Huseynqulu Sarabski Azerbaijani opera singer (tenor) Date of Birth: 20.03.1879 Country: Azerbaijan

1. Early Life and Influences
2. Theatrical Debut
3. Artistic Development
4. Triumphant Role and Legacy
5. Literary and Musical Contributions
6. Teaching and Legacy

Early Life and Influences

Guuseinkuli Sarabski, an Azerbaijani opera singer (tenor), composer, playwright, theater actor, stage director, and musician (tar), was born into a modest family in Baku on the eve of the Novruz holiday. His early education took an unexpected turn when he was assigned to study the Quran with a strict mullah-baji. Unable to grasp the language, he endured severe beatings and eventually refused to continue his lessons.

Theatrical Debut

At the age of 12, Sarabski witnessed a theatrical performance by amateur Azerbaijani actors, "Khan Sarabski," based on Mirza Fatali Akhundov's play "The Vizier of the Lankaran Khanate." Deeply inspired, young Guuseinkuli adopted the stage name "Sarabski."

Artistic Development

To support himself, Sarabski worked as a blacksmith and a stonecutter. However, he also attended free Russian language classes for the poor, sponsored by the oil millionaire and philanthropist Zeynalabdin Taghiyev.

Sarabski's first stage experience was as Rasul in Nariman Narimanov's play "Shamshad-bek." He later performed in plays by Azerbaijani and European authors, but his talent truly shone when he played the lead role in Heinrich Heine's "Almansor." This performance caught the attention of composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov, who recognized Sarabski's superb rendition of the "Khidjaz-i Arabi" mugham and cast him as the protagonist in the premiere of his opera "Leyli and Majnun" in 1908.

Triumphant Role and Legacy

Sarabski's portrayal of Majnun was a resounding success. Over the next 30 years, he performed the role nearly 400 times in Baku and on tour in Tiflis, Elizavetpol, Erevan, Vladikavkaz, Tabriz, Rasht, and Tehran. From 1923 to 1926, he established theater troupes in Shamakhi and Aghdam.

Literary and Musical Contributions

In addition to his theatrical career, Sarabski wrote three pre-revolutionary plays: "Ignorance," "Seeking the Finder," and "Reap What You Sow." He also composed several songs, including children's songs. His book "Old Baku" (1936-1937) provided insights into the city's history, ethnography, and musical traditions.

Teaching and Legacy

From 1940 to 1942, Sarabski taught opera and mugham at the Azerbaijan State Conservatory. His students included renowned singers Sarah Gadimova and Shovket Alekperova.

Sarabski passed away in 1945 from throat cancer. On his deathbed, he requested that the aria from "Leyli and Majnun" be performed by opera singer Agigat Rzayeva, with whom he had shared the stage for 15 years. He willed that he be buried to the sound of her rendition, ensuring that his legacy would forever be intertwined with the unforgettable melody and the love story that captivated audiences for generations.