MUGHAM ~ folk music of Azerbaijan

Описание

The word mugam itself has two different, but related meanings. On the one hand, it is used to denote mode in traditional Azerrbaijani music. There exist seven main modes: Rast, Shur, Seygyah, Chargyah, Shushter, Bayati-Shiraz, Humayun and several supplementary ones. On the other hand this term refers to a special type of music that is cognate to Arabic maqam, Uzbek makom, Indian raga, but which, in the same time, follows its own structural rules. Why this musical form is so special? All mugam compositions consist of several parts, united by one idea, and are titled in accordance with one particular mode-mugam, in which they are performed. Passing on to each following part, singer-hanende is widening sound range, ascending from low register to high one, changing calm recitative singing to emotionally coloured one. Between the sections of mugam there are tesnifs –vocal compostitions, or rengi and diringi that have mostly dance character. The style of performing itself deserves special attention: it is improvisationally based, which brings it closer to jazz. What is the source of mugam? Mugam as a form of Azerbaijani folk music has deep roots in spiritual culture of East: perhaps, religious chants of Koran and music, played at Persian court, originated mugam. And the technique of singing is traditional for folk singers of Azerbaijan – ashugs. What are mugams about? For mugam lyrics not only works of contemporaries are used, but also classical AZERBAIJANI poetry: poems by Fizuli, Vagif, Baiklani, Hagani, but, first of all, Nizami. The main theme is usually love, but not only love between man and woman, but also love for mother country and mystical love for God. Bearing deep significance, mugam embodies human seeking for truth, sadness and grief of search and pleasure when the aim is achieved. Mugam now During Soviet era the significance of mugam as a model of folk culture has grown up greatly. For classical Azeri composers of the XX century mugam became the basis and source of ideas for numerous operas, symphonies, pieces of choral music. And at the beginning of the XXI century mugam gained worldwide recognition, being proclaimed in 2002 a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by version of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organization. ( mugham.ru with some changings by Z.Rzali)