The piece you have just heard is from a comedy “If Not That One, Then This One” written by the eminent Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli in 1910. His work soon become a landmark event in the cultural life of Azerbaijan and went on to be staged in various countries. In 1956, Azerbaijan film Studio produced a film adaptation of Hajibeyli’s comedy under the same title, which earned a great acclaim.
Now we turn to Arno Babajanian – a Soviet composer of Armenian origin, born in 1921. He was primarily known for his popular songs. In one episode of a Soviet television programme, Babajanian made several emphatic remarks about the ‘Armenian spirit and accent’ supposedly present in his compositions. Then, he took his place at the piano and began to play… a melody composed by Uzeyir Hajibeyli eleven years before Babajanian was even born!
This particular piece, which the Armenian composer passed off as his own, was titled The Vagharshapat Dance – a concert work he claimed to have composed in 1947.
Plagiarism in music is a well-documented phenomenon. However, this case stands out as truly unique!
This is by no means the first instance of Armenia laying claim to elements of Azerbaijani cultural heritage, ranging from historical monuments to culinary recipes. Nonetheless, plagiarism in music presents a special case, especially given the wide reach of digital platforms such as YouTube.
In response, the Agency for Intellectual Property and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan issued a joint statement condemning the appropriation of musical fragments from the celebrated comedy of Uzeyir Hajibeyli by the Armenian side. The document demands the restoration of Hajibeyli’s intellectual property rights.
We hope that the relevant authorities will take action in accordance with international law. After all, it is truly staggering that a Soviet Armenian composer born in 1921 should claim authorship of a composition written by an Azerbaijani maestro in 1910.
