71 – Gol va Khak (“The Flower Went into the Earth”)

Range: F, G, A, B (B♭), C, D.

Variable notes: B.

Lavach (sections): Introduction and opening of the maqam, first avaz (unmetered vocal section) and second avaz.

Time signatures in the metric sections: 7/8.

Tuning: Panj Dastan or Tarz (C, C, F)

It is one of the majlesi maqams of the tanbur, the secular melodic-modal pieces played at gatherings; its name means “the flower went into the earth”, it has a mournful character and it is usually sung in grief at the loss of the beloved. The poem of this maqam is transmitted from Mowlavi Kord. Through the reference to old age in the poem, the meaning of “the flower went into the earth” becomes clear: the flower is a person’s youth, which in old age sinks into the earth of death. It also seems that the words are those of an old man who has also lost his wife (Leyli).

Its lavach (sections) are as follows: 1- Introduction of the maqam and the vocal section 2- First metric section 3- Second metric section.