The Interaction of Mugham and Polyphonic Thinking in The Works of Uzeyir Hajibeyli, Asaf Zeynally, and Gara Garayev

Özet

This study investigates the synthesis of mugham, a monophonic traditional musical form integral to Azerbaijani culture, with polyphonic thinking, a fundamental principle of Western classical music. It aims to explore the creative opportunities and challenges of merging these distinct musical systems and to evaluate the pioneering contributions of Azerbaijani composers. The integration of mugham and polyphony is significant, as it enriches Azerbaijan’s musical heritage while facilitating its inclusion in the global music landscape. The research provides a scholarly and theoretical framework for preserving and advancing mugham within contemporary music and introduces innovative approaches to intercultural musical synthesis in musicology. Mugham is defined by its modal system, melodic richness, rhythmic flexibility, and emotional depth but lacks the multi-voiced texture inherent in Western polyphony. Despite this contrast, Azerbaijani composers have innovatively combined mugham’s melodic and modal elements with polyphonic structures. The earliest efforts are credited to Uzeyir Hajibeyli, who established a new musical style by blending the monodic essence of Azerbaijani music with Western compositional techniques. This creative pursuit gave rise to a distinctive Azerbaijani compositional school that balances national identity with modern musical expression. The findings underscore that this synthesis has been pivotal in the evolution of Azerbaijani music and its global presentation. This approach preserves mugham’s core while redefining it in a modern context, offering a valuable cultural and artistic strategy that bridges heritage and innovation.