Sadigzade. Space and Culture, India 2018, 6:2 Page | 102 https://doi.org/10.20896/saci.v6i2.357 RESEARCH OPEN ACCESS Features of Formation and Development of Azerbaijani Hijran Azizaga Sadigzade† Abstract Azerbaijani Ballet does not have a long history of development and formation; however, during the analysed period, that is, in the 40-90s of the 20th century, it has become an essential element of the musical culture, both in and around the world. An essential feature of this genre of artistic creation is a combination of factors and principles of musical construction and expression of Western-European music and, at the same time, folk music, dance, and intonations. were devoted to historical events and people as well as modern social processes and their participants. Ballet pieces are being continuously improved. In Azerbaijan, the creation of operas, designed for performance, contributed to the growth of the musical culture of the younger generation, as well as general culture and maturation of people, respecting cultural values and actively using those values in their life benchmarks. Over time, some students who took an active part in the performance of operas have become recognised musicians and were awarded honorary titles such as the honoured artist, People's Artist of the Republic, and these are – Samir Jafarov, Teymur Amrakh, Zaur Amiraslanov, etc. Keywords: Azerbaijani Ballet, Azerbaijani Composers, Features of Ballets, Combinations of Folk and Classical Elements

† Theatre Department of the Gymnasium of Arts, 1073-Az, , Azerbaijan, G.Javid St., quarter 506, 4, E-mail: [email protected] ©2018 Sadigzade. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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Introduction Russian analysts: a historical-cultural approach, represented by M.S. Kaganov (1992), D.S. Although Ballet is not a genre of Azerbaijani national music which has a long history, today Likhachev (1986), A.F. Losev (1995), I.A. Teng it occupies a significant place in the musical (1996); a theory of "subjective" art, culture of our country. Azerbaijani Ballet has represented by L.S. Vygotsky (1986), I. Hete more than a century-long history of existence. (1994), B. Kroche (1902), Z. Freud (1995), Y. The opera history begins with the production of Kheizngi (2001), F. Schelling (1966), A. the first opera by Uzeyir Hajibayov “Leyla and Schopenhauer (1975), K. Young (1998). Majnun” in 1908 and during that time has Theoretical aspects of powerful means of the established itself as the leading genre of music Ballet, specifics of its language and artistic in the formation of the musical and general form, theatre and decorative design and culture of the people of the world as a part of scenography in the works of B.V. Asafyev, K.Y. the musical culture (Gretchen, 1989). Goleyzovski, F.V. Lopukhov, and others (Braylovskaya,2006). Increasing integration also characterised the development of the musical culture of The peculiarities of pedagogics and Azerbaijan in the 19-20th centuries into the performance in Ballet are reviewed in the global musical culture. In particular, there were works of Russian researchers, such as A.Y. many attempts to bring into the national music Vaganova (1934), A.M. Messerer (1990), the genre and intonational originality of (2000), and several Western researchers. European music (Grant, 1967). Formation of This genre in Azerbaijan was researched by the the Ballet genre takes in an essential place in leading musicologists, such as S.A. Kasumova, this process, as this genre today has become N.G. Bagirov, Z.R. Bayramova, L. Farajeva, and one of the indicators of maturity of musical art, others (Zulfugarov and Khalilov, 1976). This making a necessary contribution to the global issue is discussed in textbooks on the history of development of culture in general (Lincoln and the musical culture of Azerbaijan. However, there is a need for systematic and consistent Muriel, 2004). The article begins with the rationale discussing the degree to which the consideration of the history of the formation of Azerbaijani Ballet has been researched. Ballet in Azerbaijan, links between the creation Following this, it discusses the methods and the of this musical genre with music development results and discussion of the research. as an integral part of the spiritual culture and history of social development as a whole. Rationale It would be good to know about the originality It is well known, that: and evolution of Ballet and a few lines on how is Azerbaijani Ballet different from other forms Ballet is one of the most sublime of Ballet. and physically demanding of the arts. Each year, more and more If the opera history in Azerbaijan begins with people flock to Ballet classes and the first opera production in 1908, then the performances. Yet the drama, Ballet history starts much later, with the glamour, and elegance that production of the first Ballet "Maiden Tower" provide the lure and excitement written by Afrasiyab Badalbayli in 1940. The of Ballet cannot compensate for fact is that the main musical genres of the the harsh conditions suffered by Azerbaijani people are folk songs, mugham, professional dancers who are ashug melody. Basically, music is vocal and encouraged to neglect and instrumental. This does not mean that there starve themselves in pursuit of were no folk dances. Dances were widely their art. Gordon, 1984, p. 24 practised during folk celebrations. Both men and women danced. This genre was widely Researchers differentiate various approaches used by people during festivals and had to an understanding of the nature of art by developed throughout the centuries. However,

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Ballet genre characterised the European Results musical culture, and our composers were the Unlike opera, which was born in Azerbaijan in first to use that genre in the 40s of the last 1908, the Ballet has its beginning from 1940 century. Azerbaijani Ballet does not have a long when Afrasiyab Badalbeyli wrote the first ever history of development and formation, Azerbaijani Ballet, the "Maiden Tower". however, during the analysed period it has genres such as folk become an essential element of the musical songs, mugham. Mugham is: 1) the general culture, both in Azerbaijan and around the common name of modes of Azerbaijani music. world. An essential feature of this genre of In the past, there were many modes, in the artistic creation is a combination of factors and 20th century, there are seven main modes. principles of musical construction and Each of them has a unique name, such as Rast, expression of Western-European music and, at Shur, Segyah, Chargah, Bayati-Shiraz, the same time, folk music, dance, mugham Khumayun and Shushter. All modes are based intonations. Ballets were devoted to historical on five tetrachords different in the structure, events and people as well as modern social which are connected in a certain way; 2) it is processes and their participants. Ballet pieces also one of the main genres of Azerbaijani folk are being continuously improved. music, a multi-part vocal and instrumental Methods work. are performed both The applied method of investigation was the completely (Destgah), and in parts by a solo analysis of the works of Azerbaijani authors and singer with instrumental accompaniment or in the historical process of their formation. Each the form of solo instrumental works (on tara, development stage of the development of the kamancha, etc.). Poetic texts of mugham are Azerbaijani Ballet was characterised following lyrical verses (gazelles) of the classics of the general trends in the event of musical Azerbaijani poetry such as Nizami, Fizuli, literature in the region and throughout the Nasimi, Vagif, Sabir, etc., as well as world. The conceptual basis of the analysis was contemporary poets - S. Vurghun, S. Rustam, the systematic approach that allows taking into M. Mushfig.), and minstrel music mainly refers account all the main components in the to the vocal and instrumental performance. development of the Ballet art: general world This does not mean that there were no folk trends in the formation and evolution of dances. On the opposite, alongside songs and modern Ballet, contemporary music and minstrel music, our talented folk musicians musical history in general (Greene, 2010). A created numerous dances which were variety of topics related to public needs performed both by men and women. predetermined the content of operas, their It means that the opera genre was loved by connection with folk melodies, the history of Azerbaijani people and was being developed the nation, its prominent representatives for centuries. However, as mentioned above, (historical figures, epic heroes). The principles the piece that was written following the world of the presentation of the musical text, the Ballet genre can be attributed to the 1940th structure, and composition of these operas are year of the last century. based on the Western European tradition Let's review the formation and development (Gretchen, 1989). process of the professional Ballet genre in Here, I set the task to equip this article with a Azerbaijan (Kasumova and Bagirov, 1984). small overview of the phased development of The creator of the first Azerbaijani Ballet is Ballet in Azerbaijan, its connection with the Afrasiyab i Badalbayli Badal oglu, who was also general direction of the development of a composer, conductor, librettist, music critic classical music, and the characteristic features and publicist (1907–1976). of each composer's creativity.

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He started working on the "Maiden Tower" her bracelet as a proof. Khan doesn't believe it Ballet in 1936 and completed it in 1940. The and kills Ayperi. The guests are leaving the same year the Ballet was staged at the palace in shock. Khan is left alone and walks Azerbaijani State Academic Opera and Ballet towards the castle. Polad, coming in front of Theatre named after M. F. Akhundov, and the Khan, kills him and starts to rise to the top of public and the musicians welcomed this work. the castle to save Gulyanag. Gulyanag hears This Ballet has been about the struggle for love somebody's steps and thinking that this is and happiness (Sariyeva, 2016). Jahangir Khan, Gulyanag steps out of the "Maiden Tower" Ballet's libretto also belongs to window of the castle and dies. Polad, who A. Badalbayli. The use of Azerbaijani folk music, enters the room and expects to see Gulyanag, such as folk songs, dances, mugham sees only shawl shaken by the wind. intonations was the reason for the acceptance Despite living only 55 years, Soltan Hajibayov of the Ballet by the broad audience. This is the had created beautiful music in various genres. reason why this Ballet has been popular until The audience welcomes two symphonies that today. The Ballet consists of a prologue, he wrote in his student years and his works epilogue and three acts. written in the period of free creativity such as The Ballet describes the story that happened in "Alexander and Shepherd", the children's the palace of one of Baku khans, Jahangir Khan opera, "Caravan" symphony board, symphonic in the 12th century. Jahangir Khan was longing overture and symphony concert, songs and for the son; however, his wife delivered a girl. musical comedy until today. Jahangir Khan orders to kill the girl, however, The "Gulshan" Ballet has a special place among Khan's vizier gives the nanny the bracelet which his other works. was designed for Khan's son and orders her to This Ballet which was written in 1950 was leave the palace together with the girl. staged at the Azerbaijani State Academic Opera Seventeen years have passed since Khan's and Ballet Theater named after M. F. order. Gulyanag, Khan's daughter lives with her Akhundov. In 1952 Soltan Hajibayov was nanny, who has replaced her mother, Ayperi in awarded the USSR's State Award for this Ballet. Khanbulag village.The preparations for It should be noted that this piece was written Gulyanag's wedding are in full swing. Suddenly, on a contemporary topic. The composer Khan and his men come. Jahangir Khan sees extensively used Azerbaijani folk music Gulyanag, instantly falls in love with her, and components, such as mugham and minstrel orders her to go with him to the palace and music in this Ballet. become his wife. In the Ballet, events take place in one of Polad, Gulyanag’s fiancé, wants to object to this Azerbaijan's villages, on a cotton field. Gulshan decision and his fellow villagers ask Khan not to and her team of girls collect cotton under the separate Gulyanag with her fiancé. Khan orders melodies of "Shepherd bayati". Azad and to kill Polad, but Gulyanag agree to become his Gulshan love each other. Ahmed also loves wife to save Polad. But with this, she puts a Gulshan, but his love is unrequited. Azad and condition to Khan to build a castle on the his team of workers build the hydroelectric Caspian coast. Khan fulfils her dream and power station. A team of farm workers orders to build a magnificent castle on the together with Gulshan come to help them. shores of the Caspian Sea. Suddenly the weather changes, it starts raining Now that the tower was built, Gulyanag should and the river begins to overflow. Azad falls into accomplish her promise. But the only person the water. Having seen it, Ahmed jumps into she can think about is Polad. Ayperi, who the river to help Azad. Gulshan is grateful to comes to the palace, opens the secret of Azad. Gulshan and Azad celebrated their Gulyanag being the Khan's daughter, showing wedding. The Ballet ends with the cheerful

Sadigzade. Space and Culture, India 2018, 6:2 Page | 106 mood, dances of the old and the young, and country effectively. Musical scenes of the Ballet Gulshan and Azad are happy getting married to are full of vivacity, bright sounds, vary in their each other. content and are emotionally and intonationally Great Azerbaijani composer, Kara Karayev, was complete. the author of numerous opera, symphonies, After the "," Kara Karayev wrote musical comedies, symphonic poems, cantatas, his second major work, the "The Path of soundtracks, songs for grown-ups and children, Thunder" Ballet. Based on the novel by South was also the author of the two world-famous African writer P. Abrahams, this Ballet was pieces called the "Seven Beauties" and "Path of staged in 1958. The Ballet transmits the feeling Thunder". of protest against racism with great artistic The libretto was written by I. Hidayatzade power and shows the people's fight for their based on genius Nizami's "Khamsa" and has rights. A summary of the Ballet is as follows: become the reason for K. Karayev to create The heart of young mulatto, Lenny Schwarts, is "Seven Beauties" in 1952, and in the same year, full of hope and dreams. He had just graduated the Ballet was staged at the Azerbaijani State from the University of Cape Town and received Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre gaining a bachelor's degree. His house, friends, instant popularity. relatives, and school are waiting for him. His university friends, comrades who are "black" Ballet's director was P. Gusev, G. Almaszade and F. Gusar, and Kamal Abdullayev and "coloured" share his joy. They come to the was the conductor. In 1953 this Ballet was train station to see Lenny off, with each of staged at the State Opera Theatre of Saint- them having their homes and beloved jobs Petersburg and later staged at a number of ahead. There is vivacity in the small village of other USSR cities. In 1959, the "Seven Beauties" Stilleveld. The return of the young teacher to Ballet was staged in the new edition in his homeland becomes a holiday for his poor at the 10 Days of and Art fellow villagers. The young are also dancing and event. having fun. The girls are dancing with their guitars; their dance is tango, sincere, lyrical and This Ballet, which is full of beautiful music, at the same time full of passion and fierce. consists of 4 acts: The dance successfully shows the characters of The first act describes Bahram Shah visiting one Lenny's fellow villagers. Lenny's sister, Lizzi, is of the villages near the slums dressed as a also dancing, gradually all village starts to hunter. He comes to visit Aisha living in this dance, even Lenny's mother starts dancing with village together with her brother. Aisha and the preacher showing everyone the gift that Bahram like each other. Suddenly, Bahram Lenny had brought for her – the shawl. But, Shah's vizier brings the news that the enemies suddenly, Hert, the landlord, together with have attacked the country. Bahram goes Vilcon and his land manager Smith arrive at the together with Manzar and other villagers. Shah village square. They notice the disobedient temporarily assigns his vizier to fulfil his duties young man. in his absence. Vizier who wants to seize the kingdom plans to kill Shah, but this plan will not Lenny gets severely beaten. He is saved by Sari, be implemented. Manzar helps the Shah and who covers his wound by the scarf and brings saves him. But the cunning vizier manages to him home. The two decide to leave the win the Shah's favour again; Shah forgets the country, but they get caught by Hert and his people who saved him and jails seven artists helpers. They punish Lenny and Sari, which together with Manzar. causes the whole village to stand up and fight for their rights. But the truth wins. The people punish the vizier. Bahram Shah is expelled out of the The musical accompaniment fascinates the kingdom because he failed to govern this listener. For example, when Sari appeared on

Sadigzade. Space and Culture, India 2018, 6:2 Page | 107 the stage for the first time, her dance with genius Kara Karayev. But Kara Karayev assigned speedy wide leaps was accompanied by a rich this task to Arif Melikov. melody. The bass sound of this melody with The Ballet was staged on 23 March 1961, in staccato chords help to create the image Leningrad's (now St. Petersburg) State Opera independent, daring and passionate young girl. and Ballet Theater and had great success. The waltz, which is repeatedly sounded in the Alongside the composer, the director of the Ballet, shows another side of Sari – her Ballet, Y. Grigorovic, artist S. Virsaladze and gentleness, elegance, and dreaming nature. conductor Niyazi played a significant role in the The most influential pieces of music in success of this Ballet. After this piece, A. revealing the quality of the images are adagios. Melikov writes another Ballet, "The Story of They tell us all the complicated feelings lived by Two Souls" based on the libretto of Uzbek Sh. the heroes, in a speechless and original Rashidov, which is staged at Tashkent Opera manner. and Ballet Theatre named after A. Navai and Adagio is the most passionate moment of the Kuybyshev Opera and Ballet Theatre. The Ballet feelings, the culmination of every act, and the was later staged in the US. most intense point in the development of every The libretto of the "Love Legend" belongs to dramatic event. The curtain feelings Adagio and the famous Turkish poet . the exciting development of the most intense point of the event is happening. The third scene Brief contents of the "Love Legend" are as of the second describing the love duet of Saria follows: and Lenny is precisely like this. Opening their Mahmanabanu is the woman governor of one hearts to each other breaks all barriers of the Eastern countries. Shirin is her sister and between them. At night, the two are alone in is very ill. The person who wants Shirin to the whole world with their happiness and recover would need to refuse her beauty. dreams. The inspirational music of this scene is Mahmanbanu accepts this condition and indeed a symphonic poem. This scene bears in rejects her beauty to save her sister. itself a critical and meaningful topic in the Mahmanabanu and her sister Shirin go to visit Ballet dramaturgy, which is the tragic love and the palace which is built for her. Here they the winning love. The composer uses the meet Farhad —, the bricklayer. Farhad falls in principles of sonata form here. Combining the love with Shirin, and Shirin and Mahmanabanu two issues in the anthem-like reprise, he both fall in love with Farhad. Shirin and Farhad confirms the idea of the ever-winning love. meet and open their hearts to each other. They This dance depicts the image of the people who flee the palace, but Mahmanbanu orders to break their chains. The people stood up and catch them and bring back. Angry started their fight for their right and equality. Mahmanabanu puts a condition in front of Farhad to crack the rock and has water come Arif Melikov Jahangir Oglu has created out of it for the people if he wants to marry beautiful pieces in various music genres and Shirin. Farhad starts to work to fulfil managed to gain love and popularity of the Mahmanabanu's order. But Mahmanabanu world with his symphonies (Symphony No. 7), unable to bear to Shirin's pleas anymore, vocal and instrumental compositions, romances agrees Farhad marry Shirin without fulfilment and songs, soundtracks and Ballets. of her request. But Farhad would not agree to The "Love Legend" Ballet written by Arif this and wants to complete his task and stay in Melikov, based on the libretto of great Turkish the mountains until finishing. poet and dramaturgist Nazim Hikmet, has a Ballet's music is both contemporary and special place in world music culture. It should traditional. If we pay attention to the music be noted that at first, the writing of this Ballet describing Mahmanabanu's tragedy, we will was offered to the teacher of the composer, see that these pieces such as "The dance of

Sadigzade. Space and Culture, India 2018, 6:2 Page | 108 palace dancers", "The dance of clowns", Young people dance. Agja is carrying roses and "Farhad and Shirin's adagio", and "Chase flowers and is distributing them among the scene" were based on Azerbaijani mughams. guests. Flowers are not enough for all the The "Nigella" Ballet brought great success and guests, so to take more Agja reaches to the popularity to Ashraf Abbasov, Azerbaijan's rose bushes, and snake bites her. Even her People's Artist who created beautiful music in mother and brother are afraid to approach her various genres. to help her. But Nigella having seen what happened to Agja comes to save her absorbs "Nigella" Ballet written by Ashraf Abbasov the poison, throwing it away. Agja is saved, but based on A. Badalbeyli's libretto, was staged on NIgella dies in the arms of old Piri. 15 September 1965 at the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theatre named after M. F. On request of Kuybyshev Theatre, in 1962 Akhundov staged. The Ballet master was Gamar Niyazi writes "Chitra" Ballet using the motives Almaszade, and the artist was E. Fataliyev. The of the literary and musical works of R. Tagore. Ballet was written in 1962, based on the In 1972 this Ballet was staged at the Azerbaijan "Fearful stories" of Suleyman Sani Akhundov State Opera and Ballet Theatre named after (1875–1939). The Ballet describes the tragic life M.F. Akhundov. of the poor orphan Nigella girl under the NIyazi was attracted by the love story of Arjuna accompaniment of musical language and other and Chitra in R. Tagore's "Chitragada" work. expression means. She stays at the gardener's The brief contents of the Ballet are as follows: house in the wealthy mansion of his master. Abandoned by all former fighters is thinking The mansion owner has a daughter of the same about the meaning and secret of life in the age as Nigella (the dark-skinned), whose name depths of the forest. He believes that nothing is Agja (the white skinned). Agja and Nigella in this world, including love, matters. Because become friends. They like to play with each love is not permanent, it is temporary and other, but Agja's mother is against this changing, and the woman's heart is lying and friendship. terrible. Thinking like this, Arjuna closes his Agja's nanny teaches Nigella. Once when there heart to love and does not pay attention to are guests at the mansion, Nigella is dancing women showing signs of attention to him. during their visit. Parviz, Agja's brother, likes Chitra, the daughter of Raja, is also far from Nigella. Old Piri, having seen this, gets sad. feeling love. Life did not even give beauty to Nigella comes to Agja's room and tells her Chitra. Therefore, she is engaged in the tragic story of her life. It becomes clear that ordinary life of the hunter, with the arrow in after the earthquake, Nigella lost her parents her hand, on horseback in the forests all day and her house. She was adopted by Yasaman, long. And namely there, getting into the depth one of the gypsy women. However, after her of the forest, she meets Arjuna. death, Nigella was expelled from the village. Arjuna's serious looks fascinate Chitra, and she Old Piri accepted homeless and hungry Nigella. instantly falls in love with him. She understands There are again guests at the mansion. This that she won't be able to live without Arjuna time it is the celebration of Agja's birthday. after that. She also realises that he is Nigella also wants to go to the birthday party indifferent to her feelings and that love is the and join other children, but old Piri is against it. greatest happiness in the world. Therefore, Agja's brother comes to Nigella's house and Chitra appeals to the God of Love, Madana, and tells her that he is in love with her. But his she grants her beauty. Now, beautiful Chitra fiancée hears it, and Nigella gets expelled from goes to the forest to meet with Arjuna. Arjuna the mansion. is fascinated by her beauty, and they start living in the woods as husband and wife. However, Chitra is concerned that her beauty is a lie and

Sadigzade. Space and Culture, India 2018, 6:2 Page | 109 she tells her secret to Arjuna. The same and love. In other words, Shahriar doesn't kill moment Chitra gets her previous looks back, Scheherazade as other women and marries her. but Arjuna does not seem bothered at all. He Alongside with opera, People's artist Tofig needs not her external appearance, but her Ahmed Oglu Bakikhanov created beautiful inner beauty. The old fighter feels love for music in various genres. He wrote "Caspian Chitra, and they both understand what real Ballad" (libretto by S. Mammadzade) in 1968, happiness is. and it was staged the same year at the State Fikret Meshedi Jamil oglu Amirov was the Opera and Ballet Theatre named after M. F. author of numerous symphonic works, operas, Akhundov. In 1969, this Ballet was staged in operettas, various songs for adults and France, at "Saint Eliza" theatre and brought the children, concerts, instrumental works, and composer great fame. Inspired by this success, also the Ballets such as "Nasimi" and "A the composer later creates two more Ballets – Thousand and One Nights". "Eastern poem" and "Good and Evil". "The "A Thousand and One Nights" was staged in Caspian ballad" is devoted to the contemporary 1979 at the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet topic of hard and heroic work of Caspian oil Theatre named after M.F. Akhundov, and workers (Zulfugarov and Khalilov, 1976). opened a new page in the musical culture of Thus, even in the most difficult and windy days, the former USSR. The Ballet's libretto belongs the oil workers continue their work without to writers and dramaturgists, brothers Maksud fear, extracting the black gold from the depth and Rustam Ibragimbekovs, and choreographer of the sea creating a foundation for the happy N. Nasirova. In those years, the "Thousand and living of future generations. One Nights" was so popular that got awarded This Ballet can be called the anthem of Caspian the State Prize of the USSR in 1980 (Zulfugarov oil workers. and Khalilov, 1976). The Ballet's Ballet masters were People's Artists The theme of the work is taken from the M. Mammadov and R. Akhundova. ancient Chinese folktales. Faraj Gara oglu Garayev was the son of Gara The Ballet starts with the first meeting of Garayev, the genius composer and created Shahriyar and Scheherazade and continues such Ballets as "Shadows of Gobustan" and every night with the new tale from "Kaleidoscope". Scheherazade. It should be noted that the composer is also the In the Ballet, we encounter the meeting with an author of symphonies, musical comedies, "The exciting scene from "Ali Baba and the Forty morning of the third day" (Orpheus and Thieves", the national Arabic fairy tales. These Evridika) and several instrumental works. scenes become even more interesting with the accompaniment of Fikret Amirov’s emotional Alongside various genres, the composer could and unique music and are very popular with write in multiple styles. So, if the "Shadows of the public. The victory of the good forces over Gobustan" reflect the use of the principle of the evil forces is wonderfully conveyed with organic synthesis of the new meaning of beautiful music, the artist's work, and strong national folk music blended with modern elements of choreography. It should be noted means of expression, in the "Kaleidoscope" the that the conductor, Nazim Rzyaev, played a composer addresses the style and principles of significant role in the success of this Ballet. The Ballet professionals of the past century. creators of the "A Thousand and One Nights" At the "Kaleidoscope" Ballet, the composer Ballet wanted to show that the kindness and used topics from sonatas written by Domenico love can create wonders. Skarlatti and managed to create a piece which The main hero of the Ballet, Scheherazade, was completely independent and complete wins cruel Shah Shahriyar with her kindness from the dramaturgic point of view.

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The "Shadows of Gobustan" consisting of four Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet little novels has prominent musical images. Theatre named after M. F. Akhundov. "Gobustan" Ballet's libretto was written by This Ballet describes how Babek, son of the Ballet masters and directors, Rafiga Akhundova Azerbaijani nation together with brave fellow and Maksud Mamedov. In 1969, after Baku villagers fights against the Arab invaders. Along performance, it was staged during Paris with Ballet composer's music, there is also rich International Dance Festival. folk music which helped the audience to After that, this Ballet was staged several times understand the essence of the Ballet better. in Azerbaijan, but after the fire in the Opera, it The works of the next Azerbaijani composer has not been staged any more. should be noted separately. Polad Bulbuloglu, a In 2013, with the involvement of the American famous Azerbaijani composer, People's Artist, choreographer Maksim Brem, it was staged professor, singer, and a state person, has gained glory as an author of beautiful and once again by Rafiga Akhundova and Maksud Mammadov on the open air, among the popular songs, symphonic works and Gobustan rocks and in the theatre. The Ballet soundtracks. consists of four parts: "Fire", "Sun", "Hunting" "Love and Death" Ballet was based on "Dede and "The Artist". In the first three parts, the Gorgud" epic poem. In 2005, the Ballet was characters and their feelings are shown with staged at the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera the help of "Yalli" dance. Ballet dancers' and Ballet Theatre by Vakil Usmanov, the Ballet costumes are designed in such a way to convey master. Later, the performance was staged in the feeling that they are nude. Actors are St. Petersburg and at Bolshoi Theatre in showing that they are hunters. When they Moscow (Mikheyeva, 1981). want to catch their prey, either fire or heavy The next composer should also be noted. rain prevent them from doing that. The fourth Elnara Dadashova, Honoured Artist, Ph. D. in part shows the artist who is trying to carve the art science, professor, and composer, was an painting on the rock. author of a large number of children's songs, People's Artist Nariman Mammadov wrote symphonic works, the music of various genres "Humay" Ballet based on the " for piano and other musical instruments, as Poem" written by the great poet Samad Vurgun well as of "Sayali", a one-act Ballet. at the end of the 1970s, and it gets staged at "Sayaly" Ballet is dedicated to the eternal the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet problem of love. This Ballet was written in Theater named after M. F. Akhundov. This work 1977, and in 2012 it was staged at the is dedicated to the tragic love of Humay and Azerbaijani State Academic Opera and Ballet Jalal. Various dance forms are emphasised at Theater named after M. F. Axundov was "Humay" Ballet. The music director and staged. Ballet's libretto and director was conductor of the Ballet was Rauf Abdullayev. Pulumb Agillin, and the music director and Akshin Alizade Aligulu Oglu, laureate of the conductor was Jeyhun Jafarov. State Prize, Azerbaijani People's Artist, the The composer used the intonations of author of symphonies, vocal-symphonic and Azerbaijani folk music and mughams and choral works, soundtracks, instrumental works, managed to create a piece of work which was had also written the "Babek" Ballet. He exciting and memorable. completed "Babek" Ballet in 1979. This Ballet describes the distant past of Azerbaijani nation, Brief contents of the "Sayali" Ballet is as its heroic history. The libretto of the Ballet was follows: written by the composer based on I. Selvinski's The most favorite holiday in Azerbaijan and same-named play and was staged at the other Eastern countries is Novruz. When translated from Persian, it means "new day".

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Thus, if the Christian world celebrates New formation of musical preferences of viewers or Year on the 31st of December, Azerbaijan and listeners, the music business processes. other Muslim countries celebrate it on the 18th It is essential to review and analyse each of March. Indeed, at this time of the year, nation's musical traditions, which affect the nature wakes up, the trees start to blossom, aesthetic thinking of people, their attitude the birds return home from warm countries. towards specific musical genres. This is The Ballet describes the events happening reflected in the involvement of spectators in during Novruz. Rahim and Karim, two young every Ballet, their attitude towards it. It should boys, both love Sayali, and therefore there is a be noted, that each period of social life puts conflict between them. Sayali, in her turn, loves forward its demands to the music, including the Rahim. Everybody around is aware of this issue. unique genre of Ballet (Chepurov, 1983). Any The boys are told that they need to make it up interest in music requires the listener for a holiday. The boys follow the advice of preparedness, stimulation of his interest. their friends and decide to sink the feud. The music has its continuation, Ballet ends with the holiday mood and which varies in each region and country ceremonial dance. (Farajeva, 2016). Discussion At the same time, there is a decline in interest in opera. The general tendency of development During the performance of these operas, the performing skills of many singers, khanende of the musical culture of the modern society is (mugham performers), and vocal performers simplicity and abstractness, surreal and illusory. were formed and improved. Those actors and We believe that the education of a new musical singers included such genius ones as Bulbul, taste, including knowledge and interest in Shovket Mammadova, Rashid Beybutov, the operatic art, is associated with the creation of great performers A. Buniatzade, G. new forms of opera, taking into account the Iskenderova, S. Moustafaeva, S. Kuliyeva, E. development of innovative technologies and Akhundov, G. Hajibababekov, G. Idayatzade, the formation of a new habitat. (Badalbeyli et Fatma Mukhtarova, Fidan Kasumova, Huraman al., 2010). Kasumova, Azer Zeynalov, S. Jafarov and Conclusion others, who possess the highest level of As it can be seen from the article, Azerbaijan's performing arts, and who have become famous first Ballet was staged in 1940, and the last personalities. Besides, we can also discuss the Ballet in 2012. The author of the first Ballet was development of the new creative, composer A.Badalbeyli ("Maiden Tower"), and the author school associated with opera. of the last Ballet was E. Dadashova ("Sayali"). It It is necessary to solve many problems of should be noted that even before the first development of the performing arts related to Ballet was created, Azerbaijani Theatre of the development of modern society. Here Opera and Ballet already had an active enough should be noted the growing influence of the Ballet group. It is also clear that the current musical life in different regions of the world level of Azerbaijani musical art and artistic and different countries on the musical tastes of culture was laid by great Uzeir Hajibeyov. the people, especially the youth (Lunacharskiy, National Opera and Ballet, including a 1981). children's opera, emerged in Azerbaijan from It is necessary to identify the patterns of European musical traditions, but, despite this, development of musical life, and the musical in their development and formation, all culture as a whole, of each region and each analysed works were also based on national country (Bayramova, 2009). This requires an musical traditions. These include individual analysis of the historical evolution of training of music pieces, genres, elements of music works. music professionals in the country, the Musical flavour created with the use of folk music attaches particular significance to the

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Ballet. In addition to this, Baku of the 12th Grant, G. (1967). Technical Manual and century, especially starting from the 40s, Dictionary of . New York, NY: formed a high musical culture. Art and musical Dover Publications. art representatives from many cities of Greene, J. H. (2010). Dance Anatomy. and other countries came here and stayed here Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers. to work and live. The particular environment where musicians, writers, choreographers, Gretchen, W. W. (1989). Classical Ballet composers, performers, and dancers worked Technique. Florida, FL: University Press of with the great inspiration, contributed to the Florida. flourishing of many genres of classical music, Kagan, M. S. (1972). Morphology of art. including Ballet. Many of the works, as Moscow, USSR: Art. mentioned above, were staged on the global scene, in particular, the Moscow Bolshoi Kasumova, S., & Bagirov, N. (1984). Azerbaijani Theatre (Mikheyeva, 1981). The history of Soviet music literature. Baku, USSR: Maarif. formation and development of Ballet school in Lincoln, K., & Muriel, S. (2004). The Classic Baku, the whole Ballet art shows that during Ballet: Basic Technique and Terminology. the relatively short period there was created a New York, NY: Knopf. great model of a collaborative effort between Likhachev, D. S. (1985). Notes on the origins of musicians and performers, which has justified art (pp. 15-20). Moscow, USSR: Context. itself in the future as well. Lunacharskiy, A. V. (1981). About music and References music theatre. Moscow, USSR: Music. Badalbeyli, F., Abdullazadeh, G., Rajabov, O., & Losev, A. F. (1995). The problem of the symbol Firangiz, H. (2010). Children's Songs Written and realistic art (2nd ed.). Moscow, Russia: by Azerbaijani Composers. (Vol. 1). Baku, Art. Azerbaijan: Mutarjim. Messerer, A. M. (1990). Dance. Thought. Time Bayramova, Z. (2009). The stage creations on (2nd ed.). Moscow, USSR: Art. children’s matters in Azerbaijanian composers works. Kültür Evreni, 2, 335-341. Mikheyeva, L. V. (1981). Music to Children (4th ed.). Leningrad, USSR: Music. Braylovskaya, M. A. (2006). in the context of the tradition of arts synthesis: On Sariyeva, I. (2015, 14 April). The history of the example of First post-October emigration development of Ballet art in Azerbaijan. wave. PhD thesis. Yaroslavl, Russia. Retrieved May 5, 2018, from http://www.baki- Chepurov, V. N. (1983). Music in School. xeber.com/layihe/18931.html Moscow, USSR: Prosvescheniye. Schelling, F. V. (1966). Philosophy of art. Croce, B. (1908). Estetica come scienza Moscow, USSR: Thought. dell’espressione e linguistica generale. Retrieved May 30, 2018, from Teng, I. (1996). Philosophy of art. Moscow, Russia: Republic. Farajeva, L. (n.d). Opera theatre in Azerbaijan: Yesterday, today, tomorrow? Retrieved May Vygotsky, L. S. (1986). Psychology of art. 30, 2018, from http://www.musigi- Moscow, USSR: Art. dunya.az/magazine1/articles/musteatr/Mus Vaganova, A. (1934). The basics of classical Page1.html dance. Leningrad, USSR: OGIZ-GICHL. Freud, Z. (1995). Artist and fantasy. Moscow, Zulfugarov, O., & Khalilov, V. (1976). Music (5th Russia: Republic. grade textbook). Baku, Azerbaijan: Maari Gordon, S. (1984). Off Balance: The Real World of Ballet. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.