Analysis of Gara Garayev's "24 Piano Preludes" from the perspective of composing methods and techniques

The aim of the present study was to analyze ''The 24 Piano Preludes'' series that have a special place in the art of Azerbaijani composer Gara Garayev from the perspective of overall composing techniques, melody/themes, harmony, modes, polyphony and form. Gara Garayev, a composer, musicologist and tutor is one of the most important personas in Azerbaijan's musical history who, thanks to his original art, gained fame both in Azerbaijan and abroad. His works hold an important place in repertoire of many countries' (Germany, France, USA, Russia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and others) musical theatres and concert programs of famous conductors. As a composer and a pianist Garayev found inspiration in contemporary and past history, works of poets and writers from different eras and folk legends. He combined the traditions of European composing school with modern music writing techniques and created his original, innovative style. A qualitative descriptive design was used for the general survey model of this study. Related literature was reviewed and ''The 24 Preludes'' consisting of four books were examined in accordance with the aims of the study. Garayev adopted the traditions formed by his predecessors and, by re-working on them, created a series of unique national piano preludes. The composer thus continued the tradition of versatility in piano preludes. Key Words: Gara Garayev, 24 Piano Preludes, Music of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani Composers