His first formal music education was under the guidance of Hossein Hangafarin, known as Hossein Khan “R.” Mahjoubi’s talents became evident at a young age when, at just ten years old, he accompanied the famous Persian singer and poet Aref Qazvini during a concert at the Farvoos Cinema Hall. This early performance established his reputation as a promising pianist and opened doors to further musical endeavors.
Pioneering a Unique Style
The most remarkable aspect of Morteza Mahjoubi’s musical career was his ability to play traditional Persian music on a Western instrument like the piano. Unlike Persian instruments such as the santur or tar, which were designed to accommodate microtonal Persian scales, the piano presented a challenge due to its fixed tuning system. However, Mahjoubi mastered a unique tuning method, adjusting the piano strings in such a way that he could replicate the nuances and quarter tones of Persian music.
This innovation allowed him to create a sound that closely resembled traditional Persian instruments. His performances gave listeners the impression that they were hearing an entirely Persian instrument rather than a Western one. This ability made Mahjoubi a revolutionary figure in Persian music, and his influence is still recognized today.
