Amirov: Symphonic Mugams - CD

ENGLISH

<p>A prolific composer in many genres, including operas, musical comedies, songs, orchestral works and stage and film music, Fikret Amirov came to prominent public attention at the age of 26, when his two symphonic <i>mugams</i>, <i>Shur </i>and <i>Kyurdi Ovshari</i>, were first performed in Baku in August 1948 to popular acclaim. Based on the Azerbaijani <i>mugam, </i>a highly improvisatory form of folk-music which alternates song and dance-like episodes, <i>Shur </i>and <i>Kyurdi Ovshari, </i>together with Amirov's third symphonic <i>mugam </i>from 1971<i>, Gyulistan Bayati Shiraz, </i>sparkle with brilliant orchestration, rich melodic invention and expressive instrumental solos. The <i>Azerbaijan</i> <i>Capriccio</i>, a thrilling example of orchestral pyrotechnics, also has its roots in folk-music.</p>