Kazakh individual issues loud statement
In the heart of Kosshy, near Astana, a craftsman named Babyr Argnov is breathing new life into Kazakh musical heritage. Specializing in making traditional Kazakh musical instruments, Argnov's work is a testament to the preservation of cultural artistry.
Argnov's mission is twofold: to ensure that the knowledge of traditional instrument-making is not lost, but becomes part of a serious scientific school, and to revive the authentic sound of the dombra, a traditional Kazakh string instrument.
One of Argnov's most significant achievements is the creation of a replica of Abai Kunanbayev's dombra, using authentic gut strings that comply with historical traditions. The result? A velvety sound, softness, rich timbre, and philosophy in every note – a far cry from the modern tempered dombras that lack the familiar, warm, low, velvety "қоңыр" timbre.
Argnov's workshop follows traditional methods for making gut strings, avoiding the use of chemicals. The main types of wood they use for making dombras are pine and birch, and they employ the solid-carved technique for creating the instrument, which gives it unity and a unique sound.
Argnov's journey in this profession began when he received his first dombra from his mother. His knowledge of producing gut strings for traditional dombras was passed down from ancestors, and was rediscovered during the pandemic.
Argnov has studied the seven dombra performing schools of Kazakhstan and aims to reconstruct traditional Kazakh instruments based on his findings. Modern dombras are not designed for natural strings, as they have a different neck, shape, and are meant for nylon. Thus, Argnov's work is not just about making instruments; it's about understanding the history, the craft, and the sound that these traditional instruments once held.
Argnov's research activities include a comparative analysis of the spectra of string, wood, and overtone structure of traditional instruments, with the goal of creating a database and scientifically validating the importance of traditional materials and technologies.
In addition to the dombra, Argnov and his team create other traditional Kazakh instruments such as the kobyz, jetigen, and adyrna. There has been an increase in demand for these instruments, a testament to the growing interest in Kazakh musical heritage.
Argnov is not just a craftsman; he is a teacher. He is currently a teacher at the National University of Arts, where he passes on his knowledge and skills to the next generation of artisans and musicians.
To revive the instrument's presence in modern Kazakh culture, Argnov collaborates with musicians, educators, and cultural institutions, showcasing the restored instruments and encouraging their use in performances and teaching. He documents and shares his techniques through workshops, lectures, and publications, ensuring that the craft is preserved and passed on to future generations.
Through this dedicated combination of historical research, skilled craftsmanship, and cultural promotion, Babyr Argnov exemplifies the revival of traditional Kazakh dombra-making technologies, bridging past and present in Kazakhstan’s musical heritage.
- Babyr Argnov's mission involves more than just preserving traditional Kazakh instrument-making knowledge; it also aims to integrate this knowledge into a scientific school, focusing on personal growth, education, and self-development.
- In the realm of fashion-and-beauty, the domain of Kazakh musical heritage, notably the dombra, has seen a revival thanks to artisans like Babyr Argnov, who create replicas of historical instruments with authentic materials.
- As a teacher at the National University of Arts, Babyr Argnov is not only passing on his craftsmanship skills, but also contributing to the entertainment field through his collaboration with musicians and cultural institutions.
- To broaden his work beyond the confines of crafts and artistry, Babyr Argnov engages in research activities, particularly in the area of books, as he aims to compile a database on the spectra of traditional instruments, emphasizing the importance of traditional materials and technologies.
