Irfan (fl. mid-800s)
Irfan (fl. mid-800s)
Arabian singer, representing the Persian romantic school of music. Flourished mid-800s; performed at the court of Caliph al-Mutawakki (r. 847–861).
Irfan represents the struggle between two forms of music performed in the Arab world. The classical, conservative school of music was represented by the teacher, composer, and theoretician Ishaq al-Mausuli and the songstress Oraib . The innovative romantic Persian school of music was represented by Ibrahim ibn al-Mahdi and the songstress Shariyya .
Since Irfan was a slave of Shariyya, she obviously belonged to the more innovative school. She and her mistress took part in a competition against Oraib and her singers. It was natural for these women to vie for public attention, as songstresses were sought after by caliphs, princes, and wealthy patrons and then, as today, exposure expanded their opportunities. Irfan became attached to the court of Caliph al-Mutawakki and also sang for Abu-I-'Ubais ibn Hamdun. Shariyya may well have freed Irfan, for when she sang at the circumcision festival for al-Mutazz, the son of Caliph al-Mutawakki, she is not recorded as being a slave of Shariyya's. Irfan was obviously a talented singer and composer who performed before the wealthy and powerful, unafraid to practice a new and innovative form of music.
John Haag , Athens, Georgia