Têrmê of the Kazak ethnic group

The precious cultural gem of the Kazak people, Têrmê is a charming vocal art inspired by folk preaching, proverbs, poems, satire and other literary works. A performer who specializes in this art is called a Têrmêxi in Kazak.

In terms of its content, the Têrmê art can be divided into four types based respectively on historical annals, philosophical fables, speculation and personal experiences. The historical annals ones mainly depict historical events, heroes and Kazak tribal leaders in solemn and sad tunes. Mostly performed in improvisations, the second type is usually inspired by folk proverbs and composed with flexible melodies, satirical lyrics and compact structures. The third variety is performed for consultation, publicity, praising virtue and punishing vice. It often adopts smooth tunes to make it easy for audiences to resonate with the content. In the last Têrmêxi reflect on their personal experiences, perceptions and expectations for the future.

In general, the Têrmê is sung by only one Têrmêxi playing dombra or kobyz, two stringed instruments endemic to the Kazak people. Its tunes, inspired by Kazak folk songs, feature rolling melodies, wide ranges, multiple beat types and rich tempo changes. The musical form was inscribed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008.