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 Kazakhdombra | |
| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Plucked string instrument |
| Related instruments | |
Thedombra, also known as thedombyra (Kazakh:домбыра;Persian:دمبوره), is a long-necked musicalstring instrument used by theKazakhs,Hazaras,Uzbeks,Tajiks,Nogais,Bashkirs, andTatars in their traditionalfolk music.[1][2] The dombra shares certain characteristics with thekomuz anddutar instruments, such as its long, thin neck and oblong body shape. It is a popular instrument mostly amongTurkic communities inCentral Asian countries.
The instrument differs slightly in different regions. The Kazakhdombyra hasfrets and is played by strumming with the hand or plucking each string individually, with an occasional tap on the main surface of the instrument. While the strings are traditionally made ofsinew, modern dombras are usually produced usingnylon strings. One of the greatest dombra players was the Kazakh folk musician and composerKurmangazy Sagyrbayuly, who had a major influence on the development of Kazakh musical culture, including music for the dombra; his musical composition "Adai" is popular inKazakhstan and abroad.
In 2012, theelektrodombyra was created.[3]
TheHazara,Turkestani, andBadakhshanidamburas, commonly found inAfghanistan, arefretless[4] with a body and neck carved from a single block of wood, usuallymulberry orapricot. Thedambura is played with much banging and scratching on the instrument to help give apercussive sound. The two strings are made ofnylon (in modern times) orgut. They cross a shortbridge to a pin at the other end of the body. There is a tiny sound hole in the back of the instrument, while the top is thick wood. It is not finished with anyvarnish,filing/sanding of any kind, and as with all other Turkic instruments there is some decoration.
A performer strikes all the strings at the same time. The upper string performs thebourdontone and the lower string performs themelody. Adumbura is used as a solo as well as an ensemble instrument.
The dombyra first appeared in theMiddle Ages. For example, the works ofAby Nasyr Al-Farabi refer to atambur-like musical instrument similar to the dombyra. An instrument similar to the Dombyra existed in almost every country inCentral Asia. Within the last century, there have been many great composers and Dombyra players, such asKurmangazy, Kazangap, and Tattimbet.
The importance of the dombra in the culture of Kazakhstan was marked by including it in the Intangible Heritage register. In November 2014,Dombra kuy was included in was registered as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.[5] In 2018, Kazakhstan initiated the Dombra Day. The National Dombra Day is celebrated in Kazakhstan every first Sunday of July.[6]
The Kazakh poetAbay Qunanbayuli is often shown holding a dombra at rest and many hold it in high regard as a national symbol among the post-Soviet nations of theCommonwealth of Independent States. The dombra is played by Erzhan Alimbetov in theUlytau band.
From the 12th to the 18th century, thedumbura was used by Bashkirsasans to accompany their poetic legends andkubairs. It is mentioned in the epic poem "Zayatulyak and Hiuhiliu". However, by the beginning of the 20th century, thedumbura was forgotten. Thesasans were often the main ideologists of ethnic insurrections, so when the Russian administration put down an uprising, they punished thedumbura sasans and destroyed theirdumbura.[citation needed] In the second half of the 20th century, several reconstructions were carried out. At present, the revivalist work continues. Among others, performer V. Shugayupov works on the revival of thedumbura. The modern woodendumbura has a pear-shaped or an oval form.[citation needed]
This instrument has become a part of anInternet phenomenon after a video clip fromSuperStar KZ, the Kazakh equivalent of theIdol series, was posted onYouTube. The video includes two contestants singing and a third one singing and playing the dombra (Ernar Kaldynov), which caused the popularity. The name of the original song is Freestailo by R.Lizer, a Kazakh man.
Dombyra as an instrument is being popularized throughDombyra Parties, a flash mob-like movement of Kazakh youth organized viasocial media. The videos of Dombyra Party activities are shared on YouTube, Facebook etc.
Many folk and regional tunings have existed, though below is the most accepted academic DG tuning for standard concert dombra prima of Kazakhstan.
There are different classifications of Dombyra, for example Dombyra for singing songs orjirs has 8-9 frets, dombyra for kyus has more than 20 frets.[7]
Kui on dombra
How to play the dombra
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