Tuvan Folk Music – A Unique Sound

Tuvan folk music is a unique and fascinating form of music that is little known outside of Tuva. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history and origins of Tuvan folk music, and listen to some of its most famous performers.

Introduction

Tuvan folk music is a unique and fascinating sound that has its origins in the Tuvan people of Central Asia. The Tuvan people have a rich musical tradition that includes a wide variety of instruments and styles. Tuvan folk music is characterized by its use of throat singing, which is a special vocal technique that allows the singer to produce multiple pitches at the same time. This gives the music a very distinctive sound that is unlike anything else in the world.

The Tuvan people have a long history of oral tradition and their music has been passed down from generation to generation. Many of the songs that are now considered to be traditional Tuvan folk songs were first composed in the late 19th or early 20th century. However, there are also many older songs that have been passed down over the centuries.

Tuvan folk music has undergone a number of changes in recent years, as the Tuvan people have increasingly been exposed to other cultures and influences. However, the core elements of throat singing and traditional instruments remain remain central to the Tuvan musical tradition.

What is Tuvan Folk Music?

Tuvan folk music is a unique form of music that originates from the Tuva region in southern Siberia. The music is characterized by its use of throat singing, or khoomei, which is a technique used to produce two or more notes simultaneously. Tuvan folk music has a strong tradition of shamanism and includes many songs about the spirits of nature. The music is often used for healing purposes and is thought to have a calming effect on the soul.

The Instruments of Tuvan Folk Music

The traditional folk music of Tuva, a republic in the south-central Siberian region of Russia, has been part of the local culture for centuries. The music is characterized by a distinctive throat-singing style known as khoomei, and is traditionally played on a variety of traditional Tuvan instruments.

The most important instrument in Tuvan folk music is the horse-head fiddle, or morin khuur. This two-stringed instrument is played with a bow, and its unique sound is produced by Resonance between the strings and the wooden body of the fiddle. The morin khuur is often considered to be the national instrument of Tuva, and it is very important in the performance of Tuvan folk music.

Other traditional Tuvan instruments include the two-stringed doshpuluur, Jaw harp, spoons, Tibetan bells, flute, accordion and drums. These instruments are all used to create the unique sound of Tuvan folk music.

The History of Tuvan Folk Music

The music of Tuva, located in southern Siberia, has a long and rich history. The Tuvan people have their own unique style of music, which is characterized by its use of throat singing. Throat singing is a special technique that allows the singer to produce two or more notes simultaneously. This technique produces a very distinctive sound that is unlike any other type of music.

Tuvan folk music has its origins in the ancient folk songs of the Tuvan people. These songs were passed down from generation to generation, and over time, they began to develop into their own distinct genre. Tuvan folk music is now recognized as a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

The Tuvan people have always had a strong musical tradition.throat singing was traditionally used as a way to communicate over long distances. It was also used for ceremonies and rituals. In recent years, Tuvan throat singing has become increasingly popular outside of Tuva, and it is now performed all over the world.

The Influence of Tuvan Folk Music

In recent years there has been a growing interest in the music of Tuva, a republic in the south of Siberia. This is partly due to the fact that Tuvan folk music has been influenced by many different cultures over the centuries, resulting in a unique sound.

One of the most noticeable features of Tuvan folk music is the use of overtone singing, also known as throat singing. This is a technique whereby the singer produces two or more pitches simultaneously using different parts of the vocal tract.

The influence of Tuvan folk music can be heard in the music of other cultures, particularly in Mongolia and Tibet. In Mongolia, for example, the traditional longsong style of singing has been influenced by Tuvan throat singing.

If you’re interested in hearing Tuvan folk music for yourself, there are now several CDs available which feature this unique kind of singing.

Tuvan Folk Music Today

Tuvan folk music is a unique and beautiful sound that is distinct from any other type of music in the world. The Tuvan people have their own language and culture, which are both closely related to the music they create.

The Tuvan people have a long history of horseback riding and living in the steppes of Central Asia. This has greatly influenced their music, which often features the use of horse-head fiddles and long, plaintive singing. The music sometimes feels like it is coming from another time or place, which only adds to its mystique.

In recent years, Tuvan folk music has become more popular outside of Tuva, thanks in part to the work of artists like throat-singer Sainkho Namtchylak and the group Huun-Huur-Tu. If you are interested in hearing this unique and beautiful style of music, there are many recordings available that will give you a taste of Tuvan folk music today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tuvan folk music is a truly unique and special form of music that is definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of folk music from around the world. If you have the chance to see a live performance, don’t miss it!