Uzbekistan is a melting pot of musical traditions with many influences, both nomadic and sedentary, and Uzbek musical heritage therefore expresses this diversity, showing the importance of fascinating oasis cities such as Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva. Shashmaqom, the music of the court, has been handed down over the generations and the tradition is still thriving, as is the more popular repertoire also handed down in the different regions of the country. Shashmaqom combines virtuoso vocal art with codified and treasured instrumental music. It is performed by ensembles, for example with luth, vielle and percussion, as well as dances showing the festive side of the Uzbek people. The rural tradition of the Bakhshi (bards) recalls the nomadic past of the Uzbek people: bards play their own accompaniment on the luth or vielle while narrating and singing, choosing from a repertoire of epic poems, popular songs, myths and legends that make up the oral tradition passed on over the centuries.