Gadzhiev, Rauf Soltan Ogly

Born May 15, 1922, in Baku. Soviet composer. People’s Artist of the USSR (1978). Member of the CPSU since 1958.

Gadzhiev studied at the Moscow Conservatory with N. P. Rakov in 1948 and 1949. In 1953 he graduated from the Azerbaijan Conservatory, where he had studied composition under K. A. Karaev. He organized the State Estrada Orchestra of Azerbaijan (a variety stage orchestra) in 1955 and became its artistic director. From 1965 to 1971, Gadzhiev was minister of culture of the Azerbaijan SSR.

Gadzhiev is the composer of such musical comedies as Romeo Is My Neighbor (1960), Cuba, My Love! (1963), Don’t Hide Your Smile (1969), The Fourth Vertebra (1974), and Mama, I Am Getting Married (1976). His compositions also include two ballets, oratorios, the Young People’s Symphony (1953), a concerto for violin and orchestra (1952), works for chamber and variety stage orchestras, and music for drama productions and films. He has written more than 80 songs.

Gadzhiev has been awarded two orders and various medals.