Frequently Asked Questions About Payvar Foundation’s Book Series: Hengam-e Mey and Raaz o Niyaz Please read these FAQ.

No! These books are beneficial for any player of Iranian instruments as they are composed for an ensemble of Iranian instruments, with separate parts for each instrument available. Typically, Faramarz Payvar’s national instrument ensemble consisted of the ney, kamancheh and alto kamancheh, gheychak and alto gheychak, santur, tar, rubab, and oud. Therefore, players of these instruments will gain proficiency in ensemble playing by studying this series.

Although Master Payvar composed these ensemble pieces as separate parts, at Payvar Foundation, we have compiled them into scores to make the analysis, research, and teaching of his compositional and melodic development more accessible and standardized. The original handwritten parts are also included as they were documented. Since these works underwent revisions and changes during rehearsals, which were sometimes not reflected in the handwritten parts, the original manuscripts alone are insufficient for practicing and rehearsing. To achieve the final sound, they need to be cross-referenced with audio recordings and final changes applied.

Seven books. Payvar Foundation began publishing these works and manuscripts in February 2020, and to date, seven books from this series of ensemble pieces have been released. There are likely over a hundred of these works, which will be gradually and consistently published, forming a comprehensive repertoire for Iranian instrumental ensembles.

Every music ensemble needs practice, not just on the piece they are preparing for performance or recording but also on a repertoire to develop all the sound characteristics, techniques, and balance necessary. These works are the best examples for assessing a standard Iranian music ensemble; by playing these pieces crafted by one of the rare talents in contemporary Iranian music, you will acquire nearly all the qualities needed to become a member of an Iranian music ensemble.