''Sheikh Sanan'' is the second opera in five acts of the
Azerbaijani composer
Uzeyir Hajibeyov
Uzeyir bey Abdulhuseyn bey oghlu Hajibeyov (18 September 188523 November 1948) was an Azerbaijanis, Azerbaijani composer, musicologist and teacher. He is recognized as the father of Azerbaijani classical music. He composed the music of the AzÉ ...
. He wrote the
libretto
A libretto (From the Italian word , ) is the text used in, or intended for, an extended musical work such as an opera, operetta, masque, oratorio, cantata or Musical theatre, musical. The term ''libretto'' is also sometimes used to refer to th ...
based on the folk tale "
Sheikh San'Aan". The opera tells about the tragic love of Sheikh Sanan and the
Georgian girl, Khumar. The opera's essential motive was the protest against the cruel religious canons that prevented the love between the representatives of two nationalities of different faiths.
The premiere took place on 30 November (13 December) 1909 at the Nikitin brothers' Circus in
Baku
Baku (, ; ) is the Capital city, capital and List of cities in Azerbaijan, largest city of Azerbaijan, as well as the largest city on the Caspian Sea and in the Caucasus region. Baku is below sea level, which makes it the List of capital ci ...
. The performance's director was H. Sharifov, the conductor was Hajibeyov. The leading roles were performed by
Huseyngulu Sarabski
Huseyngulu Sarabski (), born Hüseynqulu Malik oğlu Rzayev (20 March 1879 – 16 February 1945), was an Azerbaijani opera singer (tenor), composer, playwright, stage actor, theatre director, and musician (tar).
Early life
Sarabski was born to p ...
(Sheikh Sanan), Leyla Khanim (pseudonym of Tamara Bogatko; Khumar), Kh. Teregulov (father of Khumar).
The opera's theme is based on the legendary tale of Sheikh Sanan, who, under the influence of an uncontrollable passion for a beautiful Georgian woman, refusing to promote Islam, became an ardent fighter against the religion.
See also
* ''
Sheikh Sanan'', 1921 play by
Huseyn Javid
Huseyn Javid (), was born Huseyn Abdulla oghlu Rasizadeh (24 October 1882, Nakhchivan – 5 December 1941, Shevchenko, Tayshetsky District), was a prominent Azerbaijani poet and playwright of the early 20th century. He was one of the founders ...
References
External links
*
{{Portal bar, Opera
Operas
1909 operas
Azerbaijani-language operas
Operas set in Azerbaijan
Operas by Uzeyir Hajibeyov