Analysis of some dance themes in the piano works of G.Garayev and F.Amirov

Abstract

Appeal to the dance genre is often observed in the piano works of Azerbaijani composers. This
can be especially seen in small miniatures and plays within the cycle. Composers Gara Garayev and Fikret
Amirov, who pay special attention to piano music, have a number of such plays. The presented article is
devoted to the use of the dance genre in the piano cycles of G.Garayev and F.Amirov. The dance genre in
piano music rather appears in miniature forms. In the piano cycles of Azerbaijani composers, as well as in
individual pieces, dance shows itself as a feature of both genre and figurative-emotional content. The article
analyzes G.Garayev’s “Little Waltz” from “Six Pieces for Children” cycle, F.Amirov's pieces of “Sevil’s
Dance” from “12 Miniatures” and “Children's Pictures” cycles were included in the analysis. During the
analysis, the mediums of expression of the form, harmonic and melodic language of pieces, as well as the use
of characteristic features of dance music were brought into focus. The analysis also takes into account the
modal and intonation characteristics of the plays. It was revealed that the melodic style of the pieces included
in the analysis is formed by two important factors. Here is the nature of the melody of individual genres of
folk dance; in general, a common melodic style derived from folk dance instrumentalism and the individual
melodic style of composers. These three factors act as a unity in the melody of the plays and determine the
melodic style of the miniatures.