Dusseldorf to honor memory of "King of Songs"

By Azernews

By Laman Ismayilova

A concert marking the 75th anniversary of an outstanding Azerbaijani singer and composer Muslim Magomayev will be held in Dusseldorf, Germany, in September.

The songs once performed by great Azerbaijani baritone as well as works by world composers will sound at the concert to be organized under the auspices of Dusseldorf mayor, Azertac reported.

Muslim Magomayev, dubbed the "King of Songs" and the "Soviet Sinatra" achieved iconic status in Russia and the post-Soviet countries, including his native Azerbaijan.

His vocal talent and charisma won the hearts and minds of audiences around the world.

A very important stage in mastering his vocal skills even further was his training in the "La Scala" Opera Theater in Milan. Muslim's stay in Italy – a country of innumerable art treasures and the home of belcanto – in the 1960s did benefit not only for his singing, but also affected his inner world.

He remained among the main supporters of the Italian school of singing throughout his life. Magomayev splendidly sang the leading arias of Figaro, Scarpia, Mephisto, Onegin.

The "Soviet Sinatra" Magomayev was one of the youngest recipients of the highest artistic title, People's Artist of the USSR. He also received numerous awards for his contribution to opera and popular music in the Soviet Union.

The legendary singer died of a heart failure in Moscow on October 25, 2008 and was laid to rest in Baku.

Baku and Moscow were native cities for Magomayev, where he spent many happy years of his life. Some traditional music festivals to commemorate the brilliant singer are held annually in these cities.