(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Shafiga Akhundova, a pioneering female composer in the East, has
significantly contributed to the Azerbaijani music,
Azernews reports.
Throughout her nearly 70-year career, the composer created a
diverse range of compositions in various genres, including songs,
romances, operas, operettas and symphonic suites.
The composer always wrote only about what touched her heart and
expressed the highest human feelings.
Therefore, her music finds a lively response in the hearts of
many listeners. Akhundova had turned a brilliant page in the
history of Azerbaijani music art, creating a myriad of beautiful
works.
Shafiga Akhudova, who was born on January 21,1924 in Shaki,
devoted her whole life to the culture and art of her home
country.
She was born into a family of an eminent public figure Gulam
Akhundov. He did not approve the passion of her daughter. Although
they had a piano at home, he always kept it locked to prevent
little Shafiga from playing it.
When her father knew that Shafiga attended the Conservatory, he
got angry with her and didn't let her come home. She even had to
stay at her neighbors' place for a while.
The father was afraid that, having engaged in music and art, his
children would face financial difficulties. Thus, he wanted to see
his daughter as a doctor.
However, love for music overcame all challenges. Years later, he
realized that he was mistaken.
Shafiga received her primary education at Baku Music School
named after Asaf Zeynally, where she had been taught by Uzeyir
Hajibeyov for eight years. Then, in 1956, she continued her
education at Azerbaijan State Conservatory named after Uzeyir
Hajibeyli, from which she graduated from the class of prominent
composer Boris Zeydman.
In 1972, Shafiga composed her first opera "Bride's rock" and
became the first female composer in the East.
The opera was composed on the libretto of Iskender Joshgun based
on the story of the same name by Azerbaijani writer Suleiman
Rahimov.
Initially Shafiga Akhundova wrote music for the radio play
"Bride's rock". In this music, the song "Melodies of the Heart" was
especially popular. The author of the novel Suleiman Rahimov
suggested composer to write an opera.
The opera was staged on the stage of the Azerbaijan State Opera
and Ballet Theater in Baku.
Akhundova is also the author of the wonderful songs "Leyla",
"Happy Land", the operetta "Our home, our secret" (1965), pieces
for a string quartet, the dramatic plays "Aydin", "Farewell to
India!", "What do you live for?", etc. and music for children's
plays such as "A tale of a clown", "Birthday of a rabbit", etc. She
is the author of more than 600 works and composed music for more
than 30 spectacles staged in state theaters.
In 1998, Akhundova was conferred a title of People's Artist of
Azerbaijan and in 2005 she was awarded with the Shohrat Order.
For many years she combined her creativity with the pedagogical
work at the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts.
She wrote a number of critical articles, reviews of performances
and concerts. She was a welcome and invariable guest at the
creative meetings of composers, poets and writers.
Shafiga Akhundova suffered from heart disease for a long time.
He passed away on July 26 at the age of 89.
The composer left behind a lasting legacy of musical excellence
that continues to resonate with the Azerbaijani people.
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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews' staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr
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