The musical culture of Uzbekistan is unusually rich and diverse. Even in ancient times, in the territory of the present Near and Middle East, simple percussion instruments were used for ritual dances and the celebration of significant events. The following is a list of the most common Uzbek musical instruments with names and a brief description.
Doira - a kind of tambourine
Doira is an Uzbek musical instrument from the percussion family, resembling a tambourine in appearance. Widely distributed in the countries of the Near and Middle East. The tool is a rim of dried vine (less commonly used beech or walnut), on which a leather membrane is pulled. The average diameter is about 40 cm. In the manufacture of a modern version of this Uzbek folk musical instrument, metal rings can be used. There are also versions of doira with metal pendants joining the inside of the main hoop. Usually there are from 40 to 100.
For a more sonorous and distinct sound before the game, the doira needs to be heated near a fire or in the sun. Hot air dries the skin stretched over the skeleton and the tension force of the membrane increases.
In ancient times, this instrument was played exclusively by women. Images were found in the caves of the mountains of the Ferghana Valley dating back to 2000 BC. e. The pictures depict female figures playing doira, surrounded by ritual dancers.
The technique of playing the doira has been improving for many centuries and has by now reached a high level. The instrument is used as an addition to the ensemble of other Uzbek national musical instruments, and as an accompaniment for voice. The methods of sound production are very diverse: light tapping with little fingers, strong blows with the palms of the hands, sliding of the fingers along the membrane and others. Depending on the location of the fingers, you can change the pitch. Beats in the middle of the membrane allow you to extract low notes, and as your hands move to the edge, the sound rises. There is also the opportunity to enrich your game with various ornate rhythmic patterns and all kinds of melisms, such as trills, tremolo, grace notes. Speakers are available from the quietest piano to the thundering forte.
Nagora - an analog of the timpani
Another Uzbek musical instrument related to percussion is Nagora. It is a pair of timpani in the form of ceramic pots, covered with a membrane of leather. Instruments are different in size, so you can achieve a variety of sounds. Nagora does not have fine tuning, but there are several varieties:
- Dol Nagora - a large pot designed to extract deep thuds.
- Kos-nagora is a medium-sized instrument with a relatively low sound.
- Rez-Nagora - for playing higher notes.
Before the performance, the Uzbek timpani are warmed up in the sun. This helps to achieve clear and clear beats.
Unlike doira, nagora is rarely used as a solo instrument. It is used primarily for playing in an ensemble with wooden wind instruments such as karnay and surnai. Less commonly heard in combination with strings (mainly in Armenia). The instrument enriches the works with various rhythmic patterns and helps to convey the character of trance or incendiary music.
Nai - Pan's Oriental Flute
Nye is a woodwind musical instrument, which is a transverse flute with six finger holes. It is made mainly of bamboo wood. Modern versions of this tool are complemented by brass and tin. The character of sound production is labial (that is, with the help of lips). A variety of melodic patterns is achieved using all kinds of fingering combinations of fingers, partial and complete closing of game holes and varying the intensity of air flow. Nye is used as a solo and ensemble instrument.
Surnay - a type of woodwind
Surnay is another Uzbek wind musical instrument. It is a narrow pipe, expanding at the end. On average, the length of the tool is 45-55 cm. Surnay differs in a rather complicated mechanism: a small metal tube with bamboo plates is inserted in the upper part. To extract sound, the performer needs to firmly press his lips with a small flat part called "sadat". Playing such a trumpet with a double cane requires certain skills and a high level of ownership of the instrument.
The magazine is used mainly in the ensemble in the process of holding national celebrations. The sound picking palette is quite rich - from smooth legato to fast jumps and melismatic decorations.
Karnay - brass instrument
Karnay is a folk Uzbek musical instrument of the copper family. Also widespread in Iran and Tajikistan. Karnay is a straight pipe, expanding at the end. The length of the tool reaches two meters. The sound produced by karnaya resembles trombone. The range does not exceed an octave.
Powerful and strong karnaya sound can be heard at ceremonies and sports games in Uzbekistan. In ancient times, it also served as a tool for signals warning of the outbreak of war and raising the morale of the army.
Chang - an ancient analogue of cymbals
Another famous Uzbek musical instrument is chang. It belongs to the genus of cymbals. It consists of a wooden case in the shape of a trapezoid, on which 42 metal strings are stretched . There are small resonant holes in the upper deck for enhanced sound. They play the chang with two bamboo or reed sticks. The sound has purity, brightness and good duration. Chang is used both as a solo and ensemble instrument.
Sato - stringed bow instrument
Sato is an instrument with a thousand-year history and a delightful, mesmerizing sound. The emergence of varieties of stringed bowed instruments in the East dates back to the 10th century. By the beginning of the XX century, they were on the verge of extinction, however, the master Usman Zufarov managed to revive the ancient traditions.
Sato is a wooden case in the shape of a pear with an attached neck, on which frets are applied and the strings are stretched. Sound is produced by leading the bow along the strings.
The exciting and mysterious music of the East fascinates with its complex rhythms and ornate melodic drawings. The peoples of Asia have managed to preserve the ancient cultural traditions and wisdom of centuries, bringing to the contemporaries a real treasure of their ancestors.