A look at the theoretical analysis of "Azerbaijan rengleri" and "Rast deramedi" in the works of Ramiz Zohrabov

The article presents that the features of the research conducted by the prominent musicologist, People's Artist of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Doctor of Arts, Professor Ramiz Zohrabov on "Azerbaijani rengleri" [“reng” is a specific genre of Azerbaijani oral traditional professional music. “rengler” is a plural form of the word “reng”] play a significant role for the study of oral traditional professional music. From this point of view, it should be noted that Professor Ramiz Zohrabov, through comprehensive studying various genres of folk music, especially the ones related to professional music of oral tradition, made detailed comments and sound judgments in this area. Ramiz Zohrabov's book "Azerbaijan rengleri" is also devoted to the research of rengs, one of the main genres of oral traditional Azerbaijani professional music. The article is primarily focused on the study of genre, maqam and melodic features of Azerbaijani rengs examined by R.Zohrabov. Generally, the article emphasizes R.Zohrabov's characterization of rengs, which are one of the main genres of oral traditional Azerbaijani professional music, and his scientific-theoretical study of their features as one of the main directions of national musicology. It should be noted that the main principles of the study of Azerbaijani rengs talked about in the article are essential for the study of folk art. It can be considered that the principles having been put forward by R. Zohrabov are commendable in the study of mugham destgahs, as well as many genres, including rengs. In addition, the study of rengs can also considerably contribute to the study of the structural features of the bells and earnings, which are the other major genres of oral music. From this point of view, it seems more logical to substantiate the basis of rengs and melodic features in a scientific and theoretical way. Nowadays the study of national music being based on theoretical analysis creates the basis for the formation of data on the study of folk art. Thus, the methods and methodological approaches used by R.Zohrabov determine the direction of modern scientific viewpoints in the field of folk art. Based on these features, it should be stressed that R.Zohrabov's book "Azerbaijan rengleri" plays an important role in the study of national musicology at the modern stage. Hence the analysis of "Rast deramedi" based on the principles having been put forward by R.Zohrabov is especially noteworthy from a theoretical point of view. Proceeding from complex approaches in the process of rengs analysis, it is noted that the analysis process in the article is based on R. Zohrabov's methodology in terms of moment, melodic features, musical form and other aspects. It is worth to point out that the principles of the various musicologists who conducted researches on national music had been taken into account throughout comparative and analytical process of all research. The article pays special attention to the theoretical analysis of "Rast deramedi". In this case, the basis of the maqam and melodic features of "Rast deramedi" were thoroughly studied. Various examples of music have been purposefully given to substantiate the ideas having been put forward in the article. It was deduced that the book written by Professor R.Zohrabov has a remarkable impact on the study of the specific genre features of Azerbaijani rengs. In this case, the tools used by the author and their application mechanisms are taken into consideration. The article states that rengs are an instrumental piece performed between mugham sections, and therefore its functions are emphasized. Consequently, it has been shed light on the features of the rengs played on large-scale instruments and in certain sections and corners of small-volume mughams. It has been also brought to attention the main features of rengs, diringi and deramed. In particular, the performance of mugham destgahs or small-volume mughams, on which the rengs are directly based, and the combination of the musical content with the intonation of that department have been emphasized as the main characteristics. It has been drawn a conclusion that the function of rengs is bringing to an end of the successive mugham sections with a melody based on a strict metro-rhythm, connecting the sections, and also creating a contrast between the sections. And this in its turn increases the influence of the mugham department. All these features have been taken into account during the study of "Rast deramedi" and formed the basis of the analysis process based on the research of R.Zohrabov. To sum up, rengs are coherent with mughams, and by embracing the latter’s metrorhythmic, melodic-intonation, momentary features and enriching the artistic quality, gives completeness and richness to the mugham to which they relate.