Shortly after the Iranian Revolution in February 1979, he concluded that this was not what he has wished for, so he expressed his concerns with the songs “Unity” and “Whisper”. He decided to leave homeland and go to a self-imposed exile which continues to this day. During the exile, his artistic activities were extremely limited; however, he still believes in change for his country and his people. Monfaredzadeh’s music has also seen renewed appreciation internationally. Film scholars and musicologists recognize him as a pioneer of cinematic music, whose work parallels global developments in film scoring during the 1960s and 1970s, while remaining distinctly Persian in character.
Esfandiar Monfaredzadeh represents more than just a composer of film music; he is a symbol of artistic courage, cultural preservation, and emotional storytelling. In a society often marked by political upheaval and censorship, his work illustrates how music can become a vessel for identity, memory, and resistance. Today, Monfaredzadeh’s compositions continue to inspire not only musicians but filmmakers, historians, and listeners worldwide. His haunting scores and lyrical melodies remain timeless, reminding us of the power of music to capture the soul of a nation and the human experience.
