Features of using percussion instruments in the symphonies of Azerbaijani composers Cevdet Hajiyev and Soltan Hajibeyov

Abstract

The features of the orchestral language in the works of Azerbaijani composers have been shaped and developed in the works written for the symphony orchestra since the beginning of the 20th century. This period is characterized by a series of innovations in orchestral music and significant advances in the position of percussion instruments in the works of composers. Although the music of the Azerbaijani composer first began with the opera genre, the creation of the first symphonies in the 30s and 40s of the 20th century also gave impetus to the formation of the national orchestral style. Azerbaijani composers Gara Garayev, Soltan Hajibeyov and Cevdet Hajiyev wrote their first symphonies and set a new stage in the development of this process. Symphonic music was the main part of C. Hajiyev's creativity. The composer's third, fourth and fifth symphonies are interesting works in terms of the main research topic we have chosen. The notes of these symphonies have a number of points that reflect the characteristics of the orchestral language. In particular, the location and position of the percussion instruments that C. Hajiyev included in the notation, the functions performed throughout the piece, expressed the composer's sensitive attitude towards modern trends in 20th century music. In the symphonies we examined, the diversity of the percussion group, solo parts of percussion instruments, and unusual ensemble compositions showed themselves. Especially, the composer used the possibilities of this group skillfully in conveying the main idea content of the symphony and exhausting the form. In the symphonic works of Soltan Hajibeyov, the rich timbre features of the orchestral language have emerged as one of the main elements. The "Kervan" symphonic records that we have included in our review are a shining example of the artistic and technical capabilities of percussion instruments and the skillful use of their timbre properties. Symphonic creativity of both composers played a special role in the development of Azerbaijani music culture.