Research Article

The role of music in Azerbaijani folk theatre performances

Volume: 10 Number: 4 October 29, 2025
TR EN

The role of music in Azerbaijani folk theatre performances

Abstract

The theatre art of the Azerbaijani people constitutes a significant part of their centuries-old and rich cultural heritage. As an integral element of the nation’s spiritual wealth, this art form has evolved, enriched by a variety of ceremonies, games, and performances. The present article specifically investigates the types of Azerbaijani folk theatre and the role of music employed in these performances. The primary aim of the study is to analyze the characteristics and functions of music within Azerbaijani folk theatre. This theatrical tradition serves as a vivid reflection of both national culture and musical folklore. Particularly in folk performances, the musical pieces are typically short, repetitive, lively, energetic, and sometimes combative. These melodies are usually performed on the traditional wind instrument zurna. Each piece often begins with a repeated motif that functions as an intrada—a call to attention—directing the audience’s focus toward the forthcoming performance. Furthermore, turning points and significant moments in the play find vivid expression through music. Thus, folk performances are inconceivable without musical accompaniment. The research methodology is based on analysis, comparison, and empirical observation. Musical samples used in games and performances held during festivals and ceremonies across various regions were collected, transcribed into musical notation, and analyzed. The findings of the study underscore the importance of selecting music in Azerbaijani folk theatre by stage conditions and artistic requirements.

Keywords

References

  1. Abdulaliyev, A. (2020, March 18). Nowruz traditions in music. In 525th Newspaper (p. 21).
  2. Asgar, N. (2017). Islamic geography and games in Azerbaijan. Science and Education.
  3. Aydamirova, R. (2012, November 14-15). Folk games and performances living in Novruz rituals. In Proceedings of the Republican Conference (pp. 71-73). Baku. http://e-kitab.nakhchivan.az/az/PDF.aspx?id=2488
  4. Bayat, F. (2022). The ritual-mystical Shabih theatre in the process of folklorization. Karadeniz Araştırmaları, 19(76), 1217–1232.
  5. Behmenli, R. (2002). Azerbaijani folk dances. Adiloglu.
  6. Chay, M. A. (1996). Turkish Ergenekon festival: Nevruz. İstanbul.
  7. Elxan, E. M. (2015). ”Xanxan” oyunları. https://anl.az/down/meqale/qobustan/2_2015/464722.pdf
  8. Eyvazli, A. (2018, March 21). Novruz traditions of the Turkic world. Modern.az. https://modern.az/medeniyyet/160326/turkdunyasininnovruzadetleri/

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Music Performance, Music (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

October 29, 2025

Submission Date

May 23, 2025

Acceptance Date

August 22, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 10 Number: 4

APA
Huseynova, R., Mammadova, G., Maharramova, I., & Gasimova, A. (2025). The role of music in Azerbaijani folk theatre performances. Online Journal of Music Sciences, 10(4), 746-761. https://doi.org/10.31811/ojomus.1703888
AMA
1.Huseynova R, Mammadova G, Maharramova I, Gasimova A. The role of music in Azerbaijani folk theatre performances. ojomus. 2025;10(4):746-761. doi:10.31811/ojomus.1703888
Chicago
Huseynova, Rukhsara, Gunay Mammadova, Inara Maharramova, and Aynur Gasimova. 2025. “The Role of Music in Azerbaijani Folk Theatre Performances”. Online Journal of Music Sciences 10 (4): 746-61. https://doi.org/10.31811/ojomus.1703888.
EndNote
Huseynova R, Mammadova G, Maharramova I, Gasimova A (October 1, 2025) The role of music in Azerbaijani folk theatre performances. Online Journal of Music Sciences 10 4 746–761.
IEEE
[1]R. Huseynova, G. Mammadova, I. Maharramova, and A. Gasimova, “The role of music in Azerbaijani folk theatre performances”, ojomus, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 746–761, Oct. 2025, doi: 10.31811/ojomus.1703888.
ISNAD
Huseynova, Rukhsara - Mammadova, Gunay - Maharramova, Inara - Gasimova, Aynur. “The Role of Music in Azerbaijani Folk Theatre Performances”. Online Journal of Music Sciences 10/4 (October 1, 2025): 746-761. https://doi.org/10.31811/ojomus.1703888.
JAMA
1.Huseynova R, Mammadova G, Maharramova I, Gasimova A. The role of music in Azerbaijani folk theatre performances. ojomus. 2025;10:746–761.
MLA
Huseynova, Rukhsara, et al. “The Role of Music in Azerbaijani Folk Theatre Performances”. Online Journal of Music Sciences, vol. 10, no. 4, Oct. 2025, pp. 746-61, doi:10.31811/ojomus.1703888.
Vancouver
1.Rukhsara Huseynova, Gunay Mammadova, Inara Maharramova, Aynur Gasimova. The role of music in Azerbaijani folk theatre performances. ojomus. 2025 Oct. 1;10(4):746-61. doi:10.31811/ojomus.1703888