In Memory of Musician Aref Qazvini

Aref Qazvini was born in 1880 in Qazvin. He began music lessons under the supervision of Haji Sadeq Kharrazi at the age of 13. His pleasant voice was acclaimed at an early age. He began composing his own songs in these early years.

Qazvini eventually traveled to Baghdad and Istanbul. He studied at the Dar Al Alhan in Turkey. Upon returning to Iran, he planned to create a music school but due to several problems at the time, this plan was never realized.

With the beginning of the Constitutional Movement, he joined the liberals and his songs and tunes had a great impression on clarifying issues and thoughts on people’s mind.

His melodies always carried a central theme of social and political concepts. He composed songs, which played a major role in guiding society and familiarizing people with their social rights. This is the main reason why after 70 years Qazvini’s songs are still relevant, alive and still performed by musicians.

“The melodies composed by Aref were heard everywhere. He was the only one who composed the poetry and the song himself and performed the melody as well,” said late musician Ruhollah Khaleqi about Aref Qazvini.

Aref Qazvini died on January 21, 1933 in Hamedan. His poetry and songs are collected in his divan.

RM/DWN /IS
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MNA