Muslim Magomayev's memory commemorated in Shuvelan

By Azernews

By Laman Ismayilova

An event dedicated to the 75th anniversary of prominent singer, People's Artist Muslim Magomayev was held in the Shuvelan House of Culture.

The event was organized by Baku City Main Department of Culture and Tourism, Azertac reported.

President of the WKC Karate Federation Nureddin Guliyev and Head of the Khazar District Sports Department Vugar Aliyev, addressing the event, stressed the importance of the Magomayev’s heritage.

Then the guests were given detailed information about the artist's life and creativity.

The friendly competitions were held between karate clubs  as part of the celebration. The winners were awarded with diplomas and medals.

The celebration was followed by the performances of "Mashal" dance group and the well-known singers.

Muslim was loved not only in Azerbaijan and the Soviet Union, but all over the world.  Muslim, dubbed the "King of Songs" and the "Soviet Sinatra", is a wonderful example of a person whose inner light was enough to warm the hearts of many people across the globe.

Azerbaijan's baritone won the audience with charisma and sincerity. He quickly became a cult figure that gave many concerts filling huge arenas all across the Soviet Union, while his albums sold millions.

He represented one of the most respected artistic dynasties in Azerbaijan. His grandfather, also Muslim Magomayev was one of the founders of modern Azerbaijani classical music.

He became famous around the USSR at the age of 19 after a stellar performance at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow. He became known in Europe after a successful performance at the Youth Festival in Helsinki, Finland.

A very important stage in mastering his vocals 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 was not only beneficial for his singing, but also affected his inner world.

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

At age of 30, 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 also wrote songs, film soundtracks and music for theater performances. In addition, he played in films and acted as a host in television and radio broadcasts.
He also loved to paint pictures, but called it his hobby.

In later life, Magomayev struggled with a serious heart condition. In 1998, Magomayev officially ended his musical career and gave only a few performances together with his wife.

One of the greatest singers of 20th century died of a heart failure in Moscow on October 25, 2008 and was laid to rest in Baku.

Some traditional music festivals to commemorate the brilliant singer are held annually in Baku and Moscow.