Mongolian Properties - Real estate in Mongolia | Mongolian Music

Mongolian Music

Traditional Mongolian Music.

Mongolian music conveys the deep appreciation that Mongolians have for their country, its natural beauty and the inspiring deep blue sky above the vast Mongolian landscape. Mongolian songs are often about beloved horses and the beauty of the Mongolian countryside. Herders sing while riding their horses and most Mongolians are expected to know at least one song to be shared with others on special occasions or just to lighten the heart.

Khoomi Singing, also known as Throat Singing, allows the singer to produce harmonic tones that can mirror the sounds of waterfalls, the steppe winds blowing, and the chants of Buddhist monks. Khoomi singers use their diaphragms like a bellows on a bagpipe to emit a steady bass note while simultaneously producing a higher nasal tone and essentially carrying two tunes at the same time.

The traditional Long Song is the great Mongolian classical form of singing and is a powerful way of musically expressing deep emotions for loved ones, the land, nature and beloved horses. Ms. Namjilyn Norovbanzad is considered the greatest Mongolian Long Song singer of the 20th century. Her powerful voice can fill a music hall without any need for amplification even though she is nearly seventy years old. The song titles from her most recent CD, "The Sun Over the Placid World" convey the typical subjects addressed in the Mongolian Long Song tradition. They include, "The Gently Fluttering Wind", "A Graceful Black Horse", "The Sight of the River Herlen", "A Little Bay Steed", "A Cowboy", and "Misty Crest of a Mountain Ridge".

Of all the Mongolian musical instruments the Morin Khurr (Horse Head Fiddle) has the most prominent place in Mongolian musical forms. Legend has it that a long time ago when the beloved horse of a young Mongolian died, he made a musical instrument from its hair and hide to remind him of his dear friend. The Morin Khurr can produce the rich varied tones of a cello or be coaxed to sound like a horse neighing and galloping.

Modern Mongolian Music.

Unsurprisingly, Modern music is becoming popular in Mongolia. Dominating the radio airwaves. There are new bands popping up all over the steppe, and just like America, the favourite music of choice for 16-20 year olds is hip-hop.

Recently, in June, an American Hip-Hop Group, Opus Akoben played the U.B. Palace, as a benefit concert for American-Mongolian relations. Needless to say there were hundreds of people there, and for the most part, the band were received very well.

Mongolia, of course, has bred its own class of rappers. Popular artists include Tatar, Ice Top , and Lumino. Ice Top can be seen below in all their glory. There is of course a 'bling' phenomenon currently dominating Ulaanbaatar. As you wander down the street, you spot Ice Cube-esque American-Wannabe, rappers in their Houston Rockets teeshirts, and big basketball shoes. Not forgetting the bling, Ali-G style, you will find at least one gold (plate, fake) necklace or ring sported on said Mongolian. Not to take it away from them, they probably think they're really cool, and in a sense they are. But not really.

Despite Hip-Hop, there is a growing suurge in 'Indie' popularity, with the slow intergration of Western bands like The Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, Keane (shudder), etc.

In my opinion, the best band in Mongolia is, The Lemons. Once you get past their, *ahem* bad *ahem* name, you will find that anyone will enjoy them. Yeah, sure they steal influences from aformentioned Western bands, but unlike their rapper counterparts, they do it well. They recently played to a sell out crowd at the UB Palace, of which I was a part of. They were impressive, and the 1,000 or so strong crowd definitely agreed. The Lemons can be found at www.myspace.com/thelemons333

What are these?