The statue of one of the most influential representatives of European classical music, brilliant Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has been unveiled in the center of Baku.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Federal President of the Republic of Austria Heinz Fischer have attended the ceremony.
It was indicated that the authors of the statue are the people’s artist and sculptor, Natig Aliyev, and the merited art figure, artist and architect, Chingiz Farzaliyev. The area around the statue has been landscaped, a park established on an area of 2,300 square meters and good conditions created for people’s recreation.
The President of Azerbaijan met and had a conversation with renowned art figures of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Federal President of the Republic of Austria Heinz Fischer unveiled the statue and laid flowers at it.
Addressing the ceremony, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said:
- Dear Mr. President!
Dear friends, distinguished guests!
Let me cordially salute you. It is a wonderful and memorable day in the history of Austrian-Azerbaijani relations. The President of Austria is visiting Azerbaijan for the first time in the history of our relations. This, of course, is an event that holds a special place in the history of our relations. This day will be unforgettable also because we have unveiled a statue of a world-famous musician, brilliant Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. A statue of brilliant Mozart has been established in the heart of our city, in this beautiful park. Let me heartily congratulate you on this wonderful event.
The immortal works of Mozart are alive today and will live forever. It is hardly possible to put his talent into words. But I think that even those unversed in the art of music and those far from it like Mozart’s works. It is impossible otherwise. The Austrians are a happy people because they have such a genius as Mozart. People in Azerbaijan, where the art of music is deeply rooted, love Mozart very much.
The opening of this statue today is also a symbol of Austrian-Azerbaijani friendship. Only friendly countries erect monuments to eminent persons of another country. We are very pleased that a statue of genius Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibayli was opened in Vienna some time ago. These steps have a great meaning. This is an initiative that unites our two countries and peoples. Uzeyir Hajibayli is the author of the national anthem of Azerbaijan. At the same time, he is the begetter of Azerbaijani classical music. I am very pleased that his work has been staged in Vienna.
The unveiling of a statue of brilliant Mozart in Baku is a tribute of the Azerbaijani people to the memory of this personality and, at the same time, a very important event for the development of Austrian-Azerbaijani friendship. Mr. President, we have been together since morning, we have done a lot and held talks. We have come here from the Austrian-Azerbaijani business forum. Our relations in the political and economic spheres are developing very rapidly and with great success. But, of course, our cultural ties contribute immensely to our cooperation.
I think that this park, as a small part of Austria, will also be appreciated by residents of Baku. The Austrian Embassy is already in operation in Azerbaijan. I think this is a second Austrian address being created in Baku. As you know, the decision to set up a statue of Mozart in Baku was made a short while ago. We looked forward to unveiling this statue together with you.
Once again, let me congratulate you and everyone present on this wonderful event. Thank you.
Addressing the ceremony, Austrian President Heinz Fischer said:
- Distinguished Mr. President!
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen!
First of all, let me thank Mr. President for the kind words said in a spirit of friendship. We are delighted to be gathered in front of such a well-known audience, to conduct an exchange of views on my visit and on the meetings held and to hear such pleasant words about Austria.
Of course, during such official visits, especially when delegations from friendly countries arrive for a state visit, the topics of political and economic content are at the forefront. But I am very pleased that a separate topic concerns culture. A statue of such a famous personality as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has been established in the center of Baku. You said quite rightly that Mozart is a personality respected around the world. The Austrians are particularly proud of him. I can even say that we become emotional when it comes to Mozart. Some time ago we celebrated Mozart's 250th birthday anniversary, and did that for a whole year. I do not know of any other person whose birthday would be celebrated so tumultuously, in a multilateral format and at different levels. Mozart is a genius. His works are not just music. For example, one can feel modernity in his operas. The works of Mozart, in a sense, are permeated with progress, freedom, liberal thinking, I would even say human rights. Perhaps it is thanks to these factors that this beautiful statue of Mozart has been set up in this wonderful place, on such a nice square.
I want to thank the authors of this statue and all those who have contributed to this project. You very rightly pointed out that a statue of the author of your national anthem, brilliant composer Uzeyir Hajibayli was erected in Vienna some time ago. And now, a statue of genius musician Mozart, who has done a lot for Austria, has been established in Baku.
Mr. President, I want to assure you that I will remember this day forever. Do you know why? Because this statue is unveiled several days before the 20th anniversary of your country’s independence. If I ever confuse the dates or forget when this event occurred, then I will remember that it happened just a few days before the 20th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s state independence. This is how I will remember this day.
Mr. President, not only have you selected a nice place, you have also chosen an ideal date. It is great that these two events overlap in time. Thank you.
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Art figures had their picture taken with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Federal President of the Republic of Austria Heinz Fischer.
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The Presidents then listened to a composition by brilliant Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibayli “Arazbari”.
