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Khoomei



The Mongolian art of singing: Khoomei or Hooliin Chor (meaning “Throat Harmony”) is a style in which a single performer creates a multifaceted harmony with multiple voice parts produced within the throat. Khoomei means “pharynx” and is believed to have been learned from birds whose spirits are part of the Mongolian shamanic practice. While there are some legends about the origin of Khoomei, it was difficult to determine when exactly it originated. Khoomei is mostly practiced by men, but women also started practicing it more than thirty years ago. Khoomei is a multifaceted and rich heritage of the Mongolian nation and is still being practiced today. Currently, Khoomei is practiced among Mongolian communities in several countries, particularly in Inner Mongolia in northern China, and in western Mongolia, and the Tuva Republic of Russia.

Performers of Khoomei mimic the sounds of nature by simultaneously emitting two distinct vocal sounds. A continuous drone is accompanied by a melody of harmonics. Khoomei is divided into two main styles in Mongolia: kharkhiraa and isgeree Khoomei. In kharkhiraa the singer sings a drone while emphasizing the undertone, or subharmonic, one octave below the drone pitch. In Isgeree Khoomei, overtones above the fundamental note are emphasized, producing a higher-pitched whistle. In both cases, the drone is produced using very taut vocal cords. The melody is created by modulating the size of the mouth cavity, including the lips, by moving the tongue, and by opening and closing the mouth. The melodies of Khoomei are a unique blend of music that only the Mongol Khoomei can describe, as well as the sounds of nature and the correlation between nature and mankind and the inner world of the human soul.

Mongolian songs are often performed at special events such as horse races, archery and wrestling tournaments, large banquets, and sacrificial rituals. The songs pay respect to nature, the ancestors of the Mongolian people, and famous heroes. The time and order in which the songs are performed are regulated quite strictly. Khoomei has been considered a central element in Mongolian culture and is a symbol of national identity. In addition to providing insight into the philosophical and aesthetic values of Mongolians, it has served as a cultural emissary to promote understanding and friendship between China, Mongolia, and Russia, and has attracted attention around the world as a distinctive form of musical expression.

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