Unveiled Tales and Musical Pieces of a Kazakh Composer Overshadowed, Having Fought in World War II
Rewritten Article:
Composing Courage: The Untold Story of Turash Abuov
ASTANA - Turash Abuov, a Kazakhstan war veteran and composer, has finally received the recognition he deserves, thanks to a new book penned by Abdulkhamit Raimbergenov and Erbolat Alimkul. His music encapsulates the raw emotion of war and the unyielding spirit of survival.
Abdulkhamit Raimbergenov. Photo credit: raimbergenov.kz
The duo shared with The Astana Times the story behind their extensive work on the book, "Maidanger Kuishi" (Front-line Musician). Raimbergenov, a dombra player and researcher, dedicated more than a decade to piecing together Abuov's biography after meeting him in 1983.
Raimbergenov recalls their first encounter: "I was searching for another kuishi-composer during an expedition, when a man named Turash approached me in a restaurant. He had a calm yet commanding presence, and his distinctive style captivated me as he effortlessly blended different kuis, weaving them together with songs and poetry."
Erbolat Alimkul. Photo provided by author
Alimkul, a fellow dombra player and researcher, took an immediate interest in Abuov after discovering they shared a hometown. His breakthrough came during his time at the conservatory when he chose to focus on Abuov for his thesis.
One of Abuov's most well-known compositions, "Arnau" (also known as "Kazakhstan Komsomol"), was born at the height of the war. Alimkul explained the inspirational story behind this poignant kui: "A group of young soldiers from Kazakhstan were sent straight to the front lines. Every one of them was killed except for Abuov, who was wounded and lost consciousness. The last thing he saw before blacking out was a tank bearing the name Kazakhstan Komsomol. When he awoke in a hospital, he was informed that all his comrades had perished, which left a profound impact on him. He later dedicated the kui to their memory."
"Maidanger Kuishi" offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of this remarkable composer and veteran. It provides an intimate look at the great Kazakh kuis born during World War II, with special emphasis on Abuov's remarkable contributions. The authors have dug deep into regional archives to uncover recordings, information, and notes on Abuov, preserving the memories of the soldiers who fought and the music they created.
The book's contents are a rich tapestry made up of musical compositions, memoirs, letters, and handwritten notes. Not only does it feature the kuis dedicated to the war, but it also documents the handwritten notes left behind by the composer himself, offering insight into his emotional journey.
Among the book's offerings are kuis Abuov composed for his closest friends, such as poet and front-line soldier Azilkhan Nurshaykov, as well as those he created post-war – shining a light on the war itself and the peaceful times that followed on home soil.
Abuov continued his military career until health issues forced him to retire in Turkmenistan. Despite this, he returned home where he poured his remaining years into music. In gratitude for his return, he created the famous kui, Serpin. His compositions, unlike traditional kuis, flowed with an unrestrained quality, according to Alimkul, who noted that Abuov's gift and lack of formal training enabled him to perform with complete freedom, creating one-of-a-kind works.
Turash Abuov's music is a compelling depiction of the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. His life's work reflects both the darkness and hope that defined a generation, making him a critical figure in Kazakhstan's musical history.
[1] The duo's book represents a game changer in the reassessment of Abuov's compositions and serves to celebrate the often-overlooked part he played in Kazakh music.
- Traditionally, Kazakh music has been largely overlooked in the entertainment industry, but the new book "Maidanger Kuishi" by Abdulkhamit Raimbergenov and Erbolat Alimkul, highlights the deepest contributions of composer Turash Abuov, placing him among the greats in Kazakh music.
- Turash Abuov, a war veteran and composer, is known for his unique style that blends different kuis in a way that is traditionally unheard of, composing music that encapsulates the raw emotion of war and the unyielding spirit of survival.
- Astana-born composer Turash Abuov was traditionally overlooked until the release of the book "Maidanger Kuishi," which reveals that his most well-known composition, "Arnau," was born at the height of the war and was inspired by the last thing he saw before being wounded and losing consciousness – a tank bearing the name Kazakhstan Komsomol.
