Chinese Uyghur Maixi Laifu

Beijing: National Music and Video Publishing House, 2008. First edition, 4to, 16 leaves on card, 8 leaves on heavy card containing 31 DVDs in pockets; lightly rubbed but a near fine copy in original decorative laminate boards lettered in gilt, a.e.g. Text in Chinese and Uyghur. From the Introduction: "Chinese Uyghur Maisilaifu is the origin of the Uyghur classical Muqam, known as the "priceless treasure of oriental music". It is a creative artistic work of the intelligent, wise, hard- working and brave Uyghur people. It is a magnificent artistic heritage that has been continuously improved during the long historical development process and passed down to today's society. Uyghur Maixi Laifu highlights its artistic charm with its unique national characteristics. It is the intangible cultural heritage with the most national characteristics, the richest content and the most artistic value. It is a comprehensive art based on Muqam and folk music and dance, integrating folk music, folk songs, riddles, raps, speeches, myths and legends, discussion of scriptures, warnings, aerial walking, acrobatics, magic and various folk games. "Uyghur Maixi Laifu has been closely connected with morality and etiquette since ancient times ... According to historical records and the research of folk historians, by the beginning of the 20th century, Xinjiang preserved more than 120 kinds of folk Maixi Laifu and more than 100 variants of Maixi Laifu. Regrettably, due to historical changes and various social reasons, as well as the dwindling number of folk artists and the lack of successors, a considerable number of folk Maixi Laifu have disappeared, and some Maixi Laifu are also on the verge of extinction. At present, with the attention of party committees and governments at all levels and the support of the general public, this art has been discovered and rescued. With the joint efforts of many directors, folk artists and other staff, the art project of organizing, protecting and publishing this historic work on the basis of inheriting the original form of Messilaifu's art, making it available to the whole country and even the world, so as to promote its vitality has been successfully completed. (Inventory #: 69728)