The Kabardino-Balkarian State Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. Pianist Elena Kh. Bersoqwe (Barsokova).

Hesen Y. Qarden (Kardanov) is one of the pioneers of Circassian classical music. He was born in the town of Shejem I in Kabarda in 1923. In 1947, he was admitted to the Leningrad Conservatoire, where he studied vocal art under K. S. Yisachenko, and composition. He graduated in 1954. Qarden was a prolific composer and he delved into most classical music genres, including opera. Among his best works are "In the Homeland", pieces for symphony orchestra, "Sharjes", a cantata (1957), "Overture to Joy", on Kabardian and Balkarian themes (1960), "Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra" (1960), "Three Symphonic Dances" (1960), "My Republic", a cantata (1961), "Symphonic Poem" (1961), and "The Evening in the Village", a symphonic fantasia, 1961.

Elena Kh. Bersoqwe (b. 1937), Honoured Artist of the Kabardino-Balkarian ASSR, is a renowned Kabardian pianist.

Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra, Hesen Y. Qarden, 1960

"Who told you that we Circassians will become extinct?!" 
[«Хэт фэ къыв­жезыIар, адыгэр ды­кIуэ­­ды­жыну?!»]

Composed and sung by Albert Lhache [Лъачэ Альберт; Альберт Тлячев].

This is a song that expresses the Circassian collective yearning towards unity of all the Circassians, everywhere, in Circassia and all the Diaspora countries. It embraces optimism and negates the narrative of the doomsayers who predict the extinction of the Circassian nation. 

Lhache is a prolific Adigean singer and songwriter. He composed many songs on Circassian villages, towns and clans in Circassia and the diaspora, emphasizing Circassian unity. "Who told you?!" well represents his fine art of composition. The artist is a good representative of modern-day Circassian bards.

Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra, Hesen Y. Qarden, 1960

Amjad Jaimoukha

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