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Kyrgyz music is basically traditional, folk based music. The folk music can further be subdivided into vocal music and instrumental music. Modern instrumental music is also fast gaining popularity among the Kyrgyz people. Kyrgyz instrumental music is generally the traditional mass folklore. There are also many classical instrumental compositions. Vocal music among the Kyrgyz is generally the folklore type designed to break the monotony of everyday life.
Musical instruments of Kyrgyz either have a ritualistic function or an artistic one. With the passing time the demarcation line between the two have been diluted. Kyrgyz musical instruments can be classified broadly into four types. Stringed instruments, wind instruments, percussive instruments and self sounding instruments are the main instruments. The Komuz and the Kyl-Ky'yak are the main stringed Kyrgyz musical instruments. The Komuz is a pinch instrument while the Kyl-Ky'yak is a bow instrument. Shamans who are locally known as Manaschi are the traveling Kyrgyz musicians who are famous for their singing and Komuz playing. They generally sing long heroic epics which amuse and entertain the audience. Manas Epic is one such famous epic song. The song narrates the tale of a patriotic warrior named Manas, who is revered and respected by the Kyrgyz. The national instrument of the Kyrgyz is the Komuz which has three strings. It is pear shaped and is made from an entire wood.
Popular Kyrgyz wind instruments are the Cho'or, Chopo Cho'or and the Sybyzgy. Surnai is a typical folk wind instrument resembling the trumpet. Fine quality of cane is used to make this instrument. The Kamysh surnai is another variety with a more simple construction.
The Kyrgyz percussive instruments are the source of rhythm in their music. The Dobulbash, Do'ol and Karsyldak are popular names in this category. The drums are mainly covered with membranes made of camel leather.
Kui is a popular form of instrumental music that revolves round a musical sojourn. It narrates an incident without words. Gestures are made to mark the important parts of the story.
Kyrgyz music has retained the original nomadic and rural flavor, in spite of the influence of modern civilization.
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