Despite the long reign of Chinese and Russian ideologues, the ancient influence of Persia and Islam persists in Central Asian music and culture. It is reflected in a litany of stringed instruments, flutes, reeds and percussion, some of which are ancestors of Western instruments. Central Asia's scales and compositional structure also trace back to early roots. Singers and their songs often draw on Muslim themes and Persian poetry, but community matters and ancient shamanistic healing rituals are also common themes.
Genre Guide 2000 · World/Folk › Asia