Azerbaijani classical music (Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan klassik musiqisi) includes a range of musical styles rooted in the traditions of Western or European classical music that European settlers brought to the country from the 20th century and onwards.[1]
In 1920, Azerbaijani classical music had undergone a renaissance and Baku Academy of Music was founded to give classical musicians the same support as folk musicians. After World War II, Fikret Amirov introduced a new genre called symphonic mugam. Amirov's symphonic mugams were based on classical folk pieces and were performed by many renowned symphony orchestras throughout the world, such as the Houston Symphony Orchestra conducted by Leopold Stokowski.[3]
Post-Soviet era
In the present era, classical music in Azerbaijan must contend and co-exist with a dominant culture of popular music. Specialist music education at establishments such as the Asaf Zeynally Music School in Baku and Baku Academy of Music provide music teaching to classical musicians.
