Discover Kyrgyzstan’s Folk Music Scene

Discover Kyrgyzstan’s burgeoning folk music scene with Sounds of Central Asia. From the throat singing of the Tuvan people to the traditional melodies of the Kazakh people, get acquainted with the musical traditions of this region.

Kyrgyzstan’s folk music scene

Kyrgyzstan’s folk music scene is thriving, with many young people taking up traditional instruments and forming bands. The music is a mix of the old and the new, with traditional songs being performed on modern instruments. Kyrgyzstan’s folk music scene is a great place to experience the country’s rich culture.

Traditional folk music

Kyrgyzstan’s music scene is distinguished by the country’s wide range of ethnic groups and its strong traditions of oral poetry and instrumentation. Kyrgyz folk music often features accompanied recitative-style singing, with lyrics that tell stories or express emotions. The most common instruments used in Kyrgyz folk music are the komuz (a three-stringed lute), the shoor (a hornpipe), and the sygyt (a type of overtone singing).

Contemporary folk music

Kyrgyzstan’s folk music scene is vibrant and thriving, with a number of contemporary artists keeping the traditions alive. The music is an important part of the country’s cultural heritage, and is enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.

There are a number of different genres of Kyrgyz folk music, ranging from traditional songs passed down through the generations to more modern, contemporary styles. Many of the artists performing today are committed to keeping the music alive, and there are a number of folk music festivals held throughout the year.

If you’re interested in discovering Kyrgyzstan’s folk music scene, there are a number of ways to do so. You can attend one of the many folk music festivals held throughout the year, or visit one of the country’s many musical venues. You can also purchase Kyrgyz folk music CDs from a number of different outlets.

The instruments of Kyrgyzstan’s folk music

Kyrgyzstan’s folk music is rich and varied, with many different instruments being used. The most common instrument is the komuz, which is a three-stringed instrument. Other instruments include the dombra, a two-stringed instrument, and various percussion instruments.

The komuz

The komuz (qomuz, комуз) is a three-stringed fretless miracle played with two hands in an open tuning. It is possibly Central Asia’s oldest instrument, with a history going back to at least the 3rd century BC. The komuz usually has a round body and two handles on the neck, one for each hand. The lower string is thickest and is gently plucked with the left hand, while the thinner upper strings are played with the right hand. The komuz has a high, clear sound and can be used for both solo and accompaniment purposes.

The folk music of Kyrgyzstan makes use of a wide variety of instruments, many of which are unique to the region. The komuz is one of the most important and iconic instruments, and it features prominently in Kyrgyz folk music.

The kyl kiak

The kyl kiak is a Kyrgyz folk instrument that resembles a large wooden spoon. It is sometimes carried by a musician as they walk or ride through the countryside, singing traditional songs. The kyl kiak is used to keep time, and occasionally as a percussion instrument.

The shoor

The shoor is a type of wind instrument that is commonly used in Kyrgyz folk music. It is made from an animal horn and has a wooden mouthpiece. The shoor produces a high-pitched, piercing sound that can be heard over long distances.

The shoor is typically played by shepherds while they are tending to their flock. It is also often used during weddings and other festive occasions.

The performers of Kyrgyzstan’s folk music

Kyrgyzstan’s folk music is rich and varied, with performers drawing on the music of Central Asia, the Caucasus, Russia, and China. The music of Kyrgyzstan has been shaped by the country’s geography and history, and the music of the Kyrgyz people is an important part of the country’s cultural heritage.

Asanali Ashimov

Asanali Ashimov is a well-known Kyrgyz folk music performer. He is from the village of Kochkor in the Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan. Ashimov is known for his beautiful voice and his ability to play a variety of traditional Kyrgyz instruments, including the komuz, dombra, and sybyzgy.

Ashimov has released several albums of traditional Kyrgyz folk music, and he has toured extensively throughout Kyrgyzstan, as well as in Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other countries. He has won numerous awards for his music, including the title of “People’s Artist of Kyrgyzstan” in 2004.

If you’re interested in learning more about Asanali Ashimov and Kyrgyzstan’s rich tradition of folk music, be sure to check out his website or one of his many albums.

Nurdush Omorova

Nurdush Omorova is one of the most famous performers of Kyrgyzstan’s folk music. She is known for her beautiful voice and her ability to bring the traditional music of her country to life.

Omorova was born in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, and began studying music at a young age. She studied at the Kyrgyz National Conservatory, and later went on to study at the Moscow Institute of Culture. After graduating, she returned to Kyrgyzstan and began working as a professional musician.

Omorova has released several albums of traditional Kyrgyz folk music, and has toured internationally. She is one of the most popular musicians in Kyrgyzstan, and is beloved by fans of folk music around the world.

Bayramali Nurmatov

Bayramali Nurmatov is a well-known performer of Kyrgyz folk music. He was born in 1950 in the village of Kochkor, in the Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan. Bayramali comes from a long line of musicians, and his father was a well-known singer and composer. Bayramali began playing the komuz (a three-stringed instrument) at a young age, and later learned to play the dombra (a two-stringed instrument). He has been performing for more than 40 years, and has toured extensively throughout Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia.

Bayramali is a master of improvisation, and is known for his ability to create new melodies on the spot. He often performs with his son Ulan (also a talented musician), and together they have released several albums of folk music.

The popularity of Kyrgyzstan’s folk music

Kyrgyzstan’s folk music has been gaining popularity in recent years, both within the country and internationally. The music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments and unique vocal styles. Kyrgyzstan’s folk music scene has something for everyone, from traditional music lovers to those looking for something a little more modern.

Kyrgyzstan’s folk music in the media

Kyrgyzstan’s folk music has been gaining in popularity in recent years, due in part to the country’s rich musical heritage and the increasing availability of Kyrgyz music in the media. Kyrgyzstan’s folk music scene is vibrant and growing, with a number of traditional and contemporary folk bands making their mark on the music world.

One of the most popular Kyrgyz folk bands is Alykul Osmonov and his group, Alykul. Alykul’s music is a mix of traditional Kyrgyz folk songs and modern pop and rock influences. The band has released two albums, “Sazlyk” (2004) and “Sary Tash” (2006), which have been well-received by both fans and critics.

Another popular Kyrgyz folk band is Oybek Narzikulov and his group, Nasa. Nasa’s music is also a mix of traditional Kyrgyz folk songs and modern pop and rock influences. The band has released two albums, “Nasa” (2008) and “Bishkek” (2009), which have been well-received by both fans and critics.

With its rich musical heritage and increasing popularity in the media, Kyrgyzstan’s folk music scene is sure to continue to grow in popularity in the years to come.

Kyrgyzstan’s folk music in popular culture

Kyrgyzstan’s folk music has been gaining popularity in recent years, both inside the country and internationally. A new wave of Kyrgyz musicians are bringing the traditional sounds of the country to a whole new audience, while established artists are finding new ways to incorporate folk music into their work.

Kyrgyzstan’s folk music scene is flourishing, with a number of traditional and contemporary performers gaining recognition both at home and abroad. Here are some of the most popular Kyrgyzstani folk musicians:

Azamat Sydykov is one of the most well-known Kyrgyzstani folk musicians, with a large following both inside Kyrgyzstan and beyond. His music combines traditional Kyrgyz instrumentation and melodies with modern elements, resulting in a unique and captivating sound.

Syrtash is a traditional Kyrgyz folk music group that has been performing for over two decades. The group’s music is based on the sounds of the syrtash, a traditional Kyrgyz string instrument. Syrtash’s music is highly respected within Kyrgyzstan, and the group has toured internationally on several occasions.

Manas M labels themselves as “the first and only progressive rock band from Kyrgyzstan”. The band takes influence from a wide range of musical genres, including classical, jazz, metal, and even traditional Kyrgz folk music. Manas M’s unique sound has earned them a large following in Kyrgyzstan and beyond.

Kyrgystan’s rich musical tradition is being kept alive by a new generation of performers who are breathing new life into the country’s folk music scene. Whether you’re looking for traditional sounds or something more modern, there’s sure to be a Kyrgzstani folk musician that you’ll love.