August 20 was the 112th anniversary of the birth of the world-famous conductor and composer, People's Artist of Azerbaijan and the USSR, Hero of Socialist Labor, and receiver of state awards, Niyazi (Niyazi Tagızadeh-Hajibeyov; 1912–1984).
On this occasion, Jahangir Salimkhanov, adviser to the Minister of Culture, employees from both the State Museum of Music Culture and the Niyazi’s House Museum operating under it, as well as notable cultural figures, gathered at the Alley of Honor to lay flowers at the maestro's grave.
During the memorial ceremony, the significant contributions of the outstanding artist to the development of Azerbaijani musical culture were recognized. It was stated that Niyazi is considered a national treasure by the Azerbaijani people, and his name is always spoken of with great respect. His exceptional role in the establishment and development of the Azerbaijan Conducting School was emphasized.
It was noted that Niyazi began his conducting career in the 1930s. In 1935, the composer first recorded the classic Azerbaijani folk music examples, "Rast" and "Shur" mughams, and by 1946, he had earned the title of laureate in the young conductors’ competition. In 1949, he composed his most famous piece, the symphonic mugham "Rast."
The operas "Nargiz" by Muslim Magomayev, "Motherland" by Gara Garayev, and "Sevil" by Fikret Amirov, along with the ballets "Seven Beauties" and "The Pass of Thunder" by Gara Garayev, directed by the maestro at the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theater, achieved great success.
The artist, who was the artistic director and conductor of the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra, also prepared the debut performance of Arif Malikov's ballet "The Legend of Love" at the Leningrad (St. Petersburg) Opera and Ballet Theater in 1961.
At the Ankara Opera and Ballet Theater, he led the operas "The Queen of Spades" by Pyotr Tchaikovsky and "Aida" by Giuseppe Verdi, and directed the first performance of Adnan Saygun's opera "Koroghlu" and the oratorio "Yunis Emre" at the Istanbul Opera and Ballet Theater.
It was noted that today Niyazi's name is associated with world-famous conductors and composers. His work serves as a genuine example for the new generation of musicians. Many generations to come will reap the benefits of Niyazi's art school.
