The musical and theatrical art of Uzbekistan have made this land a cultural hub.
Music of Uzbekistan was born among the multinational races of Central Asia. Uzbekistan offers bright platforms for the amateur musicians.
Almost 12 years ago, in Medresse Abulkasim (Tashkent) the first folklore of Uzbekistan was performed in an open air theatrical show, and now it popular all over the nation. Norbek Bakhshi and Doston Folklore Ethnographic Band is renowned in the entire Central Asia for their folklores.
The melodies of the Middle East and Persia resembles the Uzbekistan music. More than five centuries the courts of Bukhara, Khokand and Khiva were the major musical centers of Uzbekistan. Musicians of Uzbekistan have earned praises from all over Central Asia for their versatility and innovations. Some of the acclaimed musicians are:
- Husniddin Aroev
- Shavkat Matyakubov
- Ulughbek Khudoynazarov
- Ilyos Arabov
- Feruza Ochilova
Musical instruments of Uzbekistan are very similar to the Arab ones. Long-necked lutes, tambourines, reedy flutes and small drums are the traditional ones. While the dutar (2 stringed long necked lute), ghijak (with 4 steel strings), tanbur or tar (plucked lutes), naj (transverse flute) and daira (tambourine) are the modern and updated forms of the age old instruments. Uzbek singing is characterized as throaty and nasal.
Music of Uzbekistan is recognized for the trembling and whining sounds made. Weddings and festivals are the best places where the true essence of live Uzbekistan Music can be understood.
