“Flowers Have Blossomed, Spring Has Come” is a lyrical folk song from Azerbaijan. As is quite typical in Azerbaijani folk poetry, the lyrics of this song associate the beauty of nature with the joy of love. Folk songs in Azerbaijan are monophonic, as choral singing is not a part of Azerbaijani traditional and folk music. Jahangir Jahangirov who is revered for developing choral music in Azerbaijan created many choral arrangements of Azerbaijani folk songs. The multi-voice texture of this arrangement is tender and transparent, and the main melody never becomes covered or obscured. Traditionally, folk songs in Azerbaijan are firmly related to mugham, the genre of improvised modal music of Azerbaijan, and can even be incorporated into it. Following this precedent, there is a short mugham interlude between the two verses of the folk song. This mugham interlude is based on the formulas of shur, the same mode used in the song, and becomes a smooth addition to the folk melody.

Jahangir Jahangirov (1921-1992) is one of the most famous composers in Azerbaijan, the country on the crossroads on Europe and Asia. In 1951, Jahangirov graduated from the Baku Music Academy and in 1953, he joined the faculty in the same school. Choral music was the major focus of Jahangirov’s work as composer and educator. He was the chair of the Choral conducting department at the Baku Music Academy (1975-1992), served as the Choral Director at the Azerbaijan State Radio Company (1944-1961) and as the Director of the Ensemble of Song and Dance of Azerbaijan (1960-1965). Jahangirov penned many large-scale works, such as the cantatas “Fuzuli” (1959), “Sabir” (1962) and “Huseyn Javid-59” (1983), all dedicated to the famous poets of Azerbaijan. Jahangirov’s legacy also includes the operas “Azad” (1956) and “The Fate of the Singer” (1978) as well as symphonic and chamber compositions. However, art songs and choral arrangements of the Azerbaijani folk songs that he created are no less important in the panorama of Jahangirov’s oeuvre.

Aida Huseynova, Ph.D., is lecturer in music in general studies at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. She is a musicologist and pianist whose research, performing activities and teaching focus on the East-West connections in music and music of the Silk Road. Huseynova also serves as the consultant for the Silkroad ensemble founded by Yo-Yo Ma and the Mark Morris Dance Group. Her books, articles and multimedia projects have been published in Azerbaijan, U.S., Germany, France, Netherlands, Russia, and Bulgaria. Dr. Huseynova is the author of four books, including her most recent monograph Music of Azerbaijan: From Mugham to Opera (Indiana University Press, 2016). Her numerous awards include Andrew W. Mellon Foundation grant (2015), Fulbright Fellowship (2007-2008), and a fellowship for the Junior Faculty Development Program (2001-2002), sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.

Sanan Samedov was born on 29th of April, 1961 in Quba district of Azerbaijan. Education:
years 1978-1980 - Art gymnasium;
years 1982-1987 - Art & Graphic faculty.
A member of youth section of Art Union of USSR since 1987.
Attendant of republic and international expositions since 1985.
A member of Art Union of Azerbaijan