Discover the Beauty of Tatar Folk Music

Discover the Beauty of Tatar Folk Music. Explore the history, culture and traditions behind Tatar folk music and find out why it is so special.

What is Tatar Folk Music?

Tatar folk music is the music of the Tatar people, who are Turkic people living in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and other countries. The music is often percussive and uses a variety of instruments, including the dombura (a two-stringed lute), the kubyz (a type of fiddle), and the sybyzgy (a type of clarinet). Tatar folk music has influences from Central Asian, Turkish, and Russian music.

The Origins of Tatar Folk Music

The origins of Tatar folk music can be traced back to the 13th century, when the Tatars settled in what is now Russia. Tatars are a Turkic people, and their music reflects both Turkic and Persian influences. In the centuries since the Tatars arrived in Russia, their music has been influenced by Russian folk music as well.

Tatar folk music is known for its use of tremolo, a technique in which the performer rapidly shakes their fingers over the strings of their instrument to create a vibrato effect. This technique is used on a variety of Tatar instruments, including the kessa (a type of lute), the shashmaqom (a stringed instrument similar to a guitar), and the dombura (a type of drum).

Tatar folk music often tells stories of love, loss, and other personal emotions. The lyrics of Tatar folk songs are often adapted from poems written by well-known Tatar poets such as Gabdulla Tukay and Bulat Okudzhava.

If you’re interested in learning more about Tatar folk music, there are many online resources that can help you get started. The website for the International Council for Traditional Music (ICTM) includes a section on Tatar music, with links to articles, recordings, and other resources.

The Instruments of Tatar Folk Music

The Tatar people have a rich musical tradition that has been passed down through the generations. The music of the Tatars is loud and fast-paced, and it often features a wide variety of instruments. The most common instruments used in Tatar folk music include the dombra (a two-stringed lute), the kubyz (a type of fiddle), and the sybyzgy (a type of flute).

The Characteristics of Tatar Folk Music

Tatar folk music is characterized by its easily recognizable melodies and clear, concise structures. It is often said that Tatar music has a “singing” quality, which is perhaps due to the influence of the region’s vocal traditions. Tatar music is typically quite upbeat, with a wide range of emotions expressed through the various songs.

Tatar folk music has been passed down through the generations largely through oral tradition. Songs are often learned by ear and then passed on to others in the community. In recent years, however, there has been a growing interest in recording and playing Tatar folk music, particularly among younger people. This has led to the development of a number of ensembles and performers dedicated to keeping this important part of Tatar culture alive.

The Influence of Tatar Folk Music

The traditional music of the Tatars of Crimea is closely related to the folk music of the Volga Tatars. Several instruments are common to both groups, including the kubyz, dümbüz, basMynga, çöğür, and naghara. The kubyz is a type of instrument known as a bowed lyre. It has two strings and is played with a bow. The dümbüz is a kind of drum that is often decorated with geometric designs. The basMynga is a three-stringed lute-like instrument that is plucked with the fingers. The çöğür is a type of flute that is made from the bone of a goat or sheep. The naghara is a type of percussion instrument that is played with two sticks.

The music of the Tatars of Crimea has been influenced by the Turkish and Arabic music of the Ottoman Empire, as well as by the music of Russia and Ukraine. Crimean Tatar folk songs often have both Tatar and Russian lyrics. One popular genre of Crimean Tatar folk music is the ashiksong, which describes the emotions of love and longing. Another popular genre is the qosh qalamqe songs, which are sung by women during wedding ceremonies.

One famous Tatar folk musician from Crimea was Qırımçı Nasır (1899-1961). Nasır was born in Crimea but later moved to Turkey, where he became one of the leading figures in Turkish classical music. He composed many instrumental pieces based on Tatar folk melodies, as well as vocal pieces in both Turkish and Tatar languages.