Throughout his time at Radio Iran, Rashidi worked with several orchestras, including Iran Radio’s No. 1 and No. 2 orchestras. These ensembles featured talented musicians such as Habibullah Badiei, Parviz Yahaghi, Homayun Khorram, and Anoushirvan Rouhani, all of whom contributed to the richness and diversity of Iranian music during this period.
One of the defining characteristics of Rashidi’s music was his ability to strike a balance between tradition and modernity. He blended classical Iranian music with contemporary influences, creating a sound that was both innovative and true to the country’s musical heritage. As Rashidi himself once said, “If this moderation and balance were current in all the affairs of the world, the face of the world and life would be much more beautiful and pleasant than it is now.”
Rashidi’s Approach to Music and Innovation
Aminullah Rashidi was a firm believer in the power of creativity and innovation. He saw art not as a static form but as a dynamic process that required constant reinvention. In his view, true art was characterized by its ability to introduce new ideas and perspectives. He often emphasized the importance of innovation in music, stating, “If a new and beautiful melody cannot be found in a song, this is no longer art.”
This philosophy guided Rashidi throughout his career, both as a composer and a performer. He was particularly critical of artists who relied too heavily on established formulas, arguing that they lacked the creativity needed to push the boundaries of their craft. Instead, Rashidi advocated for a middle path—one that respected the traditions of Iranian music while embracing modern influences and techniques.
His music was deeply rooted in Persian poetry, and many of his compositions were inspired by the works of classical and contemporary poets. Rashidi believed that the marriage of music and poetry was essential to preserving the authenticity of Iranian music. He took great care to ensure that his compositions complemented the emotional and lyrical content of the poems he set to music.
Collaborations with Prominent Musicians and Poets
Throughout his career, Rashidi collaborated with many of the leading figures in Iranian music and poetry. His close association with poets such as Fereydoun Moshiri, Bijan Targhee, and Toraj Gardan allowed him to create songs that resonated deeply with Iranian audiences. These collaborations resulted in some of his most memorable compositions, including “Darya,” a song that featured lyrics written by Rashidi himself.