Mugham in modern Azerbaijanian culture

Abstract

The main feature of the culture of post-Soviet Azerbaijan is a particular interest in national traditions, as well as a broad manifestation of the spiritual heritage to the world. Mugham, a genre of professional music of oral tradition, in the 20th century, became the basis of national composers school, boosting the development of opera and choreographic productions and performances. This article discusses the syncretism of the ancient musical traditions of the Azerbaijani people and modern balet art. Particular attention is paid to modern interpretations of the best national ballets, as well as to new choreographic stagings based on the composers` works of the 20 th century. The new versions go beyond the cultural and stylistic framework, being more adapted to the Western audience, but at the same time, the national specificity has not only been preserved, but has gained even greater expression and brightness.