Talantaaly Bakchiev: The Epic of Manas

Here is a brief clip of singer and scholar Talantaaly Bakchiev performing part of the Kyrgyz Epic of Manas, one of the rare epics still performed today.

The song tells the exploits of Manas, a Kyrgyz warrior hero from the 10th century.

I once had the good fortune to hear part of the Manas song performed live, and it was electrifying. To sing the whole story takes several days.

~ by lolarusa on April 8, 2010.