The Forgotten Composer: Uncovering the Life and Music of a Kazakh Hero of WWII
Turash Abuov: The Composer Who Captured the Darkness and Bravery of War
Turash Abuov, a rare composer from Kazakhstan who fought in World War II, used his music to portray the darkness of war and the resilience of bravery. Despite his contributions, his work has long been overlooked. However, thanks to a new book written by Abdulkhamit Raimbergenov and Erbolat Alimkul, Abuov’s compositions are finally receiving the recognition they deserve.
Abdulkhamit Raimbergenov, a dombra player and researcher, dedicated around a decade to gathering and reconstructing Abuov’s biography. This extensive work came after Raimbergenov first met Abuov in 1983 during an expedition to collect traditional musical compositions in the Zhambyl Region.
Erbolat Alimkul, co-author of the book “Maidanger Kuishi” (Front-line Musician), joined Raimbergenov in studying regional archives to find recordings and information on Abuov. Alimkul, also a dombra player, was drawn to Abuov’s story because they shared the same hometown.
One of Abuov’s most famous compositions, “Arnau” or “Kazakhstan Komsomol,” holds a poignant story behind its creation. During the war, Abuov was wounded and lost consciousness, only to awaken in a hospital and learn that all the soldiers from Kazakhstan had perished. This heartbreaking experience inspired him to compose a kui in their memory.
Alimkul highlights that Abuov’s kuis not only reflect the experiences of war but also offer a vivid portrayal of Kazakh soldiers who fought. The book preserves the memories of these individuals, along with the kuis dedicated to them and handwritten notes left behind.
In addition to the kuis dedicated to war experiences, the book also includes compositions for Abuov’s closest friends and those created post-war. Abuov’s music tells the story of wartime and the peaceful times that followed the end of the war.
Abuov, who continued his military career until retiring due to health reasons, spent many years in Turkmenistan before returning to his homeland. It was there that he poured his emotions into music, creating unique and unrestrained compositions that set him apart as a self-taught and naturally gifted kuishi.
Turash Abuov’s legacy lives on through his music, which captures the essence of wartime experiences and the peaceful moments that followed. Thanks to the dedication of Raimbergenov and Alimkul, Abuov’s compositions are finally receiving the attention and appreciation they deserve.
