FIKRET AMIROV (1922-1984): Symphony “To the Memory of Nizami”, One Thousand and One Nights - Suite*. * - First Recording.

Description: Amirov is one of Azerbaijan’s best-known 20th-century composers in the classical tradition, and the inventor of the ‘symphonic mugam’ based on traditional folk melodies (as can be heard on 04L011). The symphony, a youthful four-movement work from 1941, was inspired by the celebrated and influential Muslim poet and philosopher Nizami, who was born in the ancient city of Ganga in Azerbaijan. Amirov’s skill in evoking fantastic worlds is heard in a 35-minute suite derived from a 1979 ballet in which the famous narrative about the seductive and perilous Orient resolves from a cinematic chase into a memorable love scene and final triumphant celebrations. Kyiv Virtuosi Symphony Orchestra; Dmitry Yablonsky.