An analysis of the musical history of the Azerbaijani song “Laleler”

Abstract

This article aims to conduct a detailed musical historical analysis of the song "Laleler," which holds a special place in the development of Azerbaijan's song heritage and transcended Azerbaijan's borders even during the Soviet era, bringing Azerbaijani Turkish and its music to global attention. This is the first in-depth research focusing on the emergence, chronological performance order, and ideological significance of the song "Laleler." The study employed document analysis, one of the qualitative research methods. It was established that the song "Laleler" was composed by Aslan Aslanov and Telman Hacıyev. In general, the origins, purpose, and history of folk songs are enriched with intriguing stories and oral narratives passed down through generations. However, it is rare for songs, particularly those of the 20th century with known composers, to acquire diverse interpretations over time. Moreover, these stories captivate not only Azerbaijani audiences but also resonate equally with Turkish listeners. Delving into the history of this song is essential to discern whether the narrative is myth or reality, in the quest for truth. The article provides a chronological perspective on the roles of the song's prominent performers over nearly 80 years, its popularity in the Middle East during the Soviet period, its versions in foreign languages, and its records published in capitalist countries. The unique reasons for the song's contemporary significance are analyzed. The song's verses have become some of the most influential quotes on high political platforms, a topic of discussion on social media, and one of the most emotional narratives cherished by society and intellectuals. It has especially become a symbol of Turkish-Azerbaijani brotherhood. This study sheds light on the development and transformative processes of Azerbaijan's song genre in the 20th century, using this song as an example. It presents a comparative analysis of the song's most outstanding interpretations, focusing on the originality and arrangement differences brought by significant performances throughout its history. The study also compares the years in which the major performances emerged and the distinctiveness they added to the song.