BIISH

“BIISH”, is a Bashkir ethnic song, uzun-kuy. The instrumental variant (kuray) of “B.” was first recorded in 1894 by S.G. Rybakov in the Temyasovo village of Orskiy District (Baymakskiy District of RB). It is published in his book “Music and songs of the Ural Muslims and their household description”. The song was recorded in 1933 by A.S. Klucharyev from Karimov from the Temyasovo village. The song is published in the “Bashkort khalk yirdary” collection. The song is lyroepic.

According to the legend, Biish, the character of the song was struggling against the rich and hiding from prosecution from the authorities. The chant is diatonic, bright and major. It has wide melodical moves and accentuated rhythm. Musical adaptions of “B.” for a solo and sym­ phonic orchestra were made by Klucharyev, R.A. Murtazin, K.Y. Rakhimov, adaptations for a solo and piano – by S.G. Shagiakhmetova. The “B.” melody is used in ballets such as “Mountain story” by Klucharyev, “Gulnazina” by N.G. Sabitov, “Crane song” by L.B. Stepanov and Z.G. Ismagilov. It is also used in the “Ay­ khylu” opera by M.M. Valeev and N.I. Peyko.