when translated into music, emerges as polyphonic music, and in human relationships, it becomes a dialogue between people in a harmonious and affectionate manner.”

After Fayaz’s speech, the Ordibehesht Choir led by Hamid Askari was invited to perform. The program performed by this group included pieces by Hamid Askari and several folk pieces harmonized by Rubik Gregorian.

Following this performance, Alireza Miralinaghi was invited to speak. Miralinaghi, referring to the efforts of Sadjad Pourghannad, the editor-in-chief of this site, said:

“It is historically very important that we are in an era where encyclopedias no longer have practical use in their old form and have actually become non-paper and digital encyclopedias that are constantly updated. HarmonyTalk is also important and valuable for this reason because it has such a characteristic.”

Miralinaghi continued to refer to the position of HarmonyTalk in historiography and considered its quality much higher than other sites that exist today, saying: “Most of the sites we see today are misleading rather than valuable and credible.”

Miralinaghi further stated: “I belong to a generation before the internet and have struggled to align myself with the generation of internet audiences, and if I am active on this site today, it is because of Sadjad Pourghannad’s insistence.”

After Alireza Miralinaghi’s speech, the Eighties Band came on stage with performances of 1980s-style pop music, which concluded the celebration.

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Farhad Poupel: The Voice of the Shahnameh in the Orchestras Around the World

In an era when almost no trace of contemporary Iranian music can be heard in international concert halls, except (so-called!) avant-garde works that owe their existence solely to the fashionable slogans of the “pseudo-intellectual” crowd who have seized the already meager resources for performing classical music from the true artists of the field, the numerous performances of Farhad Poupel’s works shine as a ray of hope for lovers of sincere musical art. Without resorting to trendy slogans, he has kept the flame of Iranian classical music alive purely through the power of his artistry.

Five Major Myths About Mozart’s Life

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the renowned Austrian composer, is undoubtedly one of the greatest geniuses in the history of classical music. However, his life is surrounded by numerous myths and legends, some of which are not based on facts. This article explores five of the most common misconceptions about Mozart’s life.

From Past Days…

Qanun, a feminized instrument?

In the world music culture, there are instruments which were traditionally associated with a certain gender. It remains disputable to what extent these gender-based perceptions have been logical and scientific. For example, as playing wind instruments need more breath strength and the public opinion believe that men have stronger breath compared to women, these instruments are predominantly a male domain. Harp is also considered a female instrument as the public opinion believe that women have finer fingers and can therefore better perform nuances and delicate techniques on the instrument.

New Technique for Playing Classical Guitar (I)

Joint application of the two techniques of “Lip” and “Nose” could be effectively applied for hearing and playing far-away intervals, by the Classical Guitar. Before this, a Classical Guitar player had to waive playing intervals not possible with the left hand, and had to replace or eliminate some notes, making it possible to play such intervals; specifically the capability of the left hand of the musician, was also a factor in such a selection. These methods are hereby illustrated by photographs and a video-file, in order to provide optimum comprehension of applying these methods, invented by the author; specifically the “Lip” technique, which is considered to be a more significant technique, emphasized by the author.

“Symphonic Poems from Persia” Released in Germany

While the name “Persia” (Western historical name of Iran) has attracted tens of thousands of people from around the world to London’s British Museum to visit ancient Persian artifacts, the Nuremberg-based music company, Colosseum, invites Europeans to listen to eight masterpieces of Persian symphonic music.

A Persian Nocturne for Piano

A Night in a Persian Garden is the name of a Nocturne composed by the Persian (Iranian) contemporary composer Behzad Ranjbaran. This Nocturne, published recently by the Theodore Presser Company in the US, was performed for the first time in 2002 in New York City by the young Persian pianist Soheil Nasseri and has enjoyed many performances by other pianists.

The Role of Arts in Development of Societies

Mr. Mohsen Ghanebasiri, author and critic in the field of economy, culture and arts, as the next speaker, highlighted the role of arts, specially the music, in development of societies: “As far as the individual upbringing is concerned, a newborn baby is absolutely dependent. The relation between the baby and the parents is based on orders. There is lots of relativity in these orders; therefore, they are political orders. In the economy, however, the relations are mutual and based on common logic; hence, the formation of the concepts of democracy and individuality.

Farhad Poupel’s piece, Road to Bach, performed at Suntory Hall

On June 19, 2021 , young Iranian composer and pianist, Farhad Poupel’s piece, Road to Bach, was performed at the prestigious Suntory Hall by the great Japanese pianist, Kotaro Fukuma. The piece was commissioned by Kotaro Fukuma to have its world premiere in Suntory Hall during a concert by the same name.

Illusion or Ingenuity?

Mohsen Renani in the preface of his book entitled “The Political Economy of nuclear conflict; an introduction to traversing the civilizations” writes:

“Pledge of Love”

The “Pledge of Love” is the first album in a series composed based on the tasnifs by the renowned Iranian tasnif-maker Mohammad Ali Amir Jahed and recorded by Sahba Kohan Ensemble with Ramin Bahiraie as signer.

Is the Iranian National Anthem a Copy? (II)

In response, it should be said that it is better for the national anthem of a country to use the musical material exclusive to that country; however, some problems might come up in doing so the most important of which include: lack of familiarity of other countries’ music performer with the concerned country’s specific music intervals and special musical technique; and secondly, the strangeness of that music to the foreign listener.

Journey to Iran Revisited: Celebrating 20 Years of Guity Adjoodani’s Return to Persian Roots

This year marks the 20th anniversary of “Journey to Iran,” an album by Iranian pianist Guity Adjoodani that has resonated with audiences worldwide. Released two decades ago, this album is a beautiful tapestry of twenty Persian folk songs, each carefully selected from the rich musical traditions of various regions in Iran. It also features four notable compositions by the esteemed Javad Maroufi (1915-1992): “Prelude,” “Jila Fantasia,” “Golden Dreams” (Khaab-haa-ye Talaayi), and “Isfahan Rhapsody.” Additionally, the album includes the beloved song “Kiss Me” (Maraa Bebous) by Majid Vafadar (1912-1975), adding depth to an already impressive collection.