Presentation of the “Azerbaijani Mugham” multimedia collection and the “World of Mugham” publication

“Azerbaijani Mugham” multimedia collection and “World of Mugham” publication were presented at Heydar Aliyev Foundation on November 11.

President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva attended the ceremony.

Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the ceremony.

Address by Mehriban Aliyeva:

Dear guests, I sincerely greet you, say “Welcome!” to Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Today, 2 new projects dedicated to the art of mugham will be presented to you. Looking at the near past we would see a number of significant works are done for the past years towards protection, propaganda, study of mugham, its popularization in the country and outside. Release of music album “Singers of Garabagh”, publication of “Mugham Encyclopedia” and “Mugham” magazine, TV contest of young mugham singers, construction of International Mugham Center in our capital, and lastly the first international mugham festival held this year at that center is the result of works done, of our joint efforts.

I hope the projects presented today will make worthy contribution to development of the art of mugham. Our first project – “Azerbaijani Mugham” multimedia collection consists of 8 CDs. It is almost a unique project, since this is the first educational supply on mugham based on modern technologies. All necessary information on mugham in educational process is included in these CDs. We are presenting today such textbooks for teachers, masters. 

History of Azerbaijani mugham, its role and place in the country’s cultural heritage, major mughams of Azerbaijan and their notes, Azerbaijan’s symphonic mughams, folk musical instruments, prominent personalities, mugham terms and other materials on mugham are reflected in this collection, in these CDs. The project is available in 2 languages – Azeri and English and of course, it will have positive influence in propaganda of Azeri mugham abroad.

I would like to emphasize no textbook, no resource can substitute for teachers, masters, live communication. In the art of mugham in particular. Mugham has existed, sounded and been loved in our country in all times. Irrespective of political, public or economic situation, the art of mugham has protected its special place and existed. Secrets of mastery passed from generation to generation, from master to student, from teacher to pupil, from elderly to youth have no substitute in protection of the culture of mugham. Live communication is necessary to learn these secrets. Certainly, no book, textbook, video, audio resource cannot substitute for live contact in such a complicated process. Just this live tradition has been safeguarded for centuries by our famous singers and masters of mugham. These traditions are protected today and I would like to once more express my kind regards and thanks to all our masters, singers of mugham.

From this standpoint, the project presented unites very comprehensive information on mugham and can help teachers, masters, also students in learning process. The project presented is at the same time a new and unique source of information on mugham for mugham lovers.

The second project presented – “World of Mugham” reflects the results of the 1st International Mugham Festival and scientific symposium held this March in our capital. This project is comprised of 33 CDs, which include all meetings, events, concerts, concerts by local and foreign performers held those days in our country and capital. Information on popular mugham singers and modern mugham performers, winners and participants of international mugham contests is also given in the book, which presents opinions and views of all guests of the festival as well.

This project takes us back to in the true sense of the word music festivity we lived those days. The 1st International Mugham Festival held in Baku once again proved the art of mugham of Azerbaijan, the national wealth of Azerbaijan, is the pearl of the universal music treasure at the same time. It once more proved the world of mugham is a boundless place and persons living and protecting this place have one venue – Baku International Mugham Center.

I remember very well, after the head of our state adopted decision on construction of International Mugham Center in Baku, we had several meetings here at Heydar Aliyev Foundation with well-known masters, mugham singers, scientists. We discussed this mugham center, its place, architecture. I remember, in one of meetings we were discussing several architectural projects suggested and dear Alibaba Mammadov said let us select one and build that we can see it too.

Today I want to say with huge pride that this is reality already, we live it already. A unique, extraordinary center with an amazing architecture has been built in the seaside boulevard, one of the nicest sites in Baku. It has almost become the center of Azerbaijani culture, of international music culture. I believe by our common efforts we will hold the 2nd International Mugham Festival at this center in 2011 and it will also become a beautiful music celebration.

Dear friends, taking the opportunity I once again express my best regards to all singers, masters of mugham, persons who have given contribution to development of mugham. I wish you success, good health and long life in this way.