Gara Garayev
Don Quixote, Symphonic Engravings by Gara Garayev
The prominent Soviet Azerbaijani composer Gara Garayev (also spelled as Qara Qarayev or Kara Karayev) died on May 13, 1982, at the age of 64. He left the world nearly 110 musical works including ballets, operas, symphonic and chamber pieces, solo works for piano, cantatas, songs and marches, and rose to prominence not only in Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic, but also in the rest of the Soviet Union and worldwide. Have a listen to his inventive and beautiful 'Don Quixote, Symphonic Engravings':
The story of Don Quixote:
'Don Quixote' is a novel, published in two parts by Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes and is one of the most widely read classics in Western literature. It describes what happens to an ageing knight, who loses his mind by reading romances and sets out with Sancho Panza to seek adventure. It is considered to be the prototype of the modern novel. For a more detailed synopsis, click here.
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| Gara Garayev (Feb 5, 1918 - May 13, 1982) |
Garayev's music is rooted in the traditions of the Azerbaijani folk. The composer was drawn to the art of mugham (a complex art form based on musical improvisation in specific modes) and the art of ashiqs (medieval art that combined poetry and music) - the latter art is one of the symbols of Azerbaijani culture and considered an emblem of national identity to the extent that since 2009, the art of Azerbaijani Ashiqs has been a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The impact of studies of folk music with the eminent Uzeir Hajibeyov is clear.
Between 1933 and 1938, Garayev studied composition and folk music at the Azerbaijan State Conservatory. In 1938, he continued his studies in the Moscow Conservatory where he studied composition with A. Alexandrov and then later in 1943 with Dmirti Shostakovich. This union between Shostakovich and Garayev turned into a lifelong friendship, collaboration and mentorship.
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| Garayev and Shostakovich |
"Garayev has a great and brilliant talent which is highly developed. He is extremely knowledgeable about instrumentation, polyphony and other components that take up music. He surely has a great future."
- Dmitri Shostakovich
"There was almost no limit to Garayev's scope of knowledge in all genres of music. In 1963, we travelled together to America. It amazed me how Garayev knew so many things about so many different genres of music. For example, I'd have to admit to being a bit elitist when it comes to jazz. But I couldn't hide my admiration when he demonstrated competency in this field as well. He mentioned several names, compared on tendency in jazz to another and talked about things I had never heard of."
- Rodion Shchedrin (Russian composer)
Garayev suffered from heart disease, which prevented him from attending his own 60th jubilee celebration held in Baku, where he was awarded the title of the 'Hero of Socialist Labor'. Garayev spent the last five years of his life in Moscow, away from the public, although his love for Baku remained strong:
"To me, Baku is the most beautiful city in the world. Every morning, when the city wakes whether it be to the sun or the rain and fog, every morning my city sings. Baku is meant for art. It gives me so much pleasure to write about this city no matter if you write music, verse of paint images."
Garayev died in Moscow, but his body was flown to Baku and buried at the Alley of Honor, where many other prestigious Azerbaijanis are buried including presidents.
Sources: Azerbaijan-American Music Foundation, Encyclopedia Britannica, Wikipedia
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