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Lesson Objective: Students will examine the relation of art, music, and literature through a painting from the Shahnama of Firdowsi (Ferdowsi)

                                                                         

Homira Pashai    4-4-2020                                            

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Studies on Persianate Manuscripts, Arts, and Literature

Illustration-source: The Shahnama of Shah Tahmasp

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                                                                                     Barbad, the Musician

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          One of the most popular stories of the Shahnama شاه نامه (Book of Kings) is the story of Barbad باربد, the musician, and his first encounter with Khusraw Parviz خسرو پرویز or Khusraw II, the king of Persia from 590-628 C.E., with a one-year interruption. According to the Shahnama, Barbad, a young talented musician, wanted to become Khusraw’s court musician, but Sarkash سرکش, the chief musician of the court, tried his best to keep Barbad from playing at the court. Thus, Barbad found a way to enter the king’s garden. Then, he climbed on a tree with his instrument and played three songs when the court gathered at a banquet with the king. As the king heard his music, he asked for him and made him the chief musician of the court.

        According to legends, Barbad significantly influenced Khusraw Parviz the Sassanid. When Khusraw’s favorite horse Shabdiz (Sabdez) شبدیز, died, everyone was frightened to carry the news to the king. It was only Barbad who was able to calm the king by giving him the news through his music and poetry. He even pleaded for the life of the horse master. Courtiers usually asked Barbad to advocate on their behalf if they had a special request. Even Shirin شیرین , Khusraw’s wife, requested Barbad to remind the king of his promises by reciting and playing music. As a result, Barbad used his musical skill to mediate between the king and his court.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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        The enigmatic melodies he composed for the kings’ banquets, according to the Tarik-e gozida تاریخ گزیده , were more than 300 pieces. Barbad’s life also ends in a legendary way. Some believe that he was poisoned by his jealous rival Sarkash. Others think that after Shirviyeh  شیرویه  killed Khusraw, Barbad left the city and never played again. According to Ferdowsi فردوسی, however, Barbad left the town after the king’s death. He cut his fingers and burned his instrument to avoid playing for the new king.

 

Can you elaborate on the painting regarding the relation between color, landscape, and emotion?

Can you search for a European painting that elaborates on music, art, and emotion and share it with the class, along with a brief explanation of the painting?

 

Terms:

Ferdowsi

Shahnama (Book of Kings)

Shahnama  of Shah Tahmasp

Khusraw Parviz

Tarik-e gozida

Court musician

Banquet