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September 11th Commemorative Piece (YouTube)

New York Times Article

Rahman Assadollahi's name is identical to the garman (accordion) among Azerbaijani's living throughout the world. He is indeed considered to be the King of Accordion Players – a title of which he is well-deserving. Maestro Assadollahi's family's origins are in the famous Azerbaijani city of Ardebil in Iran, the birth place of Sheik Safi-Aldin Ardebili, the founder of the 13th century Sufi sect in Iran. In the 16th century, it was the offspring of the Sheik who founded the mighty Safavid Dynasty in Iran and Caucasus and Caucasus and was frequented by many European dignitaries of the time.

Maestro Assadollahi was born in Tehran in 1951. The garman has been played for over 180 years in the Assadollahi family. His uncle, grandfather and great grandfather were the guardians of this instrument and were responsible for making the garman the Azerbaijani instrument it is today.

Since the age of 7, Maestro Assadollahi has been playing the garman. From 1967-1980, Maestro Assadollahi collaborated on the Azerbaijani Department of Tehran Radio and Television. In 1982, due to the lack of an artistic and democratic atmosphere, he left Iran for Germany and now resides in Hamburg.

Since his arrival in Germany, he has given concerts at Germany universities, cities, and festivals. Outside Germany he has toured in Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Austria, France, Italy, Belgium and other European countries, performing the lyrical, soulful, exciting and passionate music of the Azerbaijani people.

In 1990, by invitation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, he traveled to Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, and gave 25 concerts throughout the country within two weeks. Rahman Muellim (maestro) has been garnered with two of the highest honorary musical achievements: degrees from the Azerbaijan State Music University and Conservatory of Music of Azerbaijan. In 1995, he won the first prize among 160 European accordion players on the Hohner All European Accordion and Harmonica Championship.

Maestro Assadollahi feels his greatest achievement is having the honor of introducing Azerbaijani music to the world through the garman. He states that he owes it to himself to showcase the music and culture of 35 million Azerbaijani's in Iran, 7 million in the Republic of Azerbaijan and millions of Azerbaijani's who live throughout the world.

Maestro Assadollahi is recognized by Azerbaijani music connoisseurs and critics as one of the masters of improvisation. In addition, he is a remarkable composer and is noted for his lyrical interpretation of Azerbaijani romances and dance tunes. Rahman Muellim has released three CDs which represent his artwork in the area of performing arts.