Kazakh Quartet: Album in honor of the anniversary and soul of Kazakh music

Melody presented a new album recorded by the legendary State String Quartet of the Republic of Kazakhstan named after Gaziza Zhubanova (Kazakh Quartet). The issue is timed to the landmark date – the 30th anniversary of the collective’s receipt of state status – and the annual Republic Day (October 25).

The quartet, founded in 1988 on the basis of the Republican School for Gifted Children named after Akhmet Zhubanov, is one of the most respected and active musical groups in Kazakhstan. Its uniqueness lies in the diversity of the repertoire, which includes works by Soviet, Russian and Western European authors, as well as original works by Kazakh composers. The quartet was historically the first performer of many new works and actively acquainted listeners with works that had not previously been performed in concert halls.

The new album “Kazakh Quartet: the soul of Kazakh music” is the result of the initiative of musicians who in the period 2021-2022 recorded new works by modern Kazakhstani authors: Kuata Shildebayev, Beibit Daldenbay and Artyk Toksanbayev. The recording includes the works of three major composers who continue the academic musical tradition and develop national roots.

Composers such as Kuat Shildebayev, Artyk Toksanbayev and Beibit Daldenbay combine different styles in their works – from classical music to elements of jazz rock and traditional Kazakh instrumental art, drawing inspiration from masters such as Olivier Messiaen, Karl Orff and Igor Stravinsky. The album is a rich musical portrait, reflecting the spirit and soul of Kazakh music.