Azerbaijan
has a rich, varied musical tradition. Musicians draw upon an ancient selection
of Near Eastern instruments, such as the balaban, the naghara,
the tar, the saz, and the zurna, to create musical
forms unique to Azerbaijan. Instruments can be played individually, in an
improvisational manner, or in ensembles, during traditional ceremonies and
folk dances.
American Jeffrey Werbock began his love affair with Azerbaijan mugham, and Azerbaijan, in the 1970s, when he first witnessed the music performed. Fulfilling his ambition to master the complex form, Werbock went on to engage deeply with the Azerbaijani culture and Azerbaijani people. Jeffrey Werbock is highly regarded across continents as an expert mugham player and as an important bridge between Azerbaijanis and Americans.
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