Faramarz Payvar

Master Farâmarz Pâyvar (Persian: فرامرز پایور, pronounced [fæɾɒːˈmæɹz pʰɒːjˈvæɾ]; 10 February 1933 – 9 December 2009) was an Iranian composer and santur player. Payvar died on 9 December 2009 after a long struggle with brain damage. Although once perceived as marginal, the santur is now considered an important solo instrument in Persian classical music, largely as a result of his work. Over the course of his career, Payvar revolutionised its playing, led two major ensembles and made numerous recordings.