The Iyr, also known in 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 Khéiytoghi tradition. These are long, complex compositions usually consisting of three parts. The opening is a free polyphonic introductory section in very slow tempo based on 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 consists of several melodies, each in a tempo faster than the previous one, ending with a number of Lezginka dances.
Text taken from the booklet of the Cd The Music of the Mountain Jews.
