Asia Times: Folk traditions thrive in post-Soviet era


	March 16, 2000	atimes.com

Central Asia/Russia

Folk traditions thrive in post-Soviet era
By Beverly Andrews

LONDON - The break-up of the former Soviet Union may have caused an enormous financial crisis for many of Russia's acclaimed arts institutions, but for the former republics, independence has meant a revival of their folk traditions.

Take the tiny former republic of Uzbekistan for instance. Its folk culture is thriving, with such performers as singer Munadjat Yulchieva wowing audiences at home and now abroad, with wonderful renditions of Uzbek folk music. With a scrupulously researched repertoire Munadjat has ensured that many of the ancient songs from Uzbekistan's turbulent past have become popular again for an entirely new audience.

Currently in London as part of the World in Your Ear festival Munadjat continues to enchant as well as educate audiences all over the world about Uzbekistan's rich musical heritage. ''I could not imagine a life that did not include music. Music means everything to me and through my music I achieve a kind of religious ecstasy,'' Munadjat says.

This passion which Munadjat speaks of is evident from the moment she steps on stage, surrounded by three traditionally dressed Uzbek musicians. From the very first notes Munadjat transforms the chilly, bleak atmosphere of London's Queen Elizabeth Hall into an intimate Uzbek campfire.

Each song paints a picture of this most mysterious land. Its sweeping landscape full of dramatic contrasts from its enormous mountain ranges to its fertile valleys, all this magically comes to life. She makes you see a country which has, over the centuries, witnessed the rise and fall of mighty empires and great rulers, such as the legendary city of Samarkhand.

Each song lifts a veil on a country so often shrouded in mystery, a country which has, because of historical events, been completely cut off from much of the western world. Uzbekistan's imposed isolation has had its benefits, though, mainly in helping to preserve its unique culture - a point taken up by Uzbekistan lecturer Razia Sultanova. ''For almost two centuries these lands have been cut off from the rest of the world, first by the 19th century Russian Tsars and subsequently by the Soviet regime. As a result they developed their cultures and maintained their ancient traditions free from outside influence. This is reflected by their musical traditions which have remained unchanged for hundreds of years.''

Uzbek music is a collection of different musical genres that vary greatly from one region to the next. Each region has its very own distinct feature which in turn is expressed in the music. It has also had to adapt to the sweeping political changes which have been so much a part of the country's history, with all the major upheavals in the Uzbek life, faithfully recorded in the music of the people.

Munadjat is currently one of the best known performers in Uzbekistan. She specializes in performing classical Uzbek music. Her name literally means ''ascent to God'' which represents the true meaning of Sufism, a faith which informs her work.

Her music is also a celebration of Uzbekistan's rich poetry tradition and includes the work of such celebrated poets as Mukimi, Navoi and Babur. Uzbek music in many ways is a perfect fusion between music and literature.

Munadjat has an illustrious pedigree which derives mainly from her association with the legendary musical master Shanbat Mirzaev. Mirzaev is an acclaimed musician in his own right but as a teacher has helped to shape the careers of a generation of famous performers. He has also established a performance school in Uzbekistan where he passes on his great skills to another generation. His abilities include a knowledge of the most highly valued and sophisticated classical poetry in Central Asia. He has inherited his musical knowledge from his father who was a descendent of a long line of skilful music teachers. Munadjat is merely the last in a line of skilled musical inheritors who date back to the Middle Ages.

Munadjat is unique in one aspect, however. She is a woman who performs in front of an international audience, something which would have been unthinkable even a century ago.

''Before now women were not allowed on stage. It was not permissible for them to perform in front of an audience which included men. That has been a great change this century. The fact that women can now perform for any audience that they choose.''

And Munadjat's London show has shown that she is quite a performer. An enthralled audience gives her a standing ovation, then eagerly snaps up her latest compact disc, on sale in the foyer of the concert hall.

(Inter Press Service)