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Rauf HajiyevSoviet Azerbaijani composer and political figure.
Date of Birth: 22.05.1922
Country:  Azerbaijan |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Musical Education and Accomplishments
- Political and Cultural Leadership
- International Mission
- Return to Azerbaijan and Legacy
- Musical Contributions
- - Two ballets
Early Life and Career
Rauf Hajiyev was born on May 15, 1922, in Baku, Azerbaijan. As a young man, he demonstrated an early talent for music, composing his first operetta, "The Antics of Students," at the age of 18.
Musical Education and Accomplishments
Hajiyev's musical education included studies at the Moscow Conservatory under Professor N.P. Rakov (1948-1949) and the Azerbaijan Conservatory under Professor Kara Karayev (graduated in 1953). In 1955, he founded the Azerbaijan State Estrada Orchestra and served as its artistic director until 1964.
Political and Cultural Leadership
Hajiyev became a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1958. He held several prominent positions, including Director of the Baku Philharmonic (1964-1965) and Minister of Culture of the Azerbaijan SSR (1965-1971).
International Mission
At the behest of the Soviet leadership, Hajiyev was sent to Algeria as a General Advisor on Arts for the entire African continent. During his eight years in Africa, he staged three ballets that were performed in Paris and established an academy of dance, music, and theatre in Algeria.
Return to Azerbaijan and Legacy
Upon his return home, Hajiyev became the Chairman of the Union of Composers of the Azerbaijan SSR and held this position until his passing. He was buried in the Alley of Honor in Baku.
Musical Contributions
Hajiyev's prolific musical output includes:- Musical comedies: "Romeo My Neighbor," "Don't Hide Your Smile," "Mama, I'm Getting Married," "Cuba, My Love"
- Two ballets
- Three symphonic poems: "Sheikh Sanan," "Sabuhi," "Aziz Aslanov"- A cantata dedicated to the poet Samad Vurghun
- Music for plays, musical comedies, and films, including the movie "Gypsy"
- Over 150 songs, including "My Azerbaijan," "Spring is Coming," "My Love," "Baku," and "Leyla"
