Reza Ghassemi

Reza Ghassemi is one of the geniuses of contemporary Iranian literature, theater, and music, remarkably excelling in all areas of his work. A skillful novelist, he became known as one of the most important modern writers in the history of Iranian literature with “The Nocturnal Harmony of the Woodwind Orchestra,” which earned him the Best Novel of the 1980s award from Iranian press critics. Ghassemi is also a leading figure in modern Iranian theater, having directed eight plays from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s, five of which were his own writings, and in 1976 he won the Best Play award for “When Zahhak Ruled the City King” from National Iranian Television. In traditional Iranian music, Reza Ghassemi is not only a masterful setar player but also a composer of various pieces, performed alongside singers like Mohammad Reza Shajarian, Shahram Nazeri, Sepideh Raisolsadat, among others, leaving a lasting impression in our collective memory. The book “Reza Ghassemi in a Long Interview with Mohammad Abdi” is the result of hours of continuous interviews conducted in Paris, published by Bidgol Press as part of its oral history series following the release of an interview with Susan Taslimi. Having emigrated from Iran in 1986, Ghassemi has continued his artistic work with steadfast dedication over recent decades, writing and performing novels, short stories, poetry, and plays, and consistently active in playing and composing music. This book is full of detailed insights about art and literature and illuminates Ghassemi’s perspectives on artistic work, Iran, migration, and many other issues.