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Review:
Bidad is the first release in a new series of reissues featuring classic recordings by Mohammad Reza Shajarian—the most popular and highly revered singer in Persian music today. Bidad, literally translated, means 'injustice.' It is also the name of the gusheh (fragmentary musical building blocks) upon which this recording is based. This groundbreaking recording from 1984 was a turning point in the musical direction of Iran's art music. During the turbulent years immediately before and after the revolution of 1979, the younger generation of musicians devoted much of their work to being a voice for the people, calling for and then celebrating social and political change. This brought new life to an art form that had a reputation as stale music from an older generation. But it also gave birth to a more anthem-like style that lacked depth. Bidad was one of the first albums to successfully bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, proving that Iranian art music could simultaneously maintain its integrity and remain socially and politically relevant. In support of Shajarian's glorious voice, Bidad features an extraordinary ensemble of musicians performing exquisite compositions by Parviz Meshkatian.
— Courtesy Calabash Music
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