PORTFOLIO

Majles-Ara

Majles Ara, a distinctive kamancheh crafted by Mirza Gholam Hossein in the late Qajar era, represents a significant evolution in the design of traditional Iranian stringed instruments. Invented by Agha Jan, a renowned kamancheh player of the time, this instrument is distinguished by its unusual features. It includes extra strings and keys, along with a long fretless handle, facilitating playing while standing—a notable departure from standard kamancheh playing methods.

The instrument's structure is dual-sided, with each side equipped with six strings. These strings vary in arrangement and material, creating a broad sound range and allowing for more expressive playing. The Majles Ara's body comprises two parts: a main bowl and a smaller bowl. The main bowl is covered with skin, enhancing the instrument's acoustic qualities, while the smaller bowl acts as a resonating chamber. This innovative design of Majles Ara not only reflects the creative adaptations by musicians to traditional instruments but also marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the kamancheh, adapting to changing musical contexts and performance practices.

In a quest to resurrect the Majles Ara, I embarked on an extensive research and reconstruction journey, driven by a rare discovery. My initial encounter with the Majles Ara was through a series of photographs seen in a weekly magazine. These images sparked a deep curiosity and led me to delve further into its history and design. Inspired by the intricate details and the rich heritage of the instrument, I began crafting several mock-up models to understand its unique structure and acoustics.

The revival project of the Majles Ara took a significant leap forward with the creation of a prototype in 2021. This initial model served as a tangible step towards bringing the Majles Ara back to life, allowing for hands-on experimentation and refinement. By 2023, my efforts culminated in the creation of a final, meticulously crafted version of the instrument. This latest iteration not only captured the essence of the original Majles Ara but also infused it with contemporary craftsmanship.

The completion of this project represents more than just the reconstruction of a historical instrument; it signifies the rebirth of a forgotten gem from the Qajar era, bringing a piece of musical history back to the present. Through this endeavor, the Majles Ara, once a relic of the past, now resonates with the sounds of today, bridging the gap between historical artistry and modern-day innovation.