Legendary Mugham singer leaves Malaysians in awe
By Amina Nazarli
The legendary Azerbaijani Mugham singer Alim Gasimov has appeared in a rare recital as part of the 2015 Kuala Lumpur International Arts Festival in Malaysia.
Sticking to his mastery of improvisation, Gasimov along with his daughter Fargana Gasimova and his ensemble performed at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, AzerTac State News Agency reported. The performance was supported by the Pusaka non-profit organization, which works to promote the continuity and viability of traditional performance arts in Malaysia.
The concert, which was also supported by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Malaysia, showcased the profound beauty of the mugham tradition, a complex art that combines poetry, modal music, and improvisatory singing in particular tones.
The event began with the national masterpiece, Sari Gelin, and was widely covered by local media. The day before the event, the Azerbaijani Embassy in Malaysia hosted a reception in honor of Alim Gasimov with the participation of high-ranking officials, journalists and representatives of the Azerbaijani Diaspora.
Gasimov was awarded the International Music Council-UNESCO Music Prize, one of the highest international accolades for music in 1999.
For that achievement, he was quoted by the New York Times as simply one of the greatest singers alive, with a searing spontaneity that conjures passion and devotion, contemplation and incantation.
Known as an artist of supreme versatility, Gasimov has collaborated and performed with some of the world’s leading musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Kronos Quartet and Jeff Buckley.
Gasimov is the greatest singer of the Mugham tradition of Azerbaijan. He is celebrated and critically acclaimed the world over for his foundation in the mugham tradition, his mastery of improvisation and for bringing mugham to the world stage.
Gasimov perceives and presents mugham not only as an ancient art and a part of Azerbaijan's musical and cultural heritage but also as a constantly developing tradition.
His performing style is unique, as it combines deep knowledge of centuries-old rules of mugham with challenging innovations. It is distinguished by extreme intensity, which mesmerizes audiences.
“…Mr. Gasimov is simply one of the greatest singers alive, with a searing spontaneity that conjures passion and devotion, contemplation and incantation.” – The New York Times.
“…one of the most thrilling, unashamedly emotional performers on the planet” – The Guardian, UK.
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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
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