Abai

Celebrating Kazakhstan's cultural icon, Abai offers a bilingual collection of poetry and music, marking the 175th anniversary of his birth.

Abai is recognized as Kazakhstan's greatest cultural icon and a pre-eminent poet whose influence resonates through generations. Abai: Book of Songs, beautifully translated by Scottish poet John Burnside, commemorates the 175th anniversary of Abai Kunanbayev's birth. This remarkable collection features three musical compositions and twenty-three songs, with scores and lyrics presented in English for the first time, making it an essential addition to both literary and musical repertoires.

Abai Kunanbayev (1845-1904) was not only a poet but also a polymath whose contributions spanned philosophy, translation of foreign literature, and musical composition. His poetry laid the foundation for written Kazakh literature and continues to be cherished today. The Abai: Book of Songs showcases his lyrical genius, allowing readers to appreciate the depth of his work through the skillful translations of Burnside, who strives to maintain the essence of the original Kazakh metre.

This bilingual collection is unique in its offering, as it combines Abai's poems with their corresponding musical scores, providing a holistic experience of his artistry. The inclusion of QR codes allows readers to access performed versions of his works, enhancing the connection to Abai's cultural legacy. Abai: Book of Songs is not just a tribute to a literary giant; it is a celebration of Kazakhstan's rich cultural heritage and the enduring power of poetry and music.