Hajibeyov (1885-1948) is considered the first composer of Azerbaijani classical music and the creator of mugham opera. He wrote in 1908, based on a -type love story by 16th-century Azeri poet Fuzuli. It’s Donizetti-like in style, but includes tar and kamancha alongside the orchestral instruments. He wrote three more mugham operas based on Azeri and Persian poems, although only and (1912) are regularly performed today. The latter is a love story between a Christian girl and a Muslim boy – it doesn’t end well. He also composed Azerbaijan’s national anthem, which was re-adopted after independence in 1991.
