Legacy of Fereydoun Shabazian lives on
By Simin Ghanem
Iranian singer
I want to express my deep sorrow and condolences on the passing of the great artist and master, Fereydoun Shahbazian. I extend my sympathies to his family, art connoisseurs, and fellow art enthusiasts in Iran, wishing eternal peace for this renowned artist whose legacy will endure.
My acquaintance with Shahbazian dates back to my high school festival days, when he was already an active and dedicated artist. His success, I believe, was a result of his unwavering commitment and the value he placed on his craft, which propelled him to greatness.
What made Shahbazian truly unique was his distinctive style. His melodies had an otherworldly charm, and his innovative approach to music captivated audiences. One of his memorable creations, the song ‘Gol-e Goldoon,’ (Home Flower) with lyrics by Farhad Sheybani, was performed by me in 1976. This beloved song, I feel, resonates with excitement and joy, transcending generations. Its timeless appeal, I believe, has an eternal quality, enchanting young and old alike, always fresh and beautiful like a blooming flower.
I also want to highlight Shahbazian’s prolific career and his significant contributions to Iranian music. Another unforgettable song by him is ‘Fill the Cup,’ masterfully performed by the legendary singer Mohammad-Reza Shajarian in the Mahoor mode, with lyrics by Fereydoun Moshiri. This is undoubtedly one of Shahbazian’s most beautiful and enduring works. I reiterate that Shahbazian was a hardworking and passionate artist, deeply focused on his craft, and his satisfaction was evident in his smile upon completing each masterpiece.