The Music of Uzbekistan

Thirty years ago, when it was decided to expand musical horizons by listening extensively to jazz, classical and world music and less so to "rock," or whatever seemed to fall within that increasingly irrelevant term, it was the exposure to music from all parts of the world that easily became the most exciting element.  Much of what has been collected over those three decades is broadly given the designation of "folk music," as distinct from "classical music," and which generally seems to mean performances outside of concert halls and other venues and more likely to be found at community events, like ceremonies, festivals, weddings and other gatherings, or at work, play and elsewhere in daily life.  In much of the world, that's how many people experience music and that is often the most fascinating to hear given how "professionalized" music is in most of the "West."

Ask 100 people to point out Uzbekistan on the map and it seems certain that all but perhaps a very few would have no idea.  Yet, this Central Asian country, a part of the Soviet Union until the early 90s and north of Iran and Afghanistan, has an amazing history, much of it tied to its central location on the fabled Silk Road, the ancient trade route between the Middle East and China (a previous post here, in fact, was of a two-disc recording of music from points along the Silk Road) and the control of this area by many empires and states.  What is heard on The Music of Uzbekistan, re-released in 2002 by ARC Music, are fourteen pieces reflecting native styles but heavily influenced by the instrumentation and music of other places on that trade route or from controlling empires.  Persians, Turks and Chinese, in particular, left their stamp on the region, both in the "folk" and "classical" music senses with instruments like the ney, chang, tanbut, and surnai, among others being introduced from outside sources, yet stamped with the Uzbek manner of composing and playing.  Recorded in 1970, during the Soviet era, by Deben Bhattacharya, a remarkable figure from Benares, India, who developed a great expertise in ethnic music, poetry and dance, this album is a fascinating window into an ancient culture and its stunning music.