Community Programmes
> Music Activities > Community Programmes > Roving Exhibition – Classical Music of Central Asia
Text / Videos / Pictures : Eugene LEUNG (MMus in Ethnomusicology, Goldsmiths, University of London)
The “Silk Road” has for many years conjured up all sorts of imaginations about East-West cultural exchanges, as evoked by historical events such as Alexander’s Conquest of Bactria, Zhang Qian’s missions to the Western Regions, the great Silk Road empires such as Tang and Mongol empires, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative today. In this exhibition, we shall explore the classical music of Central Asia, a product of multicultural encounters in the heartland of the Silk Road.
To start your musical journey to Central Asia, please click the following tabs and view the full version of the demonstration performances.
The Heartland of Silk Road
Central Asian Classical Music : A Brief History
Music plays an important part in social life of Central Asians
Performance of symphonic Central Asian classical music
The “Sharq Taronalari” festival is held every other year in Uzbekistan since 1997, promoting traditional musics of Central Asia and beyond.
Performance of Central Asian Classical Music
Performance of a small Central Asian classical music ensemble
Dance is frequently performed together with Central Asian classical music
What is “Shashmaqom”?
Shashmaqom literally means “six maqoms”. It combines different art forms such as music, literature, dance, and is the epitome of the development of the maqam musical system in Central Asia, crystallising centuries of interaction between different cultures. Its musical features are summarised as follows:
Yunus Rajabiy (1897-1976), a “Shashmaqom” master
Contemporary transcription of “Muhammasi Ushshoq”
Major Musical Instruments
Dutar – the most representative Central Asian musical instrument
The instrument at the top is the Uzbek “dutar”. Others are similar instruments from surrounding countries.
Doira – the pulse of Central Asian classical music
Other Popular Musical Instruments
Conclusion
Central Asian classical music presents a rich and authentic blend of a distinctly local identity with many elements of both eastern and western music. Through this exhibition, we hope to incite your fresh imaginations of the possibilities of cultural exchanges. In these times of glocalisation, it is also worth reflecting on how Hong Kong, as a cultural hub, can develop a culture that is rooted in both tradition and inclusivity.
The OXUS Ensemble from Uzbekistan bringing Central Asian classical music to the world’s stage
Demonstration Performances
Central Asian classical music is found in three distinctive regional styles. Listed below are some of the representative pieces of each style:
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