Dombra and küy in the history of Kazakh music

The dombra is a Kazakh plucked instrument with a long neck and two strings. A küy is a short solo composition for the dombra. UNESCO's description notes that performances are often accompanied by stories and legends. 1

Music at gatherings

Küys are performed at family and community gatherings, celebrations and other events. Listeners interact around the performance, while music and stories help pass on knowledge and cultural memory. 1

Passing on the craft

The tradition is passed from master to pupil. Musicians continue learning from more experienced performers in their region and broaden their repertoire. 1

International recognition

In 2014, the Kazakh art of dombra küy was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 1