Sasanian music

In this era, many of Persian music's dastgahs and modes were invented, most of them traditionally attributed to Barbad.

Another important role that music played was in the reception of foreign diplomats and kings from neighbouring countries, such as Byzantine or Hephthalites.

[1] By the time of Khusro Parviz, the Sassanid royal court was the host of prominent musicians.

In general the period of Khosro Parviz reign is regarded as a "golden age of Iranian music" and himself is shown in a large relief at Taq-e Bostan among his musicians and himself holding bow and arrows and while standing in a boat amidst a group of harpists.

[1] The musical instruments which appear distinctly on the Sassanid sculptures are the harp, the horn, the Daf, the drum and the flute or pipe.

Marble mosaic of Sasanian harpist playing angular harp , c. 260 CE, from the palace of Shapur I in Bishapur .
7th century plate depicts Sasanian era musicians. The British Museum .
Taq-e Bostan carving, Women playing harp while the king is hunting.
Female musicians accompanying king during hunting, Taq-e Bostan.