In the heart of Xinjiang, the melodious strains of Tوبшур music continue to resonate, captivating audiences with its unique charm. A recent visit to the Bazhou Cultural Center in Xinjiang revealed a passionate exponent of this traditional art form:敖日木加甫, who, with fingers dancing across the strings of his Tوبшур, fills the air with a sound that lingers in the mind long after the music has ceased.
A Deep Rooted Heritage
The Tوبшур, a distinctive plucked string instrument of the Mongolian people in Xinjiang, is more than just a musical instrument; it is a symbol of cultural identity and heritage. Its listing in the fourth batch of national intangible cultural heritage representative projects attests to its profound significance. The instrument’s simple yet elegant design, coupled with its rich, full-bodied sound, makes it a versatile companion to solo performances, ensemble pieces, and vocal accompaniments. It is particularly integral to the萨吾尔登 dance, a vibrant expression of Mongolian culture.
From Dance to Music
敖日木加甫’s journey with the Tوبшur began in an unexpected turn of fate. Born into a family deeply rooted in folk art, he was immersed in an artistic atmosphere from a young age. By the age of 13, his natural talent had landed him a spot in the Bazhou Dance Troupe, where he trained at the Xinjiang Academy of Arts. However, a severe back injury sustained during a rehearsal in 2008 forced him to reconsider his future in the arts.
The sudden inability to dance was a huge blow,敖日木加甫 recalls. But rather than give up, he turned to the Tوبшур, learning from folk artists and forming an original group called the 萨吾尔登 Combination, which achieved notable success in competitions.
In 2010,敖日木加甫’s dedication to the arts took him to the China Conservatory of Music for a year of specialized training in folk music performance. This marked the beginning of his formal engagement with the Tوبшур, a journey that has seen him perform, research, and advocate for this instrument.
A Commitment to Preservation
As the Tوبшур’s inclusion in the national intangible cultural heritage list brought it into the public eye,敖日木加甫 saw an opportunity to spread its legacy further. In 2020, with the approval of the Bazhou Education Bureau, the Korla Experimental Primary School opened a basic Tوبшур playing class, offering a systematic curriculum for the instrument’s inheritance and development.
I have taught over 500 students, spanning different ethnicities, all of whom share a deep passion for the Tوبшur, says敖日木加甫. The first batch of students I taught are now in college.
Through his free classes,敖日木加甫 has not only imparted musical skills but also fostered a community of Tوبшur enthusiasts, ensuring that the tradition continues to thrive.
Embracing Innovation
In his commitment to preserving the Tوبшур’s heritage,敖日木加甫 has also embraced innovation. He believes in adapting the instrument to modern tastes while respecting its roots. His dedication has earned him the title of the first batch of Tوبшur music intangible cultural heritage inheritors in Bazhou.
Traditional art forms must evolve with the times, he asserts. But this evolution should not come at the cost of authenticity.
Conclusion
The enduring legacy of Tوبшур music in Xinjiang is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of cultural traditions. Through the efforts of individuals like敖日木加甫, this rich musical heritage continues to inspire and captivate, ensuring that the Tوبшur’s melodies will be heard for generations to come.
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