KAZAKHSTAN • THE KOBYZ

The Kazakhs’ folk music is a sublimated representation of their history, of the nomadic way of life and the wide open spaces, a land of horsemanship and fantastic conquests. It expresses the spirit of a people in love with freedom, with an emphasis on improvisation and virtuosity. The viol kobyz is considered by the Kazakhs to be their primary instrument, the one that preceded all the others. Originally used by the shamans as an instrument of divination, the kobyz became part of the classical repertory in the 19th century. Smagul Umbetbaev, reputed to be the greatest kobyzist of our times, and Saian Aqmolda, his disciple, perform the most famous instrumental pieces (kui) and songs from the traditional Kazakh repertoire. A music of sensual tones and enchanting melodies.