Kyrgyzstan

Ensemble Tengir-Too plays an ancient music rooted in the sensibility of nomadic Kyrgyz.

There are several  theories on the meaning of ‘Kyrgyz’. The word ‘Kyrgyz’ is derived from the Turkic word ‘forty’, with yz being an old plural suffix, referring to a collection of forty tribes. Kyrgyz also means ‘imperishable’, ‘inextinguishable’, ‘immortal’, ‘unconquerable’, or ‘undefeatable’. This is presumed to be referring to the epic hero Manas who, as legend has it, unified the undefeated forty tribes against the Khitans. Ensemble Tengir-Too are keepers of tradition as well as original innovators. They present an original repertoire made of compositions & arrangements for traditionnal instruments from the mountainous Kyrgyzstan…jew's harps, fiddles, plucked stringed instruments, along with powerful voices, mixing the specific bardic vocal art to the extraordinary epic recitation of Manas. This music transmits the vibrant rhythms of nomadism & the serene atmosphere of the Kyrgyz mountains in a musical language as contemporary as it is ancient.

This release is the first in a multi-volume series of Music of Central Asia that brings to life the diverse & remarkable musical culture of a region long inaccessible to outsiders. 18 tracks, 66 minutes of fantastic music, a co-production of the Aga Khan Music Initiative in Central Asia, a program of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, & the Smithsonian Institution Center for Folklife & Cultural Heritage. 

Music of Central Asia Vol. 1: Tengir-Too: MountainMusic from Kyrgyzstan, 

Smithsonian Folkways Recoirdings SFW40520, 2006. 

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Tracklist –

Jangylyk (Novelty)

Erke Kyz (The Spoiled Girl)

Küidüm Chok (I Burn, I Smoulder like Charcoal)

Episode from the Manas

Belek (Gift)

Kara Özgöi (Impudent One)

Kyiylyp Turam (I’m Sad to Say Goodbye)

Attila Khan

Ak Satkyn Menen Kulmyrza (Ak Satkyn & Kulmyrza)

Fantasy on the Chopo Choor (Ocarina)

Gül (Flower)

Jol Jürüsh (On the Road)

Kengesh (Soviet)

Esimde (I Remember)

Ker Özön (Wide Valley)

Sagynam (I Miss You)

Kambarkan

Kyz Oigotoor ( A Melody that Wakes up a Girl)

Enjoy,

NØ