AZERBAIJAN • AQAKHAN ABDULLAEV

The mugham, the classical music of Azerbaijan, holds pride of place among the oriental music for its beauty, its power of expression and its extraordinary vitality. Although this music is monodic and modal, each musician, whether singer, lute (târ) or bowed lute (kemânche) player, enjoys a great freedom of interpretation which provides its special depth. The mugham offers, at one and the same time, outstanding diversity and unity: the alternance of compositions and semi-improvisations, of free and regular rhythms, of joyful and sombre moods, is balanced by the smoothness with which all these elements are linked together without interruption.
Aqakhân Abdullaev is acknowledged as one of the greatest Azerbaijani singers within his own country and abroad. Therefore, there is no need for him to prove his technical ability and he is thus able to dispense with spectacular vocal effects giving himself wholeheartedly in a way that is restrained and yet generous. With the passing years and with the humility of the true artist, he has arrived at the very essence of Azeri song : using the great texts through a perfectly mastered musical form of expression.

- Mugham Segâh Zâbol
- Mugham Rahâb
- Mugham Bayâti Qâjâr
- Zarbi mugham Ovshâri