Asli and Kerem

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Asli and Kerem is Uzeyir Hajibeyov’s fifth mugham opera. It has four acts and six scenes. The libretto, written by the composer, is based on the famous South Caucasus poem Kerem and Aslı (also called Asli and Kerem). The opera celebrates the power of love and the inner beauty of people, while criticizing feudal rules and nationalist ideas spread by clerical circles.

It premiered on May 31, 1912 at the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater. Huseyn Arablinski directed and Uzeyir Hajibeyov conducted. The cast included Huseyngulu Sarabski as Kerem, Ahmed Agdamski as Asli, M. Teregulov as Gara Keshish, M. Mammadov as the Shah of Isfahan, G. Goychaylinski as Shaikh Nurali, and others.

The opera was staged in many cities of the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Iran. In Azerbaijan it was performed not only in Baku but also in places like Aghdam and Nakhchivan. Since 1957 it has regularly been staged at the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theatre. A new production was presented in 1988.