Silk Road soundtrack returns in full volume
Ancient Uygur melodies, once nearly forgotten, are back with fresh energy and global acclaim, Wang Xin reports in Shanghai.
Muqam is one of the most treasured legacies of the Uygur ethnic group — an artistic system vast in structure, profound in meaning and stunning in its expressive power. Often staged as a grand suite of compositions, it is widely known as the "Pearl of Eastern Music" and the "mother of Uygur music".
Recognition of its global value arrived in 2005, when UNESCO proclaimed the Art of Uygur Muqam of Xinjiang (China) as a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity", marking it as a tradition worthy not only of preservation but of constant reinterpretation for future generations.
Part of Muqam's enduring appeal lies in its extraordinary diversity. It varies in content, rhythm and musical style, and can be performed as solo pieces or large ensemble works. It incorporates ancient folk ballads, poetry, proverbs, narrative storytelling and reflections on universal themes such as love, longing, celebration and the fragility of life. These performances mirror both the historical memory and contemporary experiences of the Uygur community.
