Great Azerbaijani Composer’s Works Performed in Germany

The works of the great Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli have been performed in Germany in “Tanzmusic” concert programs of the Assento Orchester conducted by Rafaella Martins at Kirche Lüdenhausen church and Aula des Kaiser-Wilhelm- und Ratsgymnasiums gymnasium in the city of Hannover.

The concerts featured works by world-class composers, including “Ashigsayagi” and “Arazbari” compositions by Uzeyir Hajibeyli.

"I was especially looking forward to hearing music from Azerbaijan, as it is not often performed in Germany, and I am very happy to welcome our guests from this country. It is a pleasure to listen to this music here, as it holds a special connection with our orchestra,” said Rafaella Martins.

Martins praised Uzeyir Hajibeyli as the founder of modern Azerbaijani professional music and the creator of the first opera in the Islamic East.

The sheet music for the compositions was provided by Azerbaijan’s honorary artist, renowned pianist Nargiz Aliyeva.

"This year, Azerbaijan celebrates the 140th anniversary of the great composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli, whose multifaceted creativity left an indelible mark on the history of Azerbaijani culture. He enriched the national musical treasury with grand masterpieces and, as an educator, nurtured a generation of renowned artists. That is why it is crucial to promote his works globally," said Aliyeva.

Uzeyir Hajibeyli, born in Karabakh, Azerbaijan on September 18, 1885, is considered the founder of modern Azerbaijani professional music. The iconic Azerbaijani composer has also been credited with creating a synthesis of what has become a source of national pride and ethnic identity after he mixed classical music with mugham. Later, this unique set of melodies have influenced music throughout the Caspian, Middle East regions, and well beyond Azerbaijan’s borders.

Hajibeyli is also credited with inventing Azerbaijani musical comedy, including his masterpiece about a textile merchant who is in search of a wife – “Arshin Mal Alan.” Its performance was staged in 120 theaters, including those in Moscow, Istanbul, New York, Paris, and London. Hajibeyli also composed the national anthem of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan honors Uzeyir Hajibeyli with the annual “Uzeyir Hajibeyov International Music Festival” held on the National Music Day on September 18. Since its launch in 2009, the festival traditionally features multiple cultural events and brought together dozens of music virtuosos from across the globe.