Alihan Samedov is an artist who began his musical education at an early age and represents Azerbaijani traditional music on an international level. Born in Sumgayıt, Samedov developed his musical foundation through systematic training and focused particularly on the balaban instrument. Since the 1990s, he has participated in various concerts, albums, and projects both domestically and internationally, reinterpreting traditional folk music repertoire with modern arrangements. In his performances, Samedov incorporates improvisation and is regarded as one of the performers who contribute to the promotion of Azerbaijani musical culture.

Educational Background

Alihan Samedov was born on April 27, 1964, in the city of Sumgayıt in the Azerbaijan SSR. Between 1971 and 1979, he completed his primary and secondary education. He began his music education at Samad Vurgun and Nariman Narimanov Music Schools, which are well-known music schools in Azerbaijan. The education he received at these schools laid the groundwork for his musical foundation.

In 1986, he entered the applied teaching department of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University. The training he received in this department allowed him to pursue a professional career both as a music teacher and in the field of performing arts. He completed his graduation in 1990.

Artistic Career

Alihan Samedov's musical career has not been confined to Azerbaijan since the 1990s; he has also been active on an international level. During this period, he released solo albums and participated in various concerts in different countries. Additionally, he has contributed as a performer or consultant to numerous music projects conducted on national and international levels.

The prominent instrument in Samedov’s work is the balaban, a traditional wind instrument of Azerbaijan. The balaban is a double-reed instrument with a soft tone, used especially in laments, love melodies, and the folk music repertoire. This instrument is typically monophonic and is considered a musical expression tool that supports emotional narrative.

Traditional folk melodies hold an important place in the artist's repertoire. Among these are Azerbaijani folk music pieces such as “Sarı Gelin,” “Naznazı,” “Dadaşova,” and “Qəmgin Duyğular.” These works are generally interpreted instrumentally and presented with different arrangements. While these interpretations preserve traditional forms, they are also supported by modern sounds.

Additionally, Samedov’s recorded works have been used as background music in some films and documentary productions.

^{Alihan Samedov Stage Performance(Alihan Samedov)}

Performance Style and Influences

Alihan Samedov’s musical performance is based on traditional Azerbaijani folk melodies, yet it includes a certain degree of improvisation during the performance process. This allows the pieces to be presented in different forms in each performance. Samedov’s use of the balaban, in particular, involves various blowing and pitch-changing techniques within the technical capacity of this instrument.

The balaban is a widely-used double-reed wind instrument in Azerbaijani musical culture. Traditionally, it is used as a wordless means of presentation and is often preferred in solo performances. Samedov’s repertoire includes examples where the technical capabilities of this instrument are utilized in different musical contexts.

The artist's works have produced an impact aimed at promoting Azerbaijani traditional music in various geographies; in this context, he has participated in various cultural events, international music projects, and recording platforms. Some of these productions have become subjects of academic studies, particularly within the framework of the modernization process of folk music performance.