Ashyraaly Aytaliev (born 1927) is one of the contemporary professional akyns-improvisers, a People's Artist of Kyrgyzstan (1995), and a member of the Union of Writers of the Kyrgyz Republic. He was born in the village of Jediger in the Kant district of Chui region. His childhood was spent in difficult conditions during the pre-war and wartime periods. He showed an interest in singing while still a schoolboy. Aytaliev's first steps in creativity were associated with lyrical songs that he learned from local experts in folk music.
The year 1944 was a turning point in Aytaliev's life. A group of artists from the philharmonic, led by the prominent akyn Osmonkul Bolebalaev, visited the villages of the Kant district. After listening to Aytaliev, the group leader advised him to develop his talent. Aytaliev's rapid creative successes earned him respect and success not only among amateurs but also among professionals in folk musical creativity.
Aytaliev has established himself as a universal type of folk musician—a professional yurchy and akyn. He is the author of popular lyrical songs: "I Write to You from Naryn" ("Narynдан жазган салам кат"), "The Song of the Herdsman" ("Жылкычынын ыры"), "You Are My Dear White One" ("Акшоо-кум"), "Greetings to the Herdsman" ("Чабандын саламы"), "Yryskan" (a female name).
A. Aytaliev is an akyn whose work is characterized by a distinctly lyrical quality. His recitation is so melodic and soft that it evokes direct associations with the lyrical genres of "sekhetbay" and "kuygen".
Aytaliev is a performer of large poems such as "Karagul Botom," "Ak Meer," and "Kulmurza and Aksatkyn." In his interpretation, these poems have become perfect works and have taken on a new artistic life.
Particular attention should be paid to the pedagogical activities of Ashyraaly Aytaliev. Thanks to him, classes in akyn art were opened at the P. Shubin Children's Music School, then at the Kyrgyz State Music College named after M. Kureneev, and at the Republican Secondary Special Music School named after M. Abdrayev. Since 1997, he has been nurturing young akyns-improvisers through the Association of Akyns and Manaschy, organized under the State Directorate "Manas-1 LLC."
