Mahasti

Mahasti (1946-2007)

Vocalist performing numerous Persian songs ranging from lyrical ballads to classical poems to popular tunes. She began her performances in her youth and in a short time had familiarized herself with the fundamentals of Persian classical singing due to her acquaintance with Parviz Yahaqqi and working alongside ‘Ali Tajvidi. Her earliest performance, in which she sang a composition written by Parviz Yahaqqi, was recorded on the Golha-yi rangarang programme no. 420. Many of her performances that were recorded on the Golha programmes between 1968-1978 in which she sang compositions written by ‘Ali Tajvidi and Asadu’llah Malik, reflect her finely nuanced vocal range, expressive powers, astute ear and poetic sensitivity juxtaposed to a charmingly feminine and deeply serious delicacy of spirit. She attained the zenith of her fame by singing compositions written by prominent composers like Humayun Khurram, Muhammad Haydari, and Jahanbakhsh Pazuki between the years 1970-1979. But tn the end, she eventually retired from performing on the Golha programmes and like her sister, Hayida (who also had an enticingly beautiful voice) and other vocalists trained by Tajvidi, such as Humayra, embarked upon a career performing in Persian films, cabarets, nightclubs and television programmes, where more wealth and popularity were to be accrued. With the onset of the 1979 Revolution, when female singers and singing were prohibited altogether, Mahasti emigrated to the United States where she resumed her activities as a singer, and where numerous albums were recorded of her performances. Her vocal powers and the delicacy of voice remained intact down to the last days of her life, although she did not enjoy the opportunity to perform on the level of her previous performances recorded between 1968 and 1972. Her works include a collection of lyrical ballads called: “The Sound of Mahasti” (Sida-yi Mahasti,” Tehran: Caspian 1977). 

Sayyid ‘Ali Riza Mir‘alinaqi