By blending the traditional Mugham music with Western musical forms such as opera and symphony, he opened a new path in Azerbaijani art and created the first opera ever composed in a Muslim country.
Hajibeyov was not only the creator of a new artistic style but also a bridge between East and West, tradition and modernity, and local and global culture.
Life and Education
Uzeyir Hajibeyov was born on September 18, 1885, in Shusha, one of the most prominent cultural centers of the Caucasus.
He received his early education in his hometown and later studied music and natural sciences in Baku and at the St. Petersburg Institute of Music.
His exposure to Western education and musical systems laid the foundation for his groundbreaking synthesis of Azerbaijani traditional music with European classical forms.
Artistic Achievements
🎭 Opera Leyli and Majnun (1908)
This opera, based on the classic love story Leyli and Majnun by Nizami Ganjavi, marked a turning point in the musical history of the region.
Its melodies draw inspiration from Azerbaijani Mugham modes such as Segah and Rast, and the libretto was written by Hajibeyov himself.
The opera premiered at the Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev Theatre in Baku and has since been recognized as the first opera ever composed in a Muslim country.
🎭 Other Operas and Stage Works
Following the success of Leyli and Majnun, Hajibeyov composed several other operas and operettas:
• Sheikh Sanan (1909) – a philosophical and mystical work that explores the story of a Muslim dervish who falls in love with a Christian girl, symbolizing tolerance, humanism, and the universality of love.
• Arshin Mal Alan (The Cloth Peddler) – a humorous and popular operetta that was later adapted into a musical film in 1945 and widely screened across various countries.
• Koroghlu (1937) – his national masterpiece, a symphonic opera based on the epic tale of Azerbaijan’s folk hero, which brought international acclaim to Azerbaijani music.
🎼 Symphonic and Vocal Works
Combining Western orchestration with Azerbaijani folk melodies, Hajibeyov created works that bridged traditional and classical musical structures.
He was among the first composers to analyze and formalize the Mugham system scientifically, laying the groundwork for its academic study and teaching.
Cultural and Educational Role
Hajibeyov was one of the founders of the Baku State Conservatory (now named after him).
As a teacher, director, and theorist, he trained generations of musicians and established the foundations of both classical and national music education in Azerbaijan.
He also played an active role in Soviet cultural institutions and contributed significantly to shaping the artistic policies of the Azerbaijan Soviet Republic.
The National Anthem of Azerbaijan
One of Hajibeyov’s most significant contributions is the composition of the melody of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
He composed it in 1919 for the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
After the country regained its independence in 1991, the same composition—retaining Hajibeyov’s original music and featuring lyrics by Ahmad Javad—was reinstated as the official national anthem of Azerbaijan.
Legacy and Commemoration
Hajibeyov’s birthday, September 18, is celebrated annually in Azerbaijan as the National Music Day.
His house-museum in Baku remains one of the most important cultural and touristic sites for scholars and art enthusiasts alike.
His works continue to be performed at international festivals and orchestral events, inspiring new generations of composers and musicians in Azerbaijan and beyond.
Conclusion
Uzeyir Hajibeyov was not only the founder of Azerbaijani classical music but also a symbol of harmony between tradition and modernity.
Through his creative genius and cultural vision, he elevated Azerbaijani music from a local art form to a global phenomenon.
His legacy remains alive in the cultural identity of the Azerbaijani people, and his works continue to resonate as a source of national pride and artistic beauty.