Fargana qasimova biography of williams

One name you’re sure to come across in a survey of classical Azerbaijani music in our time is that of Alim Qasimov. The beloved musician, who often performs alongside his daughter, Fargana, is best known for his innovative treatment of mugham, a genre of melodic modes and motifs that form the basis of the nation’s classical music repertoire.

Music in Azerbaijan, where the population is predominantly Muslim, reflects a history of exchange between Turkic and Iranian peoples.

It’s just that confluence that Alim and Fargana bring listeners with Spiritual Music of Azerbaijan, the sixth volume in the Smithsonian Folkways series Music of Central Asia and a rich collection of poetic verse, nuanced improvisation, and thoughtful reflection.

In the album’s poetic verse, Alim and Fargana explore themes of the power of love and the pain of separation.

Drawing from traditional singer-songwriters or ashiqs, whose texts often evoke these themes, the alb