Music of Uzbekistan

Themusic ofUzbekistanhas reflected the diverse influences that have shaped the country. It is very similar to the music of theMiddle Eastand is characterized by complicatedrhythmsandmeters.Because of the long history of music in the country and the large variety of music styles andmusical instruments,Uzbekistan is often regarded as one of the most musically diverse countries inCentral Asia.

Classical music of Uzbekistan

The music of what is now Uzbekistan has a very long and rich history.Shashmaqam,a Central Asian classical music style, is believed to have arisen in the cities ofBukharaandSamarqandin the late 16th century.The term "shashmaqam" translates assix maqamsand refers to the structure of music with six sections in differentmusical modes,similar to classicalPersian traditional music.Interludes of spokenSufi poetryinterrupt the music, typically beginning at a lowregisterand gradually ascending to a climax before calming back down to the beginning tone.

AfterTurkestanbecame part of theRussian Empirein the 19th century, first attempts were taken to record national melodies of Turkestan. Russian musicians helped preserve these melodies by introducingmusical notationin the region.

In the 1950s, Uzbek folk music became less popular, and the genre was barred from radio stations by theSoviets.They did not completely dispel the music. Although banned, folk musical groups continued to play their music in their own ways and spread it individually.AfterUzbekistangained independence from theUSSRin the early 1990s, public interest revived in traditional Uzbek music. Nowadays Uzbek television and radio stations regularly play traditional music.

The people's Artist of UzbekistanTurgun Alimatovis an Uzbek classical and folklore composer, andtanbur,dutar,andsatoplayer. His compositions include "Segah", "Chorgoh", "Buzruk", "Navo", and "Tanovar". His image is associated with national pride and has been presented as the symbol of Uzbek classical music to the world.

Another well-known Uzbek composer is Muhammadjon Mirzayev. His most famous compositions include "Bahor valsi" ( "The Spring Waltz" ) and "Sarvinoz". "Bahor valsi" is played on Uzbek television and radio channels every spring.

Sherali Joʻrayevwas a singer of traditional Uzbek music. However, he fell out of favour with theUzbek government,who banned his performances on Uzbek TV as well as his public performances beginning in 2002.He still performed at Uzbek wedding parties and in other countries to popular acclaim.

In recent years, singers such asYulduz UsmonovaandSevara Nazarkhanhave brought Uzbek music to global audiences by mi xing traditional melodies with modern rhythms and instrumentation.In the late 2000s, Ozodbek Nazarbekov mixed contemporary music with elements of traditional Uzbek music.

Western Classical music in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has also produced many notable composers and performers in theEuropean classical art musicidiom, and is home to notablesymphony orchestras,festivals,and contemporary music ensembles.The State Conservatory of Uzbekistan, based inTashkentand founded in 1936, is the nation's leading higher education institution for the professional training of musicians.

Contemporary music of Uzbekistan

Many forms of popular music, includingfolk music,pop,androck music,have particularly flourished in Uzbekistan since the early 1990s. Uzbek pop music is well developed, and enjoys mainstream success via pop music media and variousradio stations.

Many Uzbek singers such asSevara Nazarkhan,Sogdiana Fedorinskaya,andRayhon Ganievahave achieved commercial success not only in Uzbekistan but also in otherCIScountries such asKazakhstan,Russia,andTajikistan.

Rock

All Tomorrow's Parties performing live at IlkhomRockFest, June 22, 2013

Currentlyrock musicenjoys less popularity thanpop musicin Uzbekistan.

An Uzbekistanimetalband who has some degree of recognition is Night Wind, afolk metalgroup. Other Uzbekistani metal groups include Iced Warm, Salupa, Zindan, and Agoniya (‹See Tfd›Russian:Агония).

Rap

Rap musichas become popular among Uzbek youth. Rappers such asShoxruxbecame very popular among young people in the 2000s. However, the Uzbek government censors rap music. It has set up a special body to censor rap music because it believes this type of music does not fit the Uzbek musical culture.

Musicians

• Ari Babakhanov
• Lola Astanova

Artists and bands

Uzbek artists

Lola Yoʻldosheva

• Alisher Uzoqov
• Botir Zokirov
• Eson Kandov
• Daler Xonzoda
• Feruza Jumaniyozova

Rayhon Gʻaniyeva

• Lola Yoʻldosheva
• Rayhon
• Sevara Nazarkhan

Uzbek bands

• Bolalar
• Dado
• HAVAS guruhi
• Yalla

Composers in the western classical tradition

• Dilorom Saidaminova
• Dmitri Yanov-Yanovsky
• Felix Yanov-Yanovsky
• Mirsodiq Tojiyev
• Mutavakkil Burhonov
• Polina Medyulyanova

Instruments

Soviet postage stamp depicting musical instruments of Uzbekistan

Manymusical instrumentsare played in Uzbekistan. Traditional instruments include:

String

Gydzhak or Gʻijjak spike fiddles inRussian Turkestan

• Dutor(long-neckedfrettedlute)
• Rubob(long-necked fretted lute)
• Tanbur(long-necked fretted lute)
• Tor(long-necked fretted lute)
• Ud(long-necked fretted lute)
• Gʻijjak(spike fiddle)
• Chang(struck zither)

Wind

• Dili tuiduk
• Karnay(long trumpet)
• Nay(side-blown flute)
• Qoʻshnay(clarinetlike instrument made from reed)
• Surnay(loud oboe)

Percussion

Zang, bracelet of bells from Uzbekistan

• Doira(frame drum)
• Dovul(drum)
• Nogʻora(pot-shaped drum covered with leather on the top)
• Qoshiq (spoons)
• Zang(bracelets)

External links

• Uzbek Modern Music,Website dedicated to modern popular Uzbek music
• Uzbek Classical Music,Website dedicated to traditional Uzbek music
• History of Uzbek music,Oriental Express
• Uzbek Musicby Mark Dickens, Oxus Communications
• Uzbek musical instruments,the Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan
• Listen to the sounds of Uzbek musical instruments,Tours of Uzbekistan
• Eurasian music science journal,scientific journal of music research founded by The state conservatory of Uzbekistan