Amre Kashaubaev Kazakh singer, artist Date of Birth: 08.1888Год Country: Kazakhstan

Biography of Amre Kashaubayev

Amre Kashaubayev was an exceptional Kazakh singer and artist. Born in 1888 in the Abrau district of Semipalatinsk region, from an early age he became the breadwinner for his family, working as a coachman and a watchman. His first professional performance as a singer took place at the Koyandinskaya Fair, which was a festival of Kazakh oral creativity. Inspired by renowned Kazakh singers such as Gabbas Aytbayev and Kali Bayzhanov, and having met composer Zhayau Musa, Amre realized the need to improve his skills. He enriched his repertoire and returned to Semipalatinsk as a professional singer. It was there that he met the famous singer Mayra. Soon, Amre's passionate artistry became known throughout the republic.

Amre's talent caught the attention of Anatoly Lunacharsky, the then People's Commissar of Education of the RSFSR, who personally invited Amre to participate in ethnographic concerts at the World Exhibition in Paris. Amre also played an active role in the organization of the first Kazakh professional theater. He portrayed the role of shepherd Zhanal in M. Auezov's play "Enlik-Kebek." In April 1927, Amre gave a concert in Moscow, followed by a performance in Frankfurt-am-Main in July of the same year.

In 1933, the Music Studio was established, and Amre was among the first to record his songs there. However, in the fall of 1934, the talented singer fell ill and passed away. Some of Amre Kashaubayev's most significant songs included "Zhalgyz Arsha" ("The Lonely Juniper"), "Agashayak" ("Wooden Leg"), "Bal Hadisha" ("Beautiful Hadisha"), "Dudarai," and others.

Having become acquainted with Amre, renowned ethnographer A.V. Zataevich was captivated by the singer's talent and actively promoted his art both in Kazakhstan and abroad. Audiences were mesmerized not only by Amre's excellent and naturally trained voice but also by his sincerity of performance and internal drama, combined with a unique timbre.

In a note to the collection "500 Kazakh Songs and Kui," Zataevich wrote about Amre Kashaubayev's vocal talent: "Amre Kashaubayev, an outstanding singer from Karkaralinsk, who has been a member of the Kazakh State Theater since the spring of 1925, has a beautiful, powerful, and vibrant voice, with a large supply of breath. To characterize him as a singer and musician, it is best to compare him with two other outstanding Karkaralinsk singers, 'poet' Gabbas Aytbayev and 'folk singer' Kali Bayzhanov. In this case, Kashaubayev would take the first place between them, as his repertoire oscillates between lyrical and everyday numbers, showcasing remarkable performances in both styles, although perhaps not reaching the brightness and strength of impression inherent in the two mentioned singers, who have never been separated from the steppe for long (Kashaubayev has lived and continues to live in cities). In terms of vocal quality alone, Kashaubayev surpasses both of them in the vibrancy of his voice. It is a great pity that the separation from the steppe and the temptations of the city put this good singer under the influence and in danger of replacing the living, direct emotion and the captivating freshness and naivety of his creativity with a cold and indifferent standard of performance. We must hope that this singer, who has tasted foreign lands, will emerge from this test with honor for himself and with benefit for Kazakh vocal art, of which he is a prominent representative."

Amre Kashaubayev's rare vocal gift did not fade until his final days. He often performed Kazakh folk songs on the radio, enchanting listeners with the beauty and depth of his singing. His performances in the theater were equally captivating. He astonished his contemporaries with the versatility of his talent.