Introduction to Tár

Book excerpt: Tár is a plucked string instrument, popularly known as the long-necked lute, traditionally played in Iran, Azerbaijan, and Central Asia. It has a distinctive sound and is played with a small plectrum made of wood or tortoise shell. The body of the tár is traditionally carved from a single piece of wood, and its neck has 25 strings arranged in five groups of five. Four of the five groups are tuned in unison, while the fifth group is tuned in octaves. The tár has historically been used in a variety of musical genres, ranging from classical Persian music to folk and popular music in Azerbaijan. There are several variations of the tár, including the Azerbaijani tár, which has a slightly different shape and tuning than the Persian tár. Similarly, the Central Asian dotar is a two-stringed version of the instrument. The tár has become known worldwide, and it is now played in Western classical concerts and world music concerts. The instrument originated in Central Asia, and it is believed to have been derived from an earlier instrument known as the dombra. The tár has become an integral part of the culture and music of Iran, Azerbaijan, and Central Asia, with many famous musicians having played the instrument over the centuries.