Bidad cover

Bidad

Mohammad-Reza Shajarian · 1985

73 min · 14 tracks · Persian traditional music

A profound exploration of Persian traditional music, intertwining intricate melodies with emotive vocal expressions that resonate deeply.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Saz va Avaz — This track features an expansive interplay between instruments and vocals, demonstrating Shajarian's mastery in conveying deep emotional narratives through traditional melodies.
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    Tasnife Yade Bad — The incorporation of poetic lyrics with haunting melodies in this piece highlights Shajarian's ability to evoke nostalgia and longing, making it a standout representation of the album's themes.
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    Edameye Saz va Avaz — This track showcases the dynamic structure of Persian music, blending improvisation with structured forms that reflect both tradition and innovation, encapsulating the essence of Shajarian's artistry.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

76 /100
Alpine
Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate arrangements and seamless flow highlight its depth and significance within Persian music.

What we noticed

  • The album features a series of interconnected vocal and instrumental pieces, with each track flowing seamlessly into the next.
  • Several tracks utilize traditional Persian instruments, creating a rich tapestry of sound that complements Shajarian's vocal delivery.
  • The structure often alternates between solo vocal passages and instrumental interludes, allowing for dynamic shifts in intensity and emotion.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
9/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic exploration of themes
  • wave-like pacing with depth
  • immersive vocal improvisations
  • transporting listeners to another era
  • reflective moments for contemplation

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer concise track lengths

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Significant for preserving Persian classical music during political upheaval.
Themes
Persian poetic nostalgia· traditional musical mastery· cultural icon's evolution
Career context
In 1985, Mohammad-Reza Shajarian was already an established figure in Persian traditional music, known for his virtuosic voice and dedication to the genre. 'Bidad' came after his previous successes, marking a time when he was solidifying his influence on Persian music as a cultural icon. This album further expanded his artistic reach, showcasing his ability to blend classical techniques with modern sensibilities.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Moqaddame 7:33
  • 2 Saz va Avaz 14:57
  • 3 Ghat'eh Souz va Godaz 2:38
  • 4 Edameye Saz va Avaz 5:19
  • 5 Tasnife Yade Bad 4:42
  • 6 Pish Daramade Homayoun 3:31
  • 7 Chaharmezrabe Homayoun 1:03
  • 8 Saz va Avaz 11:06
  • 9 Chaharmezrabe Bidad 1:20
  • 10 Edameye Saz va Avaz 3:05
  • 11 Chaharmezrabe Oshagh 1:32
  • 12 Edameye Saz va Avaz 1:11
  • 13 Saz va Avaz 10:57
  • 14 Tasnife Halake Man 4:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata