DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2706-6185/50/22-27
Zemfira Babayeva
Nakhchivan State University
PhD student
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8634-6955
vusala.nasir@icloud.com
A Historical Overview of the Emergence of Piano
Performance in Azerbaijan
Abstract
Although the art of piano performance was introduced to Azerbaijan relatively late compared to Western Europe, it quickly developed into a vital component of the country’s musical culture. Introduced in the late 19th century through the influence of European and Russian musical traditions, the piano gained institutional footing during the Soviet era via professional music education and gradually merged with national musical elements, resulting in a distinctive Azerbaijani piano school. This article presents a historical overview of piano performance in Azerbaijan, examining its formative stages, the impact of Soviet-era educational reforms and the integration of traditional Azerbaijani music. Special attention is given to prominent figures such as Tarlan Seyidov, whose pedagogical contributions significantly shaped the national piano tradition. The article also explores post-independence developments, highlighting new trends, international achievements, and the continued evolution of piano pedagogy. It offers valuable insights for researchers of Azerbaijani music history and professionals in the field of music education.
Keywords: Piano performance, Azerbaijani music, music pedagogy, Tarlan Seyidov, classical music, Russian music school, national musical heritage, Uzeyir Hajibayli, Gara Garayev