Uncovered Tales and Musical Works of Forgotten Kazakh Composer who Battled World War II Unveiled in Fresh Publication
Rewritten Article:
Let's dive into the captivating tale of Turash Abuov, a Kazakh composer and World War II veteran, whose stunning music encapsulates both the grim horrors of battle and the indomitable spirit of bravery. Coming from humble beginnings, his compositions have been sidelined for far too long, but a new book from authors Abdulkhamit Raimbergenov and Erbolat Alimkul is shining a deserved spotlight on his life and work.
Meet Abdulkhamit Raimbergenov - a dombra player and researcher with a penchant for seeking out stories untold. Back in 1983, he found himself immersed in a voyage through the Zhambyl Region, on the hunt for new musical compositions, known as kuis. One fateful day, while munching on a meal in a local eatery, a stern, commanding figure names Turash approached him and struck up a conversation. This was the first encounter between the two, and Turash shared his heartfelt art with a sense of profound emotion.
"As he played the dombra, I was taken aback by his distinct style. The way he blended different kuis together, weaving in and out of songs and poetry, creating breeds of kui-songs I'd never heard before, was nothing short of extraordinary," recalls Raimbergenov.
Erbolat Alimkul, a fellow dombra player himself, was initially drawn to Turash Abuov due to their shared roots in the Zhambyl region. During his time at the conservatory, he chose Abuov for his thesis, leading him on a research journey that has revealed fascinating insights into the maverick artist and his life.
The result of this expedition is a book titled "Maidanger Kuishi" (Front-line Musician). In it lies a treasure trove of musical compositions, memoirs, letters, and handwritten notes. Alimkul explains, "Among the great Kazakh kuis, many were born during the Great Patriotic War. In this man's work, the kuis dedicated to the war stand out as particularly remarkable."
One such kui is "Arnau" (also known as "Kazakhstan Komsomol"), a heartrending tribute to a troop of soldiers, all from Kazakhstan, who perished in battle. "At the height of war, a group of young men from his homeland were sent straight to the front lines, and every one of them was killed. Turash Abuov was wounded as well, left to grapple with the devastating news," shares Alimkul.
This tragic event left a deep scar on Abuov's soul, Inspiring him to create a poignant musical tribute to their sacrifice. The name "Kazakhstan Komsomol" was a nod to the tank that bore the name of the Communist Youth League, the final image he saw before losing consciousness.
The book also shines a light on Abuov's strong friendships, such as with poet and front-line soldier Azilkhan Nurshaykov, and recounts his journey back to his homeland following his retirement from military life due to health issues. Despite suffering through numerous hardships, he continued to pour his heart and soul into his music, with "Serpin" being one such poignant example.
Turash Abuov is not defined by traditional musical structure; rather, his compositions are characterized by an unrestrained, almost improvisational quality. His diverse influences from Karatau, Arka, and Zhetisu regions lend his work a distinct edge, showcasing the unique fusion of cultures he embodied.
In the face of darkness, Turash Abuov sought solace in the power of music, transforming his personal experiences and emotional responses into unparalleled compositions that will forever echo the spirit of the Kazakh people. The book "Maidanger Kuishi" serves as a fitting tribute to this extraordinary artist, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of a man whose music continues to resonate with us even today.
- Turash Abuov, a Kazakh composer and World War II veteran, had his music composed in a unique style that blended various traditional Kazakh songs and poetry to create a new breed of kui-songs.
- The book "Maidanger Kuishi," co-authored by Abdulkhamit Raimbergenov and Erbolat Alimkul, offers a comprehensive exploration of Turash Abuov's life and work, including his poignant compositions, memoirs, letters, and handwritten notes.
- A significant kui from Turash Abuov's repertoire is "Arnau" (also known as "Kazakhstan Komsomol"), a heart-wrenching musical tribute to a group of young soldiers from Kazakhstan who perished in battle during the Great Patriotic War.
- Turash Abuov's compositions are distinguished by their departure from traditional musical structure, showcasing an unrestrained and almost improvisational quality that reflect his diverse influences from various regions like Karatau, Arka, and Zhetisu.
