The Resurgence of the “Poem” with Enchanting Autumn Melodies
“Beautiful Melodies of Autumn” Concert Delights Audience at Turkmen National Conservatory
The Large Concert Hall of the Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory recently hosted a captivating concert by the chamber orchestra “Beautiful Melodies of Autumn” (Güýz paslynyń şirin owazlary). Led by artistic director and conductor Nura Mukhiev, a senior lecturer of the Conducting Department, the concert showcased works by contemporary foreign and Turkmen composers.
The evening began with the enchanting composition “Melancholy” by Eduard Napravnik, performed by the string orchestra. The audience was immediately captivated by the mesmerizing melody of the slow and beautiful music.
One of the highlights of the concert was the composition “Begler” by Suhan Tuyliev, dedicated to the memory of the renowned Bagshi Gurt Yakubov. The Honored Artist of Turkmenistan, Ashir Yazmyradov, delivered a stunning performance on the garga tuiduk, a Turkmen musical instrument. Tuyliev incorporated Turkmen folk melodies into the composition, skillfully adapted for a chamber orchestra.
The nature of Turkmenistan, with its small oases amidst the vast Karakum desert, was vividly portrayed in another piece by Suhan Tuyliev, titled “Pendi Nagmalary.” The talented musician Vepa Odaev showcased his skill in playing the challenging solo part on the garga tuyduk, mesmerizing the audience with his rendition of the folk melody “Bad Saba.”
The concert also dived into the world of classical music with Benjamin Britten’s “Simple Symphony,” echoing the traditions of Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Despite its name, this piece is known for its complex technique on stringed instruments and is considered a true gem of English music from the 20th century.
The concert also featured performances by selected participants of the XVII Delphic Games, which took place in Bishkek. Seyran Ataniyazov, a second-year violin student, showcased his talent by performing a Violin Concerto with the Mozart orchestra. Stella Faramazova, a laureate of international competitions and a senior lecturer, accompanied him on the piano. Ercel Yagshimuradov, a third-year piano student, played Sergei Prokofiev’s “Legend” and “Toccato,” demonstrating his exceptional performing skills.
The grand finale of the concert was a Poem for strings, timpani, and celesta by composer Jeren Kurbanklycheva. As described by Nura Mukhiev, the Poem is a complex piece that employs modern compositional techniques. It was originally recorded in 1978 under the guidance of talented composer Chara Nurymov. The performance by the chamber orchestra marked the first-ever rendition of the Poem in Turkmenistan, declaring it a second birth for the composition.
The concert was a remarkable showcase of talent and artistry, skillfully conveying the composers’ ideas and styles. The audience was left in awe of the beautiful melodies and the harmonious fusion of classical and contemporary music.
– Jemal Agajanova
