Iyr (1)

The Iyr, also knownin Juhuri as Uylov or Uylomish and in the Kabardin dialect as Ghiyr or Ghibzi, is a genre found among all Turkish peoples, but among the Jews appears only in the Khäytoghi tradition. Included in this recording are two examples of this genre: no. 1 (this example) and no. 24 below. These are long, complex compositions usually consisting of three parts. The opening is a free polyphonic introductory section in very slow tempo based in motifs from well-known songs. It is followed by a short second part which alludes to rhythms from the upcoming sections. The music then abruptly returns to the free rhythm improvisation of the opening section. The third part cinsists of several melodies, each in a tempo faster than the previous one, ending with a number ao Lezginka dances.