ACCORDION AS THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

Azerbaijan has long been renowned for vocalists and composers who not only preserved national musical traditions but also championed them among the people. Instrumental performers who selected folk and traditional musical instruments as their primary mode of expression have consistently played a pivotal role in the artistic landscape. Our interviewee, Aygün Ibrahimgizi, stands uniquely distinguished as the sole woman in Azerbaijan who plays the accordion. As a musician, performer, and educator at the Asaf Zeynalli Music School of the Azerbaijan National Conservatoire and the Fikret Amirov Children's Music Art School No. 6, she has dedicated her entire professional journey to this distinctive instrument. One might argue that destiny itself guided her path, enabling her delicate fingers to extract profound and emotive melodies from the accordion.

"How did your creative musical journey begin? What led you to choose the accordion?"

"My family played a crucial role. From childhood, I was immersed in the sounds of this remarkable instrument, as my father was a accordion player. Interestingly, he was not my first instructor. Recognizing my musical inclination, my parents initially enrolled me in piano classes. We held the accordion in special reverence at home. I vividly recall my father's students frequenting our residence, and through observing them, I gradually became inspired. Having grown up within a musical environment generated by the accordion, I can confidently say that I have continued my father's artistic legacy."

"You have been a accordion teacher for many years. Does teaching conflict with your performance career? In your perspective, what is more challenging - being a performer or an educator?"

"Music represents an extraordinary art form that reflects reality through sound and artistic imagery. Musicians are not manufactured; they are inherently born. Both pedagogy and performance are complex, responsible, and mandatory professions. Being an educator is one challenge, but simultaneously being a pedagogue and a performer elevates one's professional responsibility. One must comprehend the profound obligation of transmitting knowledge to subsequent generations - those who will follow in our artistic footsteps. This means providing comprehensive, uncompromising educational transmission."

"Do contemporary young people genuinely desire to pursue music, or do they approach it out of necessity?"

"Enthusiasm certainly exists, but not universally. Some young individuals are genuinely passionate and approach art with genuine pleasure. Conversely, others merely echo parental expectations, viewing music as a potential revenue stream or a strategic pathway to specific objectives. I do not consider this approach appropriate. Art should be learned through developing professionalism, with financial rewards emerging subsequently. I must candidly acknowledge that interest in art, music, study, and the desire to create and become a musician has noticeably diminished compared to previous years. As a musician, this trend profoundly saddens me."

"What does that have to do with it?"

"Perhaps it relates to the emergence of various gadgets and modern technologies in our lives. However, one must agree that it ultimately depends on the individual. Interestingly, the accordion is more frequently chosen by men, while women tend to favour instruments like the piano or violin. Girls are not often encouraged to learn the accordion. This may be because the accordion is both physically and emotionally demanding. Like any profession, musical art has its challenges. For women, pursuing a career as a accordion player can be particularly tough. Firstly, holding the instrument is not as easy as it may appear at first glance. After performances, the muscles in the arms and chest often experience soreness. To become a accordion player, a genuine love for this instrument is essential.

"There are families that strongly oppose their children choosing a career in music. I believe this is related to future family commitments. Many parents likely prefer their children to become music teachers rather than performers. Achieving the status of an independent performer is challenging. However, nothing in life comes easy. Hard work is required to attain success and reach one’s goals in any field.

"What kind of music do you enjoy? Do you listen to Russian pop singers, Western European classical music, or folk music?"

"Currently, Azerbaijani music is not in the best condition. Modern melodies are overshadowing traditional musical culture, causing our music to lose its harmony and depth. It feels as though today's melodies are created in the morning, gain popularity during the day, and by evening are forgotten and fade away. This is unfortunate. I believe this trend leads to a loss of originality in Azerbaijani music. We have genres like mugham, which encompasses traditional melodies with profound philosophical meanings. In contrast, modern music sometimes lacks any significant meaning. True music can only surpass real music!"

"What do you think is the reason behind this phenomenon?"

"Television and social media play significant roles in promoting lowbrow music. We must accept this reality. Television should not endorse or create conditions for the performance of inferior or misguided music. Similarly, social media tends to "promote" meaningless tunes to the masses. Not everyone possesses the talent required to be a successful musician. As I have mentioned before, musicians are born, not made. This fact should always be kept in mind! Music is an art form intended to touch a person’s soul, offer solace, bring joy, sometimes evoke sadness, and inspire creativity. Regrettably, current examples often lack these qualities. A collection of sounds devoid of substance is increasingly favoured, negatively impacting the younger generation of musicians."

"There is a saying among Azerbaijani performers: the development of a good musician occurs at weddings. Do you agree with this statement?"

"Weddings embellish our cultural traditions. Music enhances the joy and significance of such celebrations. Baku weddings and those in other regions of our country used to differ from contemporary celebrations. Azerbaijani folklore, mugham, and folk dances were integral to past wedding festivities. Nowadays, unfortunately, modern melodies of questionable quality dominate more frequently. I cannot concur with the notion that good musicians are nurtured at weddings. Modern wedding celebrations focus more on entertainment, whereas true artistry is cultivated under different circumstances. Undoubtedly, wedding events provide substantial financial support for artists; however, they primarily feature chords that resonate with the public rather than those appreciated by us musicians."

"Many artists on stage have achieved fame without formal musical education. What are your thoughts on this?"

"Musical talent should be nurtured through formal education. It is impossible to excel as a musician without understanding theoretical foundations. Sadly, as I have noted earlier, today's music industry exploits the genre as a simple means of generating income, which concerns me greatly. I take immense joy in being surrounded by competent and educated performers who consistently strive for improvement. However, as I aforementioned, contemporary platforms promoting an art as profound as music tend to elevate individuals who are far removed from it to prominent positions. Consequently, high artistic values are supplanted by inferior ones that erode the musical tastes of the younger generation and society at large, compelling them to accept subpar performances. It is particularly disheartening that children are exposed to such content."

"It is common for musicians who initially begin their careers as instrumentalists to transition to vocalists. Do you think this is driven more by fashion or genuine creative necessity?"

"This presents an interesting and complex question. There are certainly instances within the musical community where performers who complete courses in mugham eventually shift into pop music. This shift could be influenced by significant life circumstances—often financial—that compel such a decision. A career in music requires not only talent but also resources for development. Therefore, it is understandable why many seek opportunities for financial gain.

"We must also consider familial influence on these choices. For instance, parents may envision their child as a future professional kamancha player, even if the child feels drawn toward vocal music instead. In fulfilling their parents' ambitions and graduating from educational institutions, these individuals may ultimately gravitate back toward what truly resonates with them—such as becoming a khanende. This process is entirely natural; however, not everyone leaves a lasting legacy in history. For that to happen, one must approach their work with passion rather than solely seeking material benefits. Thus, it is crucial to place greater emphasis on supporting genuine talents while preserving and developing our national musical culture. Otherwise, we risk losing the cultural wealth that makes us unique."

"How do you envision the future of accordion playing in Azerbaijan?"

"Today, I can confidently assert that accordion playing has gained popularity in Azerbaijan compared to previous years. This is largely due to outstanding masters like Honoured Artist of Azerbaijan Zakir Mirzayev, who can justifiably be referred to as the "Paganini of the accordion." He has elevated the art of playing this instrument to unprecedented heights. Mirzayev represents a bright facet of the modern accordion school; his talent and dedication inspire both professionals and amateurs alike.

"I cannot help but mention another exceptional musician of global stature—People's Artist of Azerbaijan Enver Sadighov—whose virtuoso compositions on the accordion have brought recognition to our country beyond its borders while showcasing the richness of Azerbaijani musical culture.

"I would also like to acknowledge remarkable accordion players such as Kheyrulla Dadashov, Sarkhan Abiyev, and my esteemed teacher Huseyn Hasanov, known affectionately as Huseyn Bakili. He unfortunately passed away last year; however, his contributions to our art remain invaluable. It was an honour for me to be his student. Huseyn Bakili imparted his unique experiences to me, which I am proud to carry forward in my own artistry.

"I am honoured to be the only Azerbaijani woman performer on the accordion today. While there are many men in this field, I stand as the sole representative among women thus far. We must also recognize those who paved the way for female artists in this discipline—like Gizkhanim Dadasheva, mother of People's Artist Brilliant Dadashova—as well as legendary figures such as Kubra Aliyeva, Khadija Musakhanova, and Ismat-khanim, mother of Asaf Zeynalli. All of them left an indelible mark on our accordion history; their commitment to music continues to resonate in every chord played on this instrument.

"To be honest, for me, the accordion is more than just an instrument; it embodies our culture's voice and deserves preservation, development, and transmission to future generations.

"Can we say that the accordion represents a national attribute of Azerbaijan's musical identity?"

"Absolutely! The accordion possesses an extraordinary character and history that holds a special place within our national culture. It transcends mere artistry—it serves as our people's voice, conveying their emotions, joys, sorrows, and dreams. I take great pleasure in witnessing the continued evolution of accordion playing while our gifted masters and performers share its sound beyond our borders—celebrating Azerbaijan on a global stage.

"We have a rich tradition that cannot afford to be lost. The accordion has become synonymous with our national musical identity while also possessing significant potential for modern advancement. We must persist in popularizing this instrument to ensure its preservation and enhancement—not only within our heritage but also moving forward into the future. Achieving this requires effort—from training new generations of musicians to creating works that inspire listeners both in Azerbaijan and abroad.

"Of course, I hope to see other genres within our musical culture flourish alongside accordion playing—mugham, national dances, folk songs—all represent invaluable facets of Azerbaijani art that require careful preservation and contemporary development.

"I firmly believe in a bright future for accordion playing art. Thanks to our musicians' skill and dedication, it will continue delighting us while inspiring future generations. After all, the accordion symbolises our culture—something we should carry forward with pride and responsibility."