Santur

Santur is a traditional Persian music genre that is played on a santur, a trapezoid-shaped hammered dulcimer. It is characterized by its melodic and harmonic improvisations, and is often accompanied by other instruments such as the tar (a long-necked lute), the ney (a flute), and the tombak (a goblet drum). The santur is typically played with two mallets, and the music is often based on traditional Persian modes and rhythms. Santur music is often used in religious ceremonies, and is also popular in contemporary Iranian music.