"Rashid Khan"

Shojaoddoleh's Manor House in Ghoochan

"Rashid Khan" is an Iranian folk song from Ghoochan, located in northeast of Khorasn, Iran. In Ghoochan, the song is known as "Ghoochan Kharabeh" or "Ruined Ghoochan", but in the rest of Iran, it is usually referred to as "Rashid Khan." Here are two different performances of the song, Pari Zangeneh's "Rashid Khan" and a modern instrumental adaptation of the Khorasani classic by Shirin Delsooz.

Pari Zangeneh

Pari Zangeneh, an acclaimed Persian female vocalist, began her study of music in Iran at a very early age before continuing her studies in Italy, Germany, and Austria. Renowned for her unique opera-style music, Zangeneh’s beautiful music is both charming and soothing. Her musical portfolio is varied and complex. She has been given as much credit for generating interest in Persian folk music as for her solo performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Florida Symphonic Orchestra. Her voice has been heard around the globe: at the Palazzo Barbarini in Rome; the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.; Lincoln Center in NYC; Herbst Theatre in San Francisco; Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Salmino, Paris; Hercules Hall, Munich; Wilshire Ebell Theatre, Los Angeles; to name but a few. She is the recipient of many international awards for her magnificent performances, including the First Medal of Work, the International Gold Medal for Voice, and the title of Ambassador of Good Will.

In 1971, unfortunately, Ms. Zangeneh lost her eyesight in an automobile accident. This incident did not diminish her enthusiasm and passion for life, nor her pursuit of excellence. In addition to her musical performances she has studied and researched the folk music of many countries, and has preserved a wealth of melodious songs and stories. She has authored several books all to critical acclaim. All her writings are available in Braille. (From Encyclopædia Iranica)

Shirin Delsooz

Shirin Delsooz is a Persian-Canadian musician based in Montreal whose influences range from alternative to traditional music. Her latest EP features her singing, playing mandolin and guitar, and also features musicians she met in the Irish and Quebecois traditional music scene.Shirin combines her Persian heritage and inspirations ranging from Celtic, Quebecois and Bluegrass genres into her songs.

A recent trip to Iran opened her eyes to a genre of Persian gypsy music. Her mind has been made since, her next music project will incorporate their charming accordians and upbeat percussive drums. (From CBC)