(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 25. A concert
dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of the prominent
Azerbaijani musician, clarinetist-saxophonist, conductor, composer,
and People's Artist of Azerbaijan, Tofig Ahmadov, was held at the
Heydar Aliyev Palace, Trend reports.
The concert was organized by the Ministry of Culture of
Azerbaijan.
The evening unfolded like a tapestry woven with threads of
nostalgia and melodies that danced through the air, stirring the
deepest chords of the heart within the souls of those gathered. The
performances danced in harmony with the words of the host, Tofig
Hasansoy, who painted a vivid tapestry of the maestro's life and
work, a luminary whose name is forever inscribed in the radiant
annals of the nation's musical legacy.
The concert featured performances by popular artists Ilhama
Gasimova, Aynur Iskandarli, Nigar Jalilova, Rovshan Gahramanov,
People's Artist Anvar Sadigov and his "Gaytaghi" ensemble, People's
Artist Salman Gambarov and his group Bakustic Jazz, as well as a
memorable improvisation by People's Artist Natavan Sheikhova, who
had worked with Tofig Ahmadov for many years.
The program left no stone unturned in showcasing Ahmadov's
creative work-his renowned pieces alongside hidden gems, some of
which took center stage for the first time in ages. Moreover,
cherished masterpieces from esteemed Azerbaijani composers like
Uzeyir Hajibayli, Niyazi, Fikrat Amirov, Gara Garayev, Tofig
Guliyev, Rauf Hajiyev, and Emin Sabitoghlu were showcased in
captivating arrangements. The performances were paired with photo
and video installations showcasing Ahmadov, and the audience's
applause was music to the ears, ringing out like a bell in the
night.
Later, the maestro's family and nearest and dearest reminisced
about their cherished moments with him.
Ahmadov's daughter, Umay Ahmadova, expressed gratitude to
Minister of Culture Adil Karimli for organizing the evening.
“My father was an exceptional personality who was cultivated,
subtle, and noble in both music and life. He was an exceptionally
harmonious individual, having graduated with distinction from the
Azerbaijan State Conservatory, and devoted his entire life to
music. He commenced with a little ensemble, 'We are from Baku',
which subsequently expanded into a substantial jazz band. He
directed the Estrada-Symphonic Orchestra of Azerbaijan Radio and
Television for 20 years, serving as its permanent conductor until
his death. He departed prematurely at the age of 58; however, he
accomplished a great deal. His work was notable for its promotion
of emerging performers and musicians. Prominent figures such as
Shovkat Alakbarova, Sara Gadimova, Vagif Mustafazade, Rafig
Babayev, and others collaborated with him. Numerous individuals
commenced their careers with his orchestra, where he provided them
with a fulfilling creative existence,” she said.
Next, People's Artist, composer Eldar Mansurov, spoke at the
event.
“My father, Bahram Mansurov (People's Artist, tar player), was
friends with Tofig Ahmadov, and I always enjoyed listening to their
conversations. Later, we became friends with his son, Rovshan, and
studied together at the Asaf Zeynalli Music School. I was in the
piano class, and he was in the clarinet class. Ahmadov's work is a
great history of pop music; he did a lot for the development of
national culture, and many continued his path. In the early years
of my career, my composition 'Seni seve seve' was performed by
Mirza Babayev in his ensemble. Ahmadov was a wonderful person, as
was his entire family-very warm and friendly. His legacy in pop
music and jazz should be promoted more,” Mansurov said.
Vocalist and guitarist Gasim Khalilov also shared his memories
about Ahmadov.
“I was a pop orchestra soloist in the 1970s. Tofig Ahmadov, the
orchestra's leader, always loved and respected the players. A
cordial bond evolved. He praised my voice tone and predicted a good
future for me when I was young. He was nice and funny, the group's
soul. The Days of Azerbaijani Culture, gala performances, and tours
throughout Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Central Asia, and the Baltics
were among our activities. Ahmadov played clarinet and saxophone
well. High-level performance skills,” Khalilov reminded.
Ahmadov was born on February 8, 1924, in Baku. Composer Tofig
Guliyev invited Ahmadov, a clarinetist and saxophonist, to join the
newly formed Estrada-Symphonic Orchestra in 1941. From 1942 to
1945, he worked in the Caspian Fleet's ensemble. In 1952, he
graduated from the Azerbaijan State Conservatory with a degree in
clarinet. Eddie Rosner invited him to join the pop orchestra in
Moscow in 1953, where he served as concertmaster for four years. In
1957, the musician returned to Baku and created the ensemble "We
Are from Baku," which he led until 1961.
Ahmadov worked as a performer, conductor, composer, and
organizer of musical events. As a composer, he created many songs
and pieces for orchestra. He collaborated with poets such as Famil
Mehdi, Fikrat Goja, Tofig Mutallibov, Rafig Ziya Khandan, Nusrat
Kasamanli, and others.
From 1960 to 1981, Ahmadov was the leader and chief conductor of
the Estrada Orchestra of Azerbaijan Radio. The orchestra began as a
brass big band, but the addition of strings later transformed it
into an estrada-symphonic orchestra. Famous artists like Muslim
Magomayev, Shovkat Alakbarova, Gulagha Mammadov, Lutfiyar Imanov,
Rauf Atakishiyev, Natavan Sheykhova, Ilhama Guliyeva, Rauf
Adigozalov, Mobil Ahmadov, Zuleykha Mirismayilova, Yalchin Rzazade,
Mubariz Taghiyev, Akif Islamzade, Flora Karimova, Elmira Raghimova,
and others performed with this orchestra. The orchestra performed
works by Rauf Hajiyev, Said Rustamov, Jahangir Jahangirov, Vasif
Adigozalov, Ramiz Mustafaev, Khayyam Mirzazade, Aziz Azizov, Ogtay
Kazimi, Ramiz Mirishli, Javanshir Guliyev, Mobil Babayev, Faig
Sujadinnov, Eldar Mansurov, Ogtay Rajabov, Musa Mirzayev, Ruhangiz
Gasimova, and others. Tofig Ahmadov remained the artistic director
and chief conductor of this orchestra until his death. He passed
away on March 23, 1981.
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