Baku immersed in spells of Mugham

/By AzerNews/

By Nigar Orujova

A soul of Azerbaijani folk music, Mugham, will gladden Baku at the traditional Fourth International Music Festival “The World of Mugham”.

The music festival started on March 11 with a concert of Azerbaijan State Symphonic Orchestra named after Uzeyir Hajibeyov and the State Choir Capella.

The weeklong event will feature prominent musicians and musical groups from Azerbaijan and all over the world: Turkey, Iran, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Tajikistan, the U.S., France, Britain, Lebanon, Spain, Germany, Jordan, Russia, China, India, Tunisia, Belgium, Slovenia and the Netherlands.

The festival that is held every two years in March aims to promote the Azerbaijani Mugham in the modern world. This will allow Azerbaijan’s traditional music to occupy a more prominent place in the modern world.

The origin of Mugham goes back to early centuries. This music developed and changed throughout the centuries. The study of the history of Mugham reflects the stages of progress of Azerbaijan itself.

Vocal-instrumental varieties of the compositions are performed by a group of musicians, consisting of singer - khanende, playing on a gaval (percussion instrument), and stringed musical instruments tar and kemancha.

Mugham entered into the global culture heritage at the beginning of the last century by attracting the attention of cultural experts and music critics around the globe.

The lyrical music of Mugham attracts today the young and old by its delightful sounds. At present, this pearl of Azerbaijani music art continues to take new forms, attracting attention worldwide.

Numerous Mugham opera, symphonic and classical Mugham concerts will be held in music halls in the capital this week.

The International Scientific Symposium and International Mugham singers’ competition will be organized during the week. The symposium that represents an important theoretical and practical significance will gather scientists and musicians from 40 countries.