Recent Publication Unveils Tales and Musical Works of Neglected Kazakh Composer Engaged in World War II Battles
Rewritten Article:
War's Echoes in Melody: Rediscovering Composer Turash Abuov
Embark on a journey to uncover the lost melodies of Turash Abuov, one of Kazakhstan's unsung musical heroes who fought valiantly in World War II. His music, a unique blend of war's darkness and bravery's resilience, has finally been thrust into the limelight, thanks to a groundbreaking book authored by Abdulkhamit Raimbergenov and Erbolat Alimkul. In this captivating interview with The Astana Times, the duo reveal the inspiring story behind their extensive work.
Meet Abdulkhamit Raimbergenov, a talented dombra player and researcher, who dedicates his time to unraveling the intricate life of Abuov. Their extraordinary friendship began in 1983 during an expedition in Zhambyl Region when Abdulkhamit was searching for a kuishi (composer). The encounter with Abuov, a man brimming with an almost military-like presence, marked a pivotal point in both lives.
"Over lunch, in a quaint little restaurant, I stumbled upon Turash – a man eager to share his artistic gifts. We eagerly yanked out our tape recorder and raced off to his humble abode to hear his musical masterpieces," recalls Raimbergenov, capturing the essence of their first fateful meeting.
Abuov's distinctive style, a seamless fusion of traditional kuis woven together with songs and poetry, evidently left an indelible impression upon Raimbergenov. The encounter ignited a decade-long endeavor culminating in a comprehensive biography of Abuov.
Partnered with Erbolat Alimkul, a dedicated dombra player from the same Zhambyl region, Raimbergenov's rediscovery of Abuov has finally come to fruition. Their joint work, "Maidanger Kuishi" (Front-line Musician), sheds light on the long-neglected composer, drawing on an extensive study of regional archives to piece together a riveting account of Abuov's life.
Alimkul, captivated by the shared bond of being from the same hometown, began researching Abuov for his conservatory thesis. Inspired by the moving "Arnau" (Tribute) kui, he later found himself digging deeper into the rich tapestry of Abuov's life and music.
"As kids, we grew up hearing the somber 'Arnau' kui – a poignant tribute to fallen soldiers. I had no idea that the song was penned by our fellow villager," said Alimkul.
A haunting memory that would remain with him for the rest of his life, the story behind "Arnau" serves as a testament to the profound impact that Abuov's war-themed compositions hold. These compositions, far more than mere reflections of war, offer an intensely personal and vivid portrayal of the Kazakh soldiers who fought so valiantly.
Alimkul attributes the moving qualities of Abuov's creations to the composer's profound connection to the war, being a veteran himself.
"Among the powerful Kazakh kuis, those birthed during the Great Patriotic War stand out as particularly striking. In Turash Abuov's works, the war-themed kuis resonate the most – a reflection of the profound emotional turmoil that the composer experienced," added Alimkul.
"Maidanger Kuishi" (Front-line Musician) offers readers a richly illustrated journey into the life of Turash Abuov, featuring captivating narratives, memoirs, letters, and handwritten notes. The book provides a deep dive into the lives of other significant historical figures, including Manshuk Mametova (a Hero of the Soviet Union) and Ibraim Suleimenov (a renowned Kazakh sniper), who were fellow soldiers with Abuov.
Beyond documenting historical accounts, the book also shares the kuis composed for Abuov's closest friends, as well as those written after the war. This eclectic collection offers a captivating look into the trials and triumphs of a man who dedicated his life to honoring the memory of those lost in war.
Struck by illness, Abuov was advised by his doctor to return to his homeland for healing. Deeply moved by the doctor's words, Abuov returned home and poured his heart and soul into his music, giving life to the renowned "Serpin" kui.
Unlike traditionally structured kuis, Abuov's compositions flow with an almost improvisational quality, mirroring the unrestricted manner in which he lived and performed. His unique musical style, influenced by the traditions of Karatau, Arka, and Zhetisu regions, radiates with a profound sense of freedom.
Absent of formal training in a specific kui school, Abuov emerged as a self-taught musician – a naturally gifted kuishi with a boundless spirit and a contagious passion for life. The legacy of Turash Abuov serves as a testament to the transformative power of music, shine a light on a hidden corner of music history and inspire musicians across generations to find their own voice.
- Abdulkhamit Raimbergenov, a composer researcher known for playing the dombra, met Turash Abuov, a prominent Kazakh composer, in 1983 during an expedition.
- Working alongside Erbolat Alimkul, Raimbergenov produced a book titled "Maidanger Kuishi" (Front-line Musician), focusing on Abuov's life and works, highlighting his distinctive style that blends traditional kuis with songs and poetry.
- Alimkul, another dombra player from the same region as Abuov, was inspired by the poignant "Arnau" kui, leading him to delve deeper into Abuov's life and music, as well as the lives of other historical figures such as Manshuk Mametova and Ibraim Suleimenov.
- "Maidanger Kuishi" not only provides an in-depth look at Abuov's life but also includes captivating narratives, memoirs, letters, and handwritten notes, offering a rich exploration into the history of Kazakhstan's music and the lives of its cultural heroes.
