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Fikrat Amirov, prolific composer of nation turns 95

22 November 2017 10:00 (UTC+04:00)
Fikrat Amirov, prolific composer of nation turns 95

By Aygul Salmanova

“I always dreamed and dream that Azerbaijani music sounded in all corners of the globe ... After all the nation is judged in accordance with its music! And if at least I managed to realize my dream, the dream of my whole life, then I'm happy.”

These lines refer to a magnificent national composer of the twentieth century, Fikrat Amirov, who is revered through the ages for his work's musical complexities and stylistic innovations.

Amirov entered world history of musical culture of the 20th century as a great master of combining musical traditions of modernity and national cultural heritage. His popularity, no doubt, was a result of combining many contemporary styles of music, his originality, and his ability to unveil the meaning and emotions of a text through music.

No doubt the music of Fikrat Amirov has been heard outside of Azerbaijan more than any other Azerbaijani composer. Unfortunately, millions of people who have heard his music, probably don't know it's his.

The name of the great composer is associated with the birth of symphonic and ballet, opera and operetta genres of national classical music. Amirov created the first Azerbaijani lyrical-psychological opera on a contemporary theme. Moreover, he is the author of the first instrumental concert, and a fairytale ballet in Azerbaijan.

The wide artistic interest of Amirov included operas, ballets, symphonies, symphonic poems, symphonic mugham, suites, capriccio, piano concertos, sonatas, musical comedies, songs, love songs, piano pieces, music for dramatic productions, and movies.

Amirov was a prolific composer. He wrote a large number of works in different genres. His most famous symphonic works were "Azerbaijan Capriccio" (1961), "Gulistan-Bayati-Shiraz" (1968), "Legend of Nasimi" (1977), Concerto for violin and piano with orchestra (1948).

In his work the composer actively used Azerbaijani folk melodies and rhythms, mugham, improvisation, organically combining them with variational and polyphonic development.

Amirov is an outstanding Azerbaijani composer, whose works spread positive energy and social and ethical ideals.

Amirov’s symphonic Mughams ‘Shur’ and ‘Kurd Ovshary’ are unprecedented in the history of world music. The author developed the national symphonic style by creating symphonic Mugham that became significant not only for Azerbaijan’s music but also for the music of the world.

His works revolve around social and ethical issues, disclose the spiritual world of the people and record their life in the past and present. Mankind’s inner world with all its joys and sorrows takes a special place in his works.

The most outstanding works that made the musician well-known around the world are opera ‘Sevil’ as well as ballet ‘One Thousand and One Night’ created on the basis of oriental tales.

The creative heritage of the composer, organically connected with the Azerbaijani folk music, with the national culture is vast and diversified. One of the most attractive features of Amirov's musical language is melodism: "Fikrat Amirov possesses a rich melodic gift," Shostakovich wrote. "Melody is the soul of his work."

The element of folk music surrounded Amirov from childhood. He was born in the family of the famous tar player and mugham performer Mashadi Jamil Amirov.

“Shusha, where my father was born, is rightfully considered a conservatory of Transcaucasia,” Amirov recalled. “... It was the father who revealed to me the world of sounds and the mystery of mugams. As a child, I tried to imitate his playing on the container. Sometimes it was good for me and it made me very happy. "

Additionally, huge role in the formation of Amirov's composer personality was played by the luminaries of Azerbaijani music - the composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli and the singer Bul-Bul.

Amirov, along with being a composer, was actively engaged in musical and social activities. He was Secretary of the Board of the Union of Composers of the USSR and the Union of Composers of Azerbaijan, Artistic Director of the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Society (1947), Director of the Azerbaijan Academic Opera and Ballet Theater.

The composer was awarded a number of awards for his long creative activity, including the Stalin Prize (1949), the State Prize of the USSR (1980), as well as the titles of People's Artist of the USSR (1958), People's Artist of the USSR (1965), Hero of Socialist Labor (1982) and etc.

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