WHEN YOU FEEL MUGHAM IS CLOSER

People's Artist Samir Jafarov is the leading actor of the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theatre. He holds a rare strong voice that one wants to listen repeatedly. The actor performs repertoires of Rashid Behbudov and Enrico Caruso. Currently, he performs in six operas and many popular arias and songs of the world and the Azerbaijani classics. He has traveled almost the whole world with his concerts. We have managed to interview Samir Jafarov between his numerous tours. 

- Samir, how did your musical career start?

- I am the sixth child in a large family. At first, I learned playing guitar. My family members were not musicians but my father had a beautiful voice and sang for family and friends. Then I studied in Baku in the art gymnasium, where I learned the secrets of vocal. When I was 16, I starred in Ogtay Rajabov’s "Good and Evil" children's opera. The composer Tofig Guliyev liked our performance. Then I continued my education at the Art Institute at the Faculty of Theatre and Cinema. Then I graduated the Conservatory in the class of People's Artist of the USSR, Professor Fidan Gasimova. The All-national leader Heydar Aliyev, who was present at the celebration anniversary of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, played significant role in my life. He said that it was necessary to continue my studies. My choice was Moscow, the Opera Center of Galina Vishnevskaya, the wife of legendary cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. At that time, I was struck by her quite fanatical devotion to music. She was ready to work with talented vocalists free of charge, although the annual training fee was $10 thousand.

- You have good relations with your colleagues, do not criticize them although intrigues and ridicules are normal in the world of art...

- Whenever possible, I try to help talented compatriots. So, Galina Vishnevskaya listened and helped my colleagues in Moscow at my request. Elchin Azizov is the soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre, Ilaha Efendiyeva is the Honored Artist of Azerbaijan, she sings in our theater, and Javid Samadov works in Germany. After our conversation, I am going to listen to another young singer.

- Will you add to the six operas that you perform in the coming year?

- I am planning to perform in Il Trovatore, Tosca, Lucia de Lammermoor and Koroglu. I want to perform in Koroglu for the birthday of Heydar Aliyev.

- Which one of your roles you can try on in your life?

- None of them because almost all of them are tragic stories while I am an optimist by nature. I am a respectable family man, father of three children, happy and sociable. I love people, I am able to get on the stage and with my partners.

- The role of Balash the loser in Sevil is not perceived by the audience as a negative. They even feel sympathy to your character. Maybe because you're a favorite of the audience, and they forgive you a lot. Sometimes the people call you the Azerbaijani Caruso because of your great voice...

- You cannot find two identical votes in the nature. Of course, it is possible to imitate other’s voice. I have a strong lyric tenor. And my idols are Franco Corelli, Luciano Pavarotti, Jose Carreras and other Italian celebrities, the records of which I continue to learn, it is like a second school. I feel closer to the National Opera, the opera by Azerbaijani composers because by nature I prefer mugham. And it says about propensity for improvisation. Therefore, the songs that I compose sometimes are improvisational.

- How long does it take to prepare for a new opera vocal and what is your daily routine?

- It takes about 2-3 months, and when our conductor, People's Artist of Azerbaijan Javanshir Jafarov will give a green light, I can start acting. As recommended by professionals, it is better not sing in the morning until the noon. After the noon, I sing for myself and usually from 6 to 8 in the evening you can find me in the theater.

 - You have three children - two boys and a little girl. Do they show an interest in music?

- Same as me, they like the sciences. I would not urge them to do the hard profession of musician. My daughter will learn playing piano for herself.

- Do you think the performances at weddings spoil the voice of an opera singer?

- Choosing the right program for voice without stressing loads are not harmful.

- You're young, you are just 40. You have many options to choose from. I wish you many new roles and popular music to undersign many significant events in the future. Happy New Year!