Mirza Abdollah

Mirza Abdollah, also known as Agha Mirza Abdollah Farahani (

He is best known for his

His association with the Bahá'í faith, and mystical orders, was certainly an influence on his openness, his generosity, and his desire to broaden the basis of the musical tradition, both in content and practice. His reputation for tolerance, patience, generosity, spirituality, and modesty is regarded by present-day artists as a model for the true musician.^[1] The correspondence he received from `Abdu'l-Bahá suggested the preservation and expansion of the classical musical tradition, urged the uplifting of that tradition from its preoccupation with themes of suffering, sadness and regret to those of hope, reunion, and spiritual joy, and unambiguously legitimized the musical tradition of Iran and the profession of the musician in the Bahá'í religion. Certainly in his performance, his teaching, and his transformation of the radif Mirza 'Abdu'lláh followed these exhortations and was able to greatly influence future generations of musicians. His work enabled Persian music to prosper on a strong foundation, making him a major figure in the revival of art and culture that sprang out of nineteenth century Iran.^[1]

Notable students

• Darvish Khan
• Ali Naqi Vaziri
• Ahmad Ebadi
• Abolhasan Saba

References

• Kazemi, Bahman, Farahani, Mehdi, Vahraz PourAhmad Call of Honor, Iranian academy for the Arts, Iran, Tehran, 2011

Bibliography

• Blum, Stephen (2007). "ʿAbdallāh, Mīrzā". In Fleet, Kate;
  ISSN 1873-9830
  .
• Caton, Margaret. Baha'i Influences on Mirza Abdollah, Qajar Court Musician and Master of the Radif. In Juan Cole & Moojan Momen, "Studies in Babi and Baha'i History, Vol II: From Iran East & West," Kalimat Press, 1984, pp. 30–64.