Gio Israel Persian Essentials Santur

The Persian Essentials series by Gio Israel exposes the hidden sounds of ancient Persian music. The history of musical development in Iran dates back thousands of years, and it expands through various neighboring cultures, making it one of the richest and most influential musical regions of the old world.

The Sanṭūr is probably one of the most iconic instruments of the region. It's a hammered dulcimer - a percussion-stringed instrument that consists of strings typically stretched over a trapezoidal resonant soundboard. The instrument is set before the musician, who, in more traditional styles may sit cross-legged on the floor, or in a more modern style may stand or sit at a wooden support with legs. The player holds a small spoon-shaped mallet hammer in each hand to strike the strings.

We recorded this pack with Iranian descendent, Eitan Refua who was born to a family of musicians who is preserving the traditional and classical music of old Iran.