NURADDIN TAGHIYEV – Kor Arab (The Blind Arab) | Fikret Amirov (1922–1984)

“Kor Arab” (literally “Song of the Blind Arab”) is a ballad composed by Azerbaijani composer Fikret Amirov in the 1950s, with lyrics penned by poet Huseyn Javid. It was originally created for the staging of the play Sheikh Sanan. Amirov’s work on this song is emblematic of his ability to blend Azerbaijani folk traditions with classical composition—a hallmark of his broader contribution to the genre known as symphonic mugham.

The lyrics express deep existential and emotional reflection, touching on themes of love, suffering, oppression, and the longing for justice.

If there were no love, no beloved, no longing…No pain, no remedy, no union, no grief…The light of love in my soul, but darkness in my eyes…What cruelty this existence, no justice?—justice!I have no patience left… justice!

Fikret Amirov (1922–1984) was a celebrated Azerbaijani–Soviet composer, renowned as the creator of the symphonic mugham, a genre that artfully melds traditional Azerbaijani folk melodies with Western symphonic structures. Amirov is best known for developing symphonic mugham, bridging mugham (Azerbaijani modal folk music) with classical forms.