Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

A commemorative event in honor of the legendary Azerbaijani musician, People's artist of Azerbaijan and USSR Muslim Magomayev has been held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Azertac reported.

Co-organized by the Azerbaijani National Cultural Center and the Russian Cultural Center, the event brought together many public and art figures.

Director of Azerbaijani National Culture Center Mobil Mammadov, addressing the event, highlighted the life and career of the talented musician.

Muslim Magomayev was an Azerbaijani baritone operatic and pop singer of the 1960s and 1970s. The musician achieved iconic status in Russia and the post-Soviet countries, including his native Azerbaijan, for his vocal talent and charisma.

Muslim, also known as the "King of Songs" and the "Soviet Sinatra", became famous around the USSR at the age of 19 after a stellar performance at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow.

Later, he became known in Europe after a successful performance at the Youth Festival in Helsinki, Finland.

A very important stage in mastering his vocals skills even further was his training in the "La Scala" Opera Theater in Milan. Muslim's stay in Italy – a country of innumerable art treasures and the home of belcanto – in the 1960s was not only beneficial for his singing, but also affected his inner world.

He remained among the main supporter of the Italian school of singing through his life. Magomayev splendidly sang the leading arias of Figaro, Scarpia, Mephisto, Onegin.

At age of 30, Magomayev was one of the youngest recipients of the highest artistic title, People's Artist of the USSR. He also received numerous awards for his contribution to opera and popular music in the Soviet Union.

The legendary singer died of a heart failure in Moscow on October 25, 2008 and was laid to rest in Baku.

Baku and Moscow were native cities for Magomayev, where he spent many happy years of his life. Some traditional music festivals to commemorate the brilliant singer are held annually in these cities.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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