A Symphony of Craftsmanship and Innovation
Born on the 27th of January 1971 in the picturesque city of Shahrekord, Saadat Dehkordi’s destiny in the world of musical craftsmanship was preordained. He is the son of the illustrious Master Ahmad Dehkordi, a luminary in the realm of Persian musical instruments and a master of carpentry. Under his father’s watchful eye, Saadat embarked on his journey into the world of musical instrument creation at the tender age of nine, absorbing the intricate art of crafting the Taar and Setaar.
Completing his foundational education in Shahrekord, Saadat’s passion and prowess led him to the bustling city of Tehran in 1991. Here, his exceptional Taar and Setaar creations began resonating with the melodies of renowned Iranian musicians, earning him a reputation as a craftsman par excellence.
Fate serendipitously orchestrated a meeting with Grand Master Ebrahim Ghanbari Mehr in 1994, marking a pivotal chapter in Saadat’s life. Under the Grand Master’s mentorship, Saadat honed his mastery, pushing the boundaries of traditional instrument making.
In a testament to his innovative spirit, Saadat introduced the world to the 1/2 Taar in 2002, an invention that received the esteemed endorsement of Grand Master Ghanbari Mehr. This was followed by another groundbreaking creation in 2007: a tailpiece holder for the Kamancheh. These inventions not only showcased Saadat’s ingenuity but also solidified his place as a trailblazer in the field.
Saadat’s contributions to the world of music did not go unnoticed. He was honoured with an appreciation certificate from the Music Association of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, distinguishing him as a maestro among his peers.
In 2009, Saadat took a significant step in his journey of musical craftsmanship by traveling to the United Kingdom. His primary aim was twofold: to master the English language and to glean insights from British experts in the field of violin making. To achieve the former, he enrolled in a full academic year at the City of Bath College. It was here that Saadat had the opportunity to showcase his virtuosity on the Taar during a college festival. His performance captivated both his educators and peers, marking him as a musician and craftsman of exceptional talent.
This period in the UK also led to a pivotal encounter that would further enrich his craft. In 2018, through one of his friends, one his masterpieces was showcased to Master Peter Smith, the Course Coordinator for Violin Making and Repair at Newark College, who now operates his own workshop in a quaint village outside of Newark. Intrigued by Saadat’s work, Master Smith conducted a meticulous examination of one of Saadat’s violins. He was deeply impressed by the instrument’s craftsmanship, noting its elegance and exceptional quality. After a thorough review, Master Smith played the violin and found himself astonished by its tonal richness and resonance.
This endorsement from a figure as esteemed as Master Smith served not only as a validation of Saadat’s skill but also as a testament to the universal appeal and quality of his work. The experience in the UK, therefore, stands as a significant chapter in Saadat’s lifelong journey of musical and artisanal discovery, one that has contributed to his standing as a master violin maker of international repute.
The art of Mehrkari, a traditional craft that marries aesthetics with acoustics, beckoned Saadat next. Under the guidance of Grand Master Ghanbari Mehr, he delved deep into this art form, later integrating its beauty into the realm of violin making.
Today, Saadat stands at the forefront of innovation, weaving the principles of the golden ratio into his violin creations, seeking perfection in every curve and note. His current research endeavours promise to further revolutionise the world of musical craftsmanship.
In Saadat Dehkordi, the world witnesses a symphony of tradition, innovation, and unparalleled craftsmanship—a maestro who continues to redefine the boundaries of musical artistry.
