Contributions to Persian Music
Mahjoubi was not only a performer but also a composer. His compositions were deeply rooted in the traditions of Persian classical music while also incorporating his distinct piano style. His works served as a bridge between the compositions of earlier Persian musicians, such as Aref Qazvini and Ali Akbar Shida, and the music of his own time.
One of his most famous compositions, “Man Az Rooz Azal Divaneh Bodom” (“I Have Been Mad Since the Beginning of Time”), showcases his innovative approach. The first line of the poem was composed by Mahjoubi himself, while the rest of the lyrics were written by the poet Rahi Moeiri. The song, performed by the legendary Persian singer Gholam Hossein Banan, remains one of the most cherished pieces of Persian vocal music.
A Unique Musical Notation System
Despite his extraordinary talents, Morteza Mahjoubi never formally learned how to read or write music using Western notation. Instead, he developed his own system of notation, which he used to transcribe his compositions. This notation resembled an old Persian system called “siyaq,” traditionally used for recording weights and monetary denominations. This idiosyncratic approach did not hinder his ability to communicate with other musicians, as he had an exceptional ear and memory.