Mugam from Azerbaijan – Mystical Songs

T he mugam classical music of Azerbaijan (like the related Arabo-Persian maqam) is shaped by the complex modal system that bears the same name. The repertoire is played not only at weddings but also at aristocratic musical soirées.  It is performed with remarkable economy, requiring only a singer, a drummer, a tar player, and a performer of the plucked viola known as the kemanche.  The repertoire today comprises a dozen principal suites.  As classical poetry is a central element of composition, the voice is considered to be mugam’s most important instrument. A breathtaking range of vocal techniques, from exacting parlando to the most intense ornamentation, are employed to evoke the rich meanings of the texts. 12 th Century Persian poetry is also the source for the song, or ghazal repertoire, which is particularly strong in Azerbaijan . Their theme is generally about love, both sacred and profane.

This year the public is invited to discover one of the most talented representatives of the new generation of interpreters of mugam, Aygun Baylar, who is just 30 years old.  Daughter of a tar player, Aygun began her musical career at the early age of 7 when she learned to play the nagara (traditional Azeri percussion).  At 18 she was discovered by the musician Baylar Guliyev, who invited her to join his ensemble and became her teacher.  In honour of her late teacher, Aygun Humbatova changed her name to Aygun Baylar.  She completed her musical training at the National Academy of Music in Baku , and in 2002 the President of the Azerbaijan Republic awarded her the title ‘Artist Emeritus’.  In 2005 at Samarkand in Uzbekistan , Aygun won the international competition Sharg taranalari.

In Fes , Aygun Baylar will be accompanied by two young musicians who shared the stage with her at Samarkand :  the kemanche player Asadullayev Togrul Mirnazim Oglu, and the tar player Gurbanov Rovshan Oktay.