Mahan Esfahani

Mahan Esfahani is an Iranian-American harpsichordist renowned for breathing fresh life into Baroque music while pushing the boundaries of his instrument. Born in Tehran in 1984, he moved to the U.S. as a teen, later studying at Stanford University and becoming a passionate advocate for the harpsichord's relevance in modern classical circles. Esfahani’s recent work, as seen in releases like *Bach: The French Suites* and *Corellimania*, showcases his crisp, inventive interpretations of Baroque masters, blending scholarly rigor with playful energy. He’s also a trailblazer, commissioning new works to expand the harpsichord's repertoire beyond its historical roots.

A Grammy-nominated artist and the first harpsichordist to win a BBC Music Magazine Award, Esfahani balances concert hall performances with quirky projects (like his viral social media snippets of Bach’s *Inventions*). His recordings, including recent pre-release singles from Bach’s *Leipziger Choräle* and Handel’s sonatas, reveal his knack for making centuries-old music feel immediate and alive. Whether dissecting Bach’s intricate counterpoint or reviving lesser-known gems, Esfahani’s mission is clear: proving the harpsichord isn’t just a relic—it’s a vibrant, storytelling machine.

Genres

Classical

Related Artists

Jean Rondeau

Pierre Hantaï

Richard Egarr

Rinaldo Alessandrini

Christophe Rousset

Alexandre Tharaud

Trevor Pinnock

Andreas Staier

Murray Perahia

Ton Koopman

Kristian Bezuidenhout

Francesco Corti

Latest Release

Fernande Decruck - Concertante Works, Vol. 2

Mahan Esfahani•

Jackson Symphony Orchestra•

Matthew Aubin

Album - 11 Tracks - Released March 7, 2025