Fikret Mashadi Amirov Azerbaijani Soviet composer Date of Birth: 22.11.1922 Country: Azerbaijan

1. Early Life and Education
2. Military Service and Career Beginnings
3. Directorial and Administrative Roles
4. Notable Compositions
5. Artistic Style and Legacy
6. Honours and Recognition

Early Life and Education

Fiqret Amirov was born on November 22, 1922, in Ganja, Azerbaijanto a renowned singer and tar player. His musical education began at the Kirovabad Music School, where he studied tar, before transferring to the Baku Music School to focus on composition. In 1939, he enrolled in the Baku Conservatory, where he studied composition under Z. Zeydman and Azerbaijani folk music under Uzeir Hajibeyov.

Military Service and Career Beginnings

The outbreak of World War II interrupted Amirov's studies, as he enlisted in the Soviet Army.However, he was wounded and later demobilized. After the war, he resumed his studies and graduated from the conservatory in 1948, submitting his opera "Ulduz" as his diploma work. He composed other notable works during this period, including the symphony "Memory of Nizami" (1947), two "symphonic mugams" ("Shur" and "Kurd Afshari") (1948), and the opera "Sevil" (1953).

Directorial and Administrative Roles

Amirov held several leadership positions throughout his career.From 1942 to 1945, he served as artistic director of the Philharmonic Orchestra and director of the music school in Kirovabad. Between 1946 and 1947, he led the Baku Symphony Orchestra. From 1956 to 1959, he was the director of the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theatre. Additionally, he was the secretary of the Azerbaijan branch of the Union of Composers of the USSR.

Notable Compositions

Amirov's extensive repertoire includes works in various genres.His symphonic works are particularly celebrated, including the "Azerbaijani Capriccio" (1961), "Gulistan - Bayaty-Shiraz" (1968), "Legend about Nasimi" (1977), and the Concerto for Violin and Piano with Orchestra (1948).

Artistic Style and Legacy

Amirov's compositions draw heavily from Azerbaijani folk melodies and rhythms.He incorporates mugam principles and improvisation into his work, skillfully combining them with variations and polyphonic development. His music has left an enduring mark on Azerbaijani culture and is frequently performed worldwide.

Honours and Recognition

Amirov received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career.He was named People's Artist of the USSR (1965), Hero of Socialist Labour (1982), and was awarded the Stalin Prize, Second Class (1949) and the State Prize of the USSR (1980). He passed away in 1984 and is buried in the Alley of Honour in Baku.