BYAMBASUREN SHARAV

Byambasuren Sharav is a prominent figure of the second generation of the modern Mongolian music scene, and a renowned composer who is a recipient of the highest state award -the Chinggis Khan medal, Hero of the labor, as well as the Mongolia State award and State Honored Artist recognitions.

Byambasuren Sharav was born in 1952 in the Jargalantkhaan sum of Khentii province. He grew up among the children of the rural area, engaging in herding from a young age and completing his primary and secondary education. In 1972, he attended the Teachers’ Training School in Ulaanbaatar, specializing in music education. In 1983, he entered the Ural State Conservatory in Sverdlovsk, Russia, named after the Russian composer, Modest Mussorgsky. Sharav studied composition under the guidance of esteemed teachers B.D. Gibalin and N.M. Puzey, eventually graduating with a degree in music composition.

From a young age, Sharav absorbed the unique elements of traditional Mongolian music, such as giingoo (song sung by racehorse riders), marzai (cheering song for racing horses), urtyn duu (long song), and morin-khuur (horse-head fiddle) tunes. He brilliantly transformed these folk music elements into symphonic music and, as a pioneering Mongolian composer, successfully introduced a new page to the world’s music.

Sharav’s compositions have been widely recognized, ranging from Herlengiin Domog (The Legend of Kherlen), which was performed at the 2005 Nobel Prize ceremony, to Khuukhen Khutagtiin Duulal (Hymn of Khuukhen Hutagt), which was performed at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup. In 1985, at the “Asian Music YII” symposium festival held in Ulaanbaatar, Byambasuren Sharav’s composition Zambuu Tiviin Naran (The Sun of the Universe) captivated the audience and scholars alike. The composition was subsequently registered into the UNESCO archives, and was broadcasted across Asian countries through radio, showcasing the widespread appeal and impact of his artistic creation.

Born in the birthplace of the Man of the Millennium, Great Khan Chinggis, Sharav drew inspiration from the “Secret History of the Mongols” to compose his Symphony No. 2. This symphony, dedicated to Chinggis Khan, premiered at the 1987 “Golden Autumn” music festival in Mongolia. In 1988, under the direction of the Lithuanian conductor Gintaras Rinkevicius, the Lithuanian Philharmonic Orchestra and Leningrad Choir performed Sharav’s Symphony no.2 at the Shostakovich Philharmonic Hall in Leningrad (current St. Petersburg, Russia). This performance was a part of the 3rd International Music Festival, which featured over 100 composers from 62 countries.

Sharav started composing in 1972, and his main compositions include: Chinggis Khan Opera, Symphonies 1, 2, and 3, and ballets including Onond Hataagdsan Ild (Hardened from the River Onon), Altan Urag (Royal Blood), Zuurdinn Oron (Evanescent Land), Seruun Namar (Cool Autumn). Sharav also wrote the Tsuvuun Tsagin Khyaruu musical (Doomsday Rime), Chinggis Khan Bat Orshig oratorio (Stronghold Chinggis Khan), and concertos for instruments including, flute, piano, morin-khuur (horse-head fiddle), yatga, khuuchir, dulcimer and shanz.

Additionally, he composed his most well-known compositions such as Zambuu Tiviin Naran (The Sun of the Universe); eleven overtures including Sersen Tal (Awakened Steppe), Tengerin Oron (Heavenly Country), Mongol Oron Badartugai (Prosper the Country of Mongolia), and Naadmiin Denj (Naadam Festival Hilltop); symphonic fantasies including, Ulemjin Yertunts (Wonderous World), Herlengiin Domog (The Legend of River Kherlen), and Zohiomj (Composition); and thirty film music including, Ard Ayush (The Citizen Ayush), Baildaanii Daalgavar (The Combat Mission), Martagdsan Duuli (Forgotten Ballad), Iluu Sartai Zun (Endless Summer Nights), Khublai Khaani Zarilag (The Edict of Khublai Khan), and Ukhej Ul Bolno (No Right to Die).

Sharav composed around 70 solo works, folk song arrangements for piano and voice, 22 romances, and more than 300 songs including niitiin duu (Mongolian country songs), several children’s song, choir songs including,  Mongoliin Tal Nutag (Mongolian Steppe), Aav Eej Khoyr Mini (My Parents), Tsenkheriin Golooor Nutag Mini (My Land by the Blue River), Khairkhan Uulin Baraa (Giant Mountain Visibility) , Khaanii Titem Shig Otgontenger (Otgontenger: The Crown-Like Mountain), Khugjim ba Nulims (Music and Tears), Khuvi Zaya Mini (My Fate), Zurkhnii Khairtai Ekh Oron (Heartfelt Love for the Homeland), and other music and sound designs for radio and televisions.

During his lifetime, Sharav Byambasuren released two DVDs, ten CDs and published fourteen music scores. Additionally, a documentary titled Sharav: The Sun of the Universe and 3 books have been written about his life and works. 

Sharav Byambasuren’s unique musical style has elevated Mongolian music to new heights. His diverse compositions capture the essence of Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage and have touched the hearts of countless listeners. His invaluable contributions to both Mongolian and international music have been recognized by the Mongolian Government, and he has received numerous awards such as the Mongolian State Honor in 1992, the State Honored Artist Prize in 2002, and Chinggis Khan’s Highest Order the highest state award of Mongolia in 2006 for his for his compositions, The Sun of the Universe and Symphony no. 2. In addition, Sharav was awarded the People’s Artist of Mongolia in 2019 and the Sukhbaatar’s Order.