Or 16205 (Oriental Manuscripts, British Library)

A collection of Iranian and foreign melodies in musical notation. A few pieces also contain lyrics. Compiled by Abū l-Ḥasan Sabā, who flourished in the early to middle 20th century. As with most Persian music, this volume is to be read from left to right.

On the front (in Persian style) cover is a label: this includes a price, 80 riyals (implying that this work was intended for publication); a few bars of music, reproduced from print; and a photograph of four musicians with string instruments and bows, also reproduced from print.

The full title as given on the label is Majmū‘a-’i āhang-hā-yi Īrānī va khārijī-i kamyāb bā nawt az asatīd-i qadīm va jadīd. Added by a different hand are the words Jam‘-āvaranda Abū l-Ḥasan-i Sabā.

The name headings of the pieces of music are of various kinds: genre, e.g. Dāns-i Qafqāz, Mārsh-i Ispānyūl; technical, e.g. Dastgāh-i humāyūn, Chahārgāh-i chahār-miżrāb; song titles, e.g. Kushta-’i nāz, Taṣnīf-i Shu‘la-’i ‘ishq. This compilation illustrates the eclecticism of musicians like Sabā.

Tehran, ca. 1929. Folio 2r is signed by Sabā and dated 12/3/1308/ca. 2 July 1929.

Printed staves, 9 per page, with manuscript musical notation in European style, instructions, etc. Unpaginated; 74 folios. 218 x 282 mm. Limp black card covers, with the following lettering, mainly in capitals, in yellow on the inside: Millars Plant / for the / Bulding / and civil engineering / contractor.

Purchased from Institute of Armenian Music, London, November 2005.