NAME IN THE "GOLDEN BOOK"

The young Azerbaijani pianist Isfar Sarabski, a descendant of the famous opera singer Huseynqulu Sarabski and a second year student at Baku Music Academy, is the youngest of Azerbaijani jazz musicians: last November he turned 19. He made his debut on the jazz stage in the spring of 2002 when he took part in the Caspian Jazz and Blues Festival. In 2004, Isfar took second place in a national contest for students of specialist music schools. At the same time, the young musician began to take part in Ufuq charity concerts. In the same year, Isfar received an award from the international festival of classical and instrumental folk music "Stars of Issyk-Kul". In 2006 he played a major programme at the Jazz Centre, which consisted of both classical works and jazz, performing together with experienced masters of Azerbaijani jazz. In the same year, Isfar was awarded the Istedadlar certificate. Later, he participated in the youth programme of the Baku Jazz Festival, and then he participated in the festival proper. In 2008 the musician was invited to the Russian International Jazz Festival and the Norwegian Silda Jazz Festival. By presidential decree, Isfar Sarabski's name has been included in the "Golden Book" of the Young Talent of Azerbaijan. What's it like to be famous for your talent when you are only 19? Isfar Sarabski spoke about this and many other things in conversation with R+.

- Isfar, recently you won a competition held at the 43rd Jazz Festival in Montreux. How do you remember this festival?

- The Montreux Jazz Festival is one of the most famous and prestigious music events in Europe; it has always involved the world's best performers. Since it was founded, the Jazz Festival in Montreux has discovered many stars, such as Bob Dylan, Sting, George Duke, Chick Corea, BB King and many others, and it still remains a launch pad for young musicians. So participation there, together with legends of modern jazz, was a great honour for me. This year I shared first place with the Georgian musician Beka Gochiashvili.

- When did you first realize that music is your vocation? What did you want to become as a child?

- A musician. It could not have been otherwise. Music was always played in our home. My mother taught violin in music school № 6, and my father was fond of music all his life. When I was two or three years old, my favourite toys were ... records. My father bought me every kind of music - from fairy tales to jazz. I enjoyed listening to jazz. Music was so energetic and rousing that I spent all day running around the apartment with a children's pipe playing a real musician. Noticing my interest in music, my parents gave me a miniature synthesizer, which I did not let go for days. When I was a little older, I began going to concerts. And when I was 6 years old I was accepted to the Bulbul music school.

I liked to play music, but I was terrified of going on stage. I remember that during my first performance I was in tears. On the anniversary of my teacher, Nilufar Tobusoranskaya, I had to perform two pieces. Before going on to play, I stood backstage and trembled with emotion. I was taken to the piano, I sat down at the instrument, but as soon as I touched the keys, the tears flooded out (laughs). Just imagine, I was playing and my tears were dripping onto the keys. It is good that the audience accepted my first performance graciously and supported me with applause. Inspired by this support, I played the second piece without the tears.

- Isfar, surely as a child you had a desire to play football with your peers rather than devoting your time to scales and sonatas?

- (Smiles) Well, why not? Initially I practised under the lash. I heard my neighbours' kids chasing a ball outside and I was drawn towards the street. But then, having matured, I realized that music is my vocation and that I had not spent so much time playing the piano in vain.

- Isfar when did you feel the heavy burden of being descendant of the famous opera singer, director and public figure Huseynqulu Sarabski? 

   - From childhood I knew that I was the great grandson of Sarabski. I saw our home photo archive many times and there were also photos of my famous great grandfather. My parents often told me about it... By the way, until 15, I was Isfar Mammadov. I inherited this name from my father. But after I won my first major competition, which took place in Baku, my father decided to change my name. I remember he told me that if I was sure that I would not disgrace Sarabski's name and would bear it with honour, he would only be happy.

In any case, I have never felt a special "burden" from carrying the famous name. I know what I can do and what I cannot. Every person should have his own boundaries...

- I wonder what is taboo for Isfar?

- (Thinking) I will never go on stage without preparation. I will never disgrace myself on the stage. And under no circumstances will I disgrace my family...

- Who is your idol and who has had a tangible influence on you and your work? Name some jazzmen who have had the most influence on your musical thinking.

- As a child I listened to recordings by Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong. Later I became interested in the art of Bill Evans, Duke Ellington, Brad Mehldau, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Keith Jarrett. And, of course, I really like the music of Vaqif Mustafazada. These people have had a great influence on me.

- What is jazz for you? Is it the perfect way to express yourself or a temporary stage in your musical thinking?

- Jazz gives you freedom of expression. Any jazz musician expresses himself first and foremost. We do not play from written notes. At the same time, I also love to perform classical music. My plan is to write classical works.

- There are now so many musicians and pseudo-musicians in show business. What is your attitude towards modern music?

- I am indifferent to pop music. I do not understand it. And so-called show business does not interest me. It is all insincere and manipulative, somehow. Stars "stew" in some strange "juice", do not live their own lives and are always playing a role. I prefer sincerity and live emotions. As in jazz...

- What does the musician Isfar Sarabski do in his free time?

- I love football and billiards (laughs). Apparently, I've loved this sport since childhood. But then I did not have any free time to play football. Now as soon as I have enough free time to take a breath of fresh air, I play football. I am a fan of the Italian football club Milan. In May, I am going to go to the Italian football championship to support my favourite team.

- We have heard that you plan to continue your education. Have you already decided where you are going to improve your music skills?

- I have more than enough offers from abroad. I have an opportunity to continue my studies in Europe, Russia and the United States. I have already identified three cities - London, Moscow and New York where I will study. Of course, I will come home and perform on behalf of Azerbaijan and represent my country everywhere, but I still want to continue my studies abroad. By the way, I am going to continue my education only after the anniversary concert I want to dedicate to my famous great grandfather Huseynqulu Sarabski. I am also planning to record an album which will include foreign musicians. Negotiations are under way just now and I do not want to prematurely lay all the cards on the table and name the musicians. I will say one thing: they are known to the music world. My immediate plans also include participation in the Montreux Jazz Festival where I will be representing Azerbaijan and a solo classical concert at the Magomayev Azerbaijani State Philharmonic Hall. So I have plenty of plans...