Improvisation as a creative process in the art of Ashygs

Abstract

The main purpose of the presented article is to study the fact of improvisation in the art
of Ashygs. Improvisation has taken an important place in composing and performing arts as one of
the main methods for the development of music. Improvisation is a product of a creative moment
and is not premeditated. These criteria can be looked for in folk music genres. The ability to
improvise in the art of ashygs is characteristic of both poetic and musical creativity. In the article,
moments of improvisation in Ashyg poetry are justified both as part of the creative process and as  the direct creation of certain genre samples. Here, in particular, the genres of “deyishme” are
analyzed and conclusions are drawn, referring to the opinions of philologists. Improvisation in
Ashyg music is studied in several directions, highlighting the oral factor. The creation of tunes, as
well as poetic texts, reveals the ashig’s skills in both improvisation and composition. The second
question is the principle of development of the musical text of the tune, the emergence of new
variants, as well as the role of improvisation among the main criteria for instrumental performance
of music. The article also explores the issue of improvisation skills, which play an important role in
creating variants of Ashyg chants. The expansion of the artistic and technical performing
capabilities of the Ashygs and the manifestation of improvisational talent for instrumental musical
performance were also emphasized.