translation of a famous quotation

I'm back from a trip to Italy. Must say, I will miss the cappuccinos! And the warm weather, and the free wifi, and the gluten-free meals (in the land of pasta!), and of course the lovely local wine.

But, the real reason for writing this post is to translate the quotation above from the famous Azerbaijani entrepreneur and philanthropist. 

Earn money, but don't lose your honor. Money comes and goes - but not honor.

Again, all advice is most welcome!

Bayramınız mübarək!

Finally it is Novruz and I have some time to relax, see friends, cook, and of course - play mugham. At the moment I am reviewing Orta Mahur. My teacher says that I still don't have it completely memorized. I keep forgetting bits of Şikəsteyi fars and Mübərriqə. Here are the first three parts: Bardaşt, hüseyni and orta mahur. Some bum notes but overall not bad I hope. I am going to try to record bit by bit all the mughams that I can play so far. Advice from native lovers of mugham is welcome!

I will start Şur next. I think it is very difficult!

More practice

Back to Mahur Hindi. It's been ages since I played it. Wow, it took a lot of practice to bring it all back. And I'm still not completely there yet. Still, it is really a fun mugham to play. Here is a recording of the first two parts - Bardaşt and Maye.

Mahur Hindi - Badaşt və Maye

Muğam

I have been reviewing the mughams that I have learned so far. I decided today to try to record a bit of mugham (without actually having my face online!) This is my first attempt - the first cümlə of Zil Bayati Şiraz. If followers find this interesting I'll record some more.



This video was recorded on my old Q2 Zoom recorder, which I use for all of my kamancha and singing lessons. It is a real boon to musicians who learn music by ear. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my new Q4 Zoom Video Recorder... 

Idiomatic expression

This is a funny thing to say. Popular with older people. It literally means - We didn't die but we have seen this day! When something surprising happens that you didn't expect - good or bad - you can say this. Ölmədik, du günü də gördük!

But, how to express this in English?

Sənin bürcün nə dir?

I had a conversation about birthdays today. Azerbaijanis are fond of astrology, so they always want to know your sign. Here is some vocab for all things astrological...

Qoç bürcü

Buğa bürcü

Əkizlər bürcü

Xərçəng bürcü

Şir bürcü

Qız bürcü

Tərəzi bürcü

Əqrəb bürcü

Oxatan bürcü

Oğlaq bürcü

Dolça bürcü

Balıq bürcü

Dilkəş

I'm making my first attempt to learn a teeny-tiny bit of mugham - not on the kamancha! - but sung!

Very interesting. Here are the words, but do I understand it?

Sung between the first and second stanzas of "Gözlərimin işığı".

Mən səni indi də, görəndə inan,
Gözümdə yaş donur, bədənimdə qan.
Könlümü vermişdim sənə bir zaman
Könüldən qiymətli de? Nə verəydim.

Now I see you and I believe,
A tear in my eye, my blood freezes.
Once I gave you my heart
Tell me at what cost? I gave it.


Well, that is a dog's breakfast at the moment. Someone help me makes sense of this!