I discovered throat singing (called Tuvan throat singing) a couple of years ago when I visited the Mongolian Embassy here in Canberra. I thought it was amazing that they could produce the sounds they did, and also how melodic it could be.
In Tuvan throat singing, the performer produces a fundamental pitch and—simultaneously—one or more pitches over that.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuvan_throat_singing
Below is an example which really lets you hear the awesomeness of throat singing.
I have since discovered The Hu, a Mongolian folk metal band formed in 2016. They incorporate traditional instruments and throat singing. Some of the band’s lyrics include old Mongolian war cries and poetry.
I really like their music and often listen to it. The song below is one of my favourites (and if you are wondering, that is the correct spelling and pronunciation of Genghis Khan).
Have you heard of throat singing before? What do you think?
September 25, 2020 at 1:02 am
Very cool, AJ!
I think the Inuit (Arctic peoples of the North American continent) perform throat singing also.
Which makes sense as they apparently crossed over from Asia millennia ago.
Deb
September 25, 2020 at 11:38 am
That does make sense. I wonder if they developed it because they were limited by the instruments they made?
September 25, 2020 at 1:30 am
I think I’ve heard of it, vaguely. I’ll have to watch the videos when I have a bit more time. I’m sure it’s impressive. (I don’t think I’ve actually heard it before.)
September 25, 2020 at 11:43 am
It is impressive and worth watching even a few seconds of it if you get the chance. Apparently they are able to “freeze” two parts of their vocal chords simultaneously to be able to produce the sound. Amazing.
September 25, 2020 at 4:16 am
I’m familiar with Tuvan throat singing. It’s quite beautiful. These were good examples of it. Who was the performer in the first video? I tried reading the Cyrillic at the end of the video, but nothing seemed like a name.
September 25, 2020 at 11:42 am
The singer in that video is Saidash Mongush. He’s a Tuvan folk musician who is famous in Tuva (he’s also a kickboxing champion).
September 25, 2020 at 8:27 am
We have it here in Canada with at least one of our Aboriginal tribes!! 😀 I think it is both beautiful and weird at the same time lol but I like listening to it!
September 25, 2020 at 11:44 am
I think it’s a little weird because we can’t do it! I find the same with the circular breathing our Aboriginal didgeridoo players utilise. No idea how they manage it!