Music Of Kazakhstan - From Classic To Contemporary
It will not be unfair to say that we are starting this from the point we left you with in our last article. In previous article we explored a bit of music of Uzbekistan. We will continue with music. This time we will explore a bit about music of another Central Asian country, Kazakhstan. As true for all Central Asian countries, for Kazakhstan also music has been an integral part of Kazakhstan's culture for centuries. As any other part of the world Kazakhstan also plays between traditional folk music and current influence of western music. So what is special or unique about Kazakh music? Before talking about this it is important to note that Kazakhstan takes lot of pride in its music. So let us see some colour of Kazakh music.
Creativity in Kazakh people, impetuous musical and poetical improvisation and involvement of all population, from infants to elderly people, in musical creation has been observed since 18-19th century by foreigners. And as far as history of music is concerned it is said that once upon a time Kazakh nomads sang divine song while soaring high in the sky. People of all age group and sex were said to have a particular type of music with their own set of musical instrument. So what is the instrument of Kazakhstan? Because with instrument best music is created so musical instrument cannot be separated from the topic here. So talking about musical instrument of Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan music is focused around its national instrument, the dombra. A Dombra is a 2-string long-necked lute-type instrument with 7 to 9 frets. The tear shaped instrument is played with either one, two, or five fingers. One of the greatest dombra players was the Kazakh folk musician and composer Kurmangazy, who had a great influence on the development of Kazakh musical culture, including music for the dombra, his musical composition "Adai" is popular in Kazakhstan and abroad. The other instrument playing an important role is the Qobyz, which is a bowed instrument held between the legs. It is made of carved wood for the body, animal skin for the resonator, and horse hair for the strings, and the bow. Zhetygen, a seven-stringed plucking instrument was yet another musical instrument of early time in Kazakhstan.
Talking about traditional vocal music in Kazakhstan it has allot to do with being a part of ceremony such as wedding or as a part of feast. Some songs talked about the facts of past, while some other were love songs. Then there was Russian influence on Kazakh music as well. Russian had influence on Kazakh music because they introduced musical academies here such as Concert houses with Opera stages, so they played and taught European music in these academies. They also incorporated Kazakh music in these academies. So somewhere Kazakh music got connected with ethnic Russian and European music. The Kazakhs themselves, however, did not write their own music in notation until 1931. Later, as part of the Soviet Union, Kazakh folk culture was encouraged in a sanitized manner designed to avoid political and social unrest.
Where does Kazakh music stand today? Today Kazakhstan has quite a vibrant music culture. Along with traditional music in which dombra still plays a part, Kazakhstan has incorporated other genres like classical music, rock and pop. Kazakh artist gain quite an influence from artists in Asia, Russia and US. So it is not surprising to see someone playing dombra and listening Lady Gaga. Despite the heavy influence of western music styles, traditional music is not all lost but yes it is rediscovering itself in Kazakhstan. Young musicians try to mix the traditional music with western music thus calling it 'ethnic contemporary classics'.
This article cannot be complete without mentioning some names of music artists who contributed towards music in Kazakhstan. Abiken Khassenov, Akhmet Zhubanov, Dina Nurpeissova, Kenen Azerbayev, Kurmangazy are only some names in the history of Kazakhstan who contributed a great deal in Kazakh music at different point of time. And yes detailing about these artists demand a full-fledged article which we may see later at some point. For now we leave you with this much about music in Kazakhstan. If you are music lover you must listen to Kazakh music after reading this article.
Also Read: 5 Most Popular Sports in KazakhstanRecent Blog
24 Jun
Travel 
Admin Coments (8)
11 Best Uzbekistan Cities to Visit on Your Next Holiday
Uzbekistan is a hidden gem of Central Asia. This emerging tourist destination is home to stunning ar...
Read More
24 Jun
Travel Admin Coments (8)
22 Top Places to Visit in Central Asia
Central Asia consists of stans mainly These countries are Kazakhstan Uzbekistan Kyrgyzstan Turkmenis...
Read More
24 Jun
Travel Admin Coments (8)
10 Traditional Uzbekistan Food & Cuisine You Must Try
Uzbekistan may be synonymous with awe-inspiring Islamic architecture, wealthy history, or natural be...
Read More
24 Jun
Travel Admin Coments (8)
10 Georgian Food & Cuisine You Must Try Once in a Lifetime
If you are in Georgia or traveling to this country, you don’t have to think about food because you w...
Read More
22 Jun
Travel Admin Coments (8)
15 Best Cities in Georgia to Visit
Georgia is a land of stunning landscapes, welcoming culture, incredible mountain ranges, vibrant cit...
Read More
18 Jun
Travel Admin Coments (8)
10 Traditional Kazakhstan Food & Dishes to Try
Kazakhstan’s cultural richness, vast deserts, geographical diversity, stunning attractions, and awe-...
Read More
17 Jun
Travel Admin Coments (8)
35 Best Countries to Visit in Europe
Loaded with pretty places, lovely landscapes, impressive historical sights, cultural landmarks, and...
Read More
17 Jun
Travel Admin Coments (8)
10 Best Cities in Kazakhstan to Visit
Kazakhstan, the ninth-largest country, covers vast areas of treasures that are yet to be discovered....
Read More
16 Jun
Travel Admin Coments (8)
Shopping in Georgia Tbilisi - 10 Best Shopping Centres & Malls
Georgia is a place of wonders, and nothing can deny the fact that there are so many things to enjoy....
Read More
15 Jun
Travel Admin Coments (8)
15 Traditional Russian Food & Cuisine to Try
Food is the gist of every vacation. No trip can be fully enjoyed without trying the delicious cuisin...
Read More
15 Jun
Travel Admin Coments (8)
10 Best Game Reserves in South Africa
There isn't much that South Africa can't provide visitors with The Kruger's private reserves offer t...
Read More
15 Jun
Travel Admin Coments (8)
Best Time to Visit Kyrgyzstan for the Ultimate Adventure
Kyrgyzstan is an unmatched destination that you must visit. Before heading here, you should check ou...
Read More
12 Jun
Travel Admin Coments (8)
Shopping in Almaty & Kazakhstan - Top 10 Malls & Places
Every vacation’s last goal is to shop for something to take back home. No matter where you are trave...
Read More
09 Jun
Travel Admin Coments (8)
28 Best Things to Do in Baku Azerbaijan
Baku is the capital city of Azerbaijan This beautiful city is located on the shores of the Caspian.....
Read More
09 Jun
Travel Admin Coments (8)
10 Popular Beaches in Batumi that You Must Visit
Batumi, the Georgian capital, is a place of many things. It is a leading holiday destination in Geor...
Read More
06 Jun
Travel Admin Coments (8)
15 Kyrgyzstan Food & Cuisine You Can't Miss
Kyrgyzstan is a place of wonders, and its cuisines are one of them. Kyrgyzstan is known for its noma...
Read More
05 Jun
Travel Admin Coments (8)
10 Best Restaurants in Almaty & Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has always captivated tourists with its spectacular landscapes, surreal attractions, swar...
Read More
05 Jun
Travel Admin Coments (8)
Shopping in Dubai - Top Dubai Shopping Malls & Centres
Dubai is known for many things, and shopping is the most prominent among them all. Shopaholics can e...
Read More
03 Jun
Travel Admin Coments (8)
10 Prominent Places for Shopping in Russia that You Shouldn’t Miss
Russia has so much in its bucket for travelers. And unique shopping experience is no exception to th...
Read More
01 Jun
Travel Admin Coments (8)
10 Best Places for Shopping in Turkey You Must Visit!
No matter where you are heading for a vacation, bringing gifts home is a loving practice. Your famil...
Read More
30 May
Travel Admin Coments (8)
Shopping in Armenia: All the Unique Things You Can't Miss in Yerevan
No trip is complete without shopping You want to bring something back with you from your trip that.....
Read More
30 May
Travel Admin Coments (8)
20 Best Places to Visit in Africa
One of the most captivating places on earth is the African continent It's no doubt difficult to sele...
Read More
30 May
Travel Admin Coments (8)
Shopping in Uzbekistan: A Heartfelt Experience for Travelers
Uzbekistan is a country rich in cultural scenes, Silk Road history, stunning architecture, and vibra...
Read More
30 May
Travel Admin Coments (8)
Best Time to Visit Egypt: Everything You Should Know!
Egypt is an iconic tourist destination that offers an unmatched mix of ancient wonders, rich culture...
Read More
29 May
Travel Admin Coments (8)
Trekking in Sapa: What You Need to Know
Sapa, a town in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains, is one of the most famous trekking destinations in the...
Read More
29 May
Travel Admin Coments (8)
Azerbaijan Food: Top 10 Cuisine You Have to Try
Everything about Azerbaijan is extraordinary, including its culinary heritage. Azerbaijan cuisine se...
Read More
23 May
Travel Admin Coments (8)
Bali Food & Cuisine: Discover the Essence of Balinese Taste
Besides the beaches and rice terraces, Bali has a mouthwatering culinary heritage. Bali food scenes...
Read More
21 May
Travel Admin Coments (8)
Best Cities in Greece to Visit for Stunning Coastal Views
Greece, the dreamy wonderland, is among the most beautiful destinations to visit in the world. Every...
Read More
21 May
Travel Admin Coments (8)
15 Best Cities to Visit in Russia
Russia, the grandest country on the map, has many elegant and beautiful cities radiating with vibran...
Read MoreBook With Confidence
Hassle-free booking and best price guaranteed
24/7 support available
Hand-picked tours & activities
Free travel insurance
sales@dooktravels.com
+918368513675