The robust music scene in Uzbekistan today can trace its roots back to the medieval court culture that flourished during the 14th century. Uzbek court music like maqam played a central role at the magnificent majlis festivities regularly hosted by emirs and khans. Over time, whereas the courts broke apart and the ancient cities witnessed political turmoil, the music endured. Today classical and amateur Uzbek music permeates daily life through radio and TV programs, concert performances, wedding celebrations (tois), and various social events. These 1997 and 1998 recordings of sung poetry (ghazal) and virtuosic instrumental ensembles recapture the splendor of ancient shah (royal) music.

This is a previously-unpublished volume of the UNESCO Collection of Traditional Music, which was acquired by the Smithsonian to keep the series publicly available.

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Please enjoy a free download of the song “Chapandozi Qalandar (Vagabound Tunes)”

This album is part of the UNESCO Collection of Traditional Music. More than 125 albums are being released by Smithsonian Folkways Recordings to make the series publicly available again, including more than a dozen never-released albums of musical traditions from around the globe.

Track Listing