Baku Nights - Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra

Baku ( Instrumental)
An instrumental version of Arezoo, this is a symphonic recording of some of the most romantic and moving Azarbaizan's classical pieces by composers such as Niazi, Haji Bakeov, Ali Salimi and others. Performed by the120 piece Azarbaijan State Symphony Orchestra, this recording features over one hour of a dramatic combination of western classical instrumentation with some of the most beautiful melodies of central Asia. The melodies on this album were played by indigenous instruments of Azarbaijan. Instruments like; Tar, Duduk, Clarinet, etc. A true master piece. The word "unique" is an adjective that is overused when describing an artists music, but every now and then a record comes along that is truly unique. "Arezoo" by Zoroofchi and the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra is one such recording. This album features the outstanding tenor voice of Yagoub Zoroofchi soaring over the gorgeous, silken timbres created by the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra. The string arrangements are reminiscent of 1940's and 50's big budget movie soundtracks, and they will transport you to another world. Zoroofchi's exceptional operatic and classical ability was honed under the guidance of Iranian, Italian, and British masters, and he is considered the greatest Azari vocalist of our time. Combining Zoroofchi's vocal stylings with the evocative symphonic textures created by the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra and the compositions of Ujeer Gadjibekov makes for a magical listening experience- don't miss this unique recording!

A scene from the opera "Arshin Mal Alan"	A scene from the opera "Kur- ughli"
A scene from the opera "San Seez"	A scene from the opera "Kur Arab"

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Ârézoo (Longing)
Music: Niyâzî
This song is about a lover's longing for his beloved. "With so much to say," he sighs, "how can I be quiet and patient?" He wishes, then, to be a nightingale in the garden of his beloved. "I wish I was within you," he utters, "just like your fiery heart."
A sumptuous work of lyricism and craftsmanship, the poetry and music herein are heart-warming.

Sandan Mané Yâr Ulmâz (You won't make a good lover for me)
Music: from an old folk song
In this old folk song, which has been around for centuries, the lover suggests that even if they become lovers she wouldn't stay loyal to him. "I am playing my instrument," he says, "don't you play yours, for it turns my Spring into Winter."
In the end, however, the lover gives in and asks for reconciliation by suggesting that they should sit down and write about their pains for one another.

Khumâr Üldum (I was entranced)
Music: from an old folk song
A lthough an innocent lover - as any traditional one would be- still he has his instincts interfere with his virtuosity, hence his utterance: "I became entranced when I gazed upon your taut nipple shining from underneath your flowing shirt."
He would see her everywhere; in his dream, or at the spring, where she washes her hand and face. One can say, presumably, that the lover is doomed to be entranced by this love!

Gal, Gal (Come! Come!)
Music: Uzeer Gadjibegov
(An aria from the opera "Ârshîn Mâl Âlân")
Ever since the opera "Ârshîn Mâl Âlân" was composed, not only has it been staged over and over again, but also different parts and aria of this opera have been sung by many vocalists.
The lover, in this aria, recalls the moment that he and his beloved met and suggests that since they became fond of one another from the first glance, they should get together and enjoy the kind of love that King Solomon did!

Dard'mand (The Pain Bearer)
Music: Uzeer Gadjibegov
(An aria from the opera "Ârshîn Mâl Âlân")
"I am moaning and groaning as a reed utters songs of love. I would never cease this even if I am cut in pieces, like a reed. O, Fate think of a solution. As much as my beloved is pain-free, I am in agony." These are the words of a lover who has no hope for enjoying the company of his beloved, uttered in despair.

Band Üldum (I was entrapped in love)
Music: Uzeer Gadjibegov
(An aria from the opera "Ârshîn Mâl Âlân")
"I've learned all the crafts of living; have experienced all the pains, and even have been mocked by strangers and now I am so much in love that I can not exist without you. I can see nobody, I wouldn't share my secrets with anybody. What was love and what was being in love, I wouldn't know. And now I am in love with you and I feel I am the luckiest in the whole world." Thus speaks the lover who is bound by love.

Nigâr (The beloved one)
Music: Uzeer Gadjibegov
(An aria from the opera "Kür-üghli")
The unfortunate lover in this aria from the renowned opera "Kür-üghli," which is based on an epic fable, complains that the tyrannous Khan has kept his beloved captive. Although being separated from her is unbearable, he cannot meet with her, either. In the end he decides to face the Khan without any fear until he frees his lover, even if he loses his life in the process. He becomes the true lover who initiates Love in this life, seizing the moment for his hearts desire.

Kür Arab (The Blind Arab)
Music: Fikrat Amîroff
Kür Arab is a political figure in the history of Azarbaijan. This song is dedicated to this legendary hero. "He is neither love, nor the lover; neither the creation, nor the creator; neither the pain, nor the remedy; neither the joy, nor the sorrow. He neither reconciles, nor separates. My heart, filled with the illumination of love, my eyes blindfolded, he would neither become light, nor darkness. Such creation is impossible, such bliss, incomprehensible. And such darkness!, such darkness!"

So'golî Jânân (The favorite one)
Music: Uzeer Gadjibegov
Thou art the grandest of all creation. Tender me and grant me thine kiss, for kiss of a graceful beauty, for the lover, is all mere bliss."
Thus utters the lover, longing for his beloved and her kindness. "I summoned my heart," he cries, "and you advised me to cease the quest, for I shall never find it."
A tender love song, this track not only represents the traditional style of poetry, but also music that follows the same style.

Méhr'bân (The kind one)
Music: from an old folk song
With the flourishing flowers and fruits, the season of joy is announced by the nightingale. Girls adorn their hair with floral ornaments; teasing the beholder, they smile ravishingly. The singer, announcing all this, invites everybody to dance: "O, handsome boy, O, pretty girl," he sings, "thus is our tradition for the girls to clap while the boys dance in weddings."

Qharanfîl (Gilly flower, clove pink; also a name for girls)
Music: Vâséff Âdîgüzaloff
The lover in this tender song tries to convince his beloved that his rival does not love her as much as he does and since her name is Qharanfîl he compares her to flowers in the garden, both in grace or in sorrow.
A traditional love song, this is a track full of sweet nuances.

San Siz (Without You)
Music: Uzeer Gadjibegov
In this sad song the lover complains about being parted from his beloved, and states that without her he would cease to exist since he would be nothing without her!