WE NEED MORE MAGOMAYEVS!

Composer and pianist, People's Art Worker of Azerbaijan Faig Sujaddinov was born in Ganja but lives and works in Baku. He is the recipient of the Shohrat Order. He is not only the author of many piano works but is also a wonderful performer. His performance holds everything required for each note to sound crystal-clear. One wants to listen him repeatedly. Maestro is the professor of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts, where he teaches conducting and composition, and Art Director of the Green Theatre. Despite his tight schedule, he spared some time for an interview with R+.

- How did you start your career?

- I was a smart lad, who would be difficult to make study something diligently. Nevertheless, I finished the high school and the Asaf Zeynalli Music School as a pianist. I had a craving for learning. So, I entered the Akhundov Teachers Institute of Foreign Languages to study the Russian language and literature. When I was a child, I was playing the piano with one finger trying to compose something and pick up the tune of Besame Mucho. When I turned six, my parents bought me a piano. Many years later, together with my friends, fans of jazz music, I was selecting compositions by foreign authors. We were very fond of jazz and playing our favorite tunes by heart, without notes. It is easier to do this now when you have notes. My love to jazz later helped me in my work in the band of the state radio and television, where I worked as a pianist by the invitation of Tofig Ahmadov. Then I entered the State Conservatory to study in the composition class.

- How did you choose performing pop music instead of the classical?

- It is because of the demand and easiness of implementation. For example, it is difficult to listen to your own symphony performed by the philharmonic orchestra, or watch your own opera or ballet at the theater. It is easier to perform popular songs.

- That’s true but we live in a wonderful country, where one can listen to classical masterpieces expensive in the Western music halls for free. That is why we are happy to see the Philharmonic Hall full with audience.

- But I have a concert for piano and symphony orchestra, which I performed at the Philharmonic, a quartet, two piano cycles recorded on CD, the ode Ataturk for choir and symphonic orchestra, an operetta, various pieces for plays and movies.

- Beautiful music is good for television and radio programs and, therefore, your music is almost never goes off the air. How was your work in North Cyprus, where you stayed for 7 years?

- I was teaching music at the International University. I can say that I opened a music faculty there. I had many speeches. I know that they still remember me, perform my music and invite me to work. I remember that my neighbor, an Englishwoman, had baked a cake and came to congratulate me at home on the occasion of my concert. Before the concert, she would not even say hello to me and was very surprised to know that our people loved music so much and that almost everyone had a piano at home.

- What were your first works?

- My first work was Icheri Shahar performed at the Baku Autumn Festival by Gulaga Mammadov and Shovkat Alekberova.

- You were a member of Eurovision jury and are teaching at the University of Culture. What can you say about our youth?

- We have very talented young people and I am quite optimistic about the future. But I would like that we have more bright and original composers, vocalists and instrumentalists, who would perform on the international scene. We need more Magomayevs!

- You were familiar with Rashid Behbudov, Tofig Guliyev, Vasif Adigozalov. Can you recall some stories from your past acquaintances?

- We were friends with Rashid Behbudov. I knew how painstakingly he was working on each of his performances. He used to polish a song for months, and only after that he would take it to the scene. He was very sympathetic person and as a member of parliament, he used to help those in trouble, especially the children that required medical treatment. He had always asked about my financial situation to help if needed.

- What about your work at the Green Theater?..

- I arrange concerts preparing introductory parts. I review the programs and make my comments if necessary.

- And what about your family?..

- I have one son, who is not a musician, and two grandchildren - a boy and a girl. We never had musicians in our family but me. My father was a doctor, and my mother was a teacher.

- How will you celebrate your 70th birthday?

- I celebrated my 60th anniversary at the Philharmonic with a concert and the 65th anniversary at the Union of Composers. I would say the main thing is not the anniversary but the daily hard work. I usually celebrate my birthday with my family and close friends. Let us see how the things go…