Resonant Tar thrills London audience

/AzerNews/

By Amina Nazarli

The Methodist Central Hall Westminster in London hosted the concert titled “Discovery of Tar” held on November 27.

The event was a part of the second Buta Festival of Azerbaijani Arts, being held in London from November 4 to March 22. It was organized by the Buta Art Center.

A large number of art lovers, as well as representatives of Azerbaijani Diaspora, local and foreign masters attended the event.

Addressing the event, Director General of Buta Arts Center Nasib Piriyev stressed the role of Azerbaijani culture, music and art in the world's culture.

He also briefed the guests about the history of Azerbaijani national music instrument Tar and noted its wide range of sound and rich performance capabilities.

Tar is used both in solo and accompaniment instrument in national musical art. It is a leading tool in the art of music. This instrument is widely used in the works of Azerbaijani composers.

Piriyev told that the festival is aimed to familiarize the international society with Azerbaijani art and culture.

Accompanied by Tar, "Shur" Mugham, Azerbaijani folk songs and other Tasnifs and Mugams were performed by talented national musicians as Aslan Novrasli, Munis Sharifov, Nurlan Novrasli, Tarlan Novrasli, Vuqar Sharifzade, Chingiz Mustafayev and others.

The visitors heard Tar’s voice in traditional Mugham, alongside a symphony orchestra with jazz and flamenco bands. They got familiar with the evolving role of the Tar since late 19th and 20th century.

"Bayati Shiraz", “Sari Gelin” and other Azerbaijani folk music samples by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of Great Britain, as well as music samples from repertoire of famous composers as Antonio Vivaldi were performed in the second part of the event.

As Azerbaijan’s national instrument, Tar is a unique instrument. Its double head gives it an instantly recognizable ‘figure-of-eight’ shape.

Tar, a long-necked plucked lute and one of the most important musical instruments in Iran and the Caucasus, was included in the UNESCO list in 2012. It is traditionally crafted and performed throughout Azerbaijan, and is depicted on the Azerbaijani national banknote of one manat nominal value.