Tuvan Throat Singing

Overtone or throat singing is a style of singing or chanting which allows the singer to produce more than one note at the same time.
In post-Soviet Tuva, throat singing has come to signify a re-emergence of formerly suppressed Tuvan culture.
What are the different styles of Tuvan throat singing and how are they produced?
Tuvan Throat Singing: An Exploration of a Unique Musical Tradition
Tuvan throat singing, also known as khöömei, is a traditional style of singing that originates from the republic of Tuva, located in the central region of Asia. This unique style of singing is characterized by a vocalist producing multiple distinct notes simultaneously, creating a beautiful harmonic sound that is truly captivating.
The History of Tuvan Throat Singing
Tuvan throat singing can be traced back to the nomadic tribes that inhabited Tuva region of Siberia for centuries. It was a form of expression used by the nomads during livestock grazing and hunting expeditions. The style was preserved over time through oral tradition and passed down from generation to generation.
Tuvan throat singing was first introduced to the Western world by ethnomusicologist Theodore Levin and Tuva musician Kongar-ool Ondar in the late 1980s. Since then, the style has gained increasing popularity globally and is now recognized as a unique art form.
The Technique of Tuvan Throat Singing
Tuvan throat singing requires a specific technique to produce the unique sound. To achieve this, the singer must use their vocal cords in ways that are not commonly used in traditional singing. The singer produces a continuous drone sound with their vocal cords while manipulating the shapes of their mouth, throat, and lips to produce additional overtones or harmonics.
The technique of Tuvan throat singing is divided into different styles, each with its unique method of producing notes. The most popular styles include kargyraa, which involves a deep, growling sound, and sygyt, which produces a higher-pitched piercing whistle-like sound.
The Significance of Tuvan Throat Singing
Tuvan throat singing is not just a form of entertainment but has significant cultural and spiritual meaning for the Tuvan people. It was used to communicate with nature, the heavens, ancestors, and spirits. Many Tuvan throat singers believe that the songs have a transformative and healing power that can restore balance and harmony to the human body and the environment.
In addition to its cultural and spiritual significance, Tuvan throat singing has gained popularity globally as a unique art form. It is now being performed and studied worldwide, and collaborations with Western artists have resulted in some fantastic fusion music.
Conclusion
Tuvan throat singing is a unique and captivating style of singing with a rich cultural and spiritual history. Its popularity has increased over the years, and it is now recognized worldwide as an art form that needs to be preserved and celebrated. The technique used by throat singers is fascinating, and the sound is truly mesmerizing. For enthusiasts of world music and those interested in exploring unique vocal techniques, Tuvan throat singing is an art form worth discovering.

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