Azerbaijani mugham master Alim Gasymov: When they heard my voice mixed with Vendetta's music, they all started clapping their hands

Some say, that you have been planning to open a cultural center, and call it by your own name. The idea itself is interesting, how real is it? Is it true?

In fact, I would love to set up a cultural corner in Baku. I do have an idea, yet to realize it, I need more young and talented men. I cant do it on my own. I'd love to open a school for children, where they could learn everything I know. I'd want different people to gather there, not only those who like mugham, but pretty much everyone who wishes to. And, honestly, I've been asked to do something like that, but I was too hesistant. Some foreigners are even ready to act as sponsors. I think the time has come to think this idea over, and make it work.

You want to get into teaching? What about the concerts?

Its no problem, I can combine. Now we usually prepare for concerts with less activity. Actually, I have so much to do, that I usually try to postpone everything. I should get over it, and get things done.

How hard it is to give your best at every performance?

Each concert has something unique in it. I cant say that I perform the same everytime, and have same feelings everytime. The concert decorations are important, as is the mood of the viewers. There are lots of factors. Besides sometimes your voice can let you down, and its something you cant control...

Any interesting stories to share?

Well, there was this one time, when we were in one of France's provinces, and we had this concert scheduled... And there were very few people there. I was angry, and even got into a little wordfight with the musicians, I even thought this concert is going to be a blowout. But, during the concert we felt this strange energy, that we just kept on playing and playing. It was like I got teleported to another time. This kind of thing happens to me, but not very often.

Also, a few times, after the concerts, foreigners used to come up to me and expressed their feelings. They knew I did not understand a thing they were saying, yet they went on, and I felt like I understood them. You know, foreign public likes to express their feelings openly.

With our people its different - I feel great responsibility for my performance. I have to control my voice, the way I sing, the words too, its all very important. When it comes to performing in other countries, its different. Most important thing for me is that people could relax, and enjoy the concert. I can perform freely, and they accept it. I very much like that.

What do you think of the others, who sing mugham?

Very few are lucky enough to get to the top. It has always been like that. As of now, there are many, who sing, yet they are not experienced enough. It is very important, since the more of this unexperienced singing people get, the less they would want to listen to the real thing. I believe, that every music has to to have positive energy. If it does, then it doesnt matter what are the words, and what is the language of the song.

Please tell about your collaboration with David Vendetta...

To be honest, when I first was asked to perform alongside Vendetta, I did not want to. Right now, I can say I enjoyed working with him. Moreover, I am happy that I could reach the young generation through his music. I've heard, that when the teens heard my voice mixed with Vendetta's music, they all started clapping their hands. I enjoyed that a lot.

Have you thought about retiring?

I am waiting for my family to say, that my time has passed, and that I have to step down. So far they are silent...


/1news.az/