P rominent t ajik f igures of the

Bobosharifov, Sodirkhon

Tajik singer, composer, and musicologist Sodirkhon Bobosharifov,

also referred to as Sodirkhon, was born in Khujand in 1847. He is one

of the most distinguished masters of classical Tajik music known as

Shashmaqom. He was born into a family of retailers of the Qushbegi

district of Khujand. Recognizing the musical talent of his son, Sodirov's

father took him to Buzurg Khontura, one of the most famous musicians

in Khujand. He learned how to play the dutar and sing from Buzurg

Khontura, and how to play the tambourine from the poet Koshif. In

time, Bobosharifov's musical abilities made him one of the most popu-

lar singers of classical songs. His voice was resounding and melodious,

with a wide diapason. Furthermore, he could "travel" from high pitches

to low and vice versa with ease, especially when performing the

"Ushshoq," "Ufor," and "Shahnoz" modes. His compositions were

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