Friday, December 05, 2008

I saw this incredible show last night

They are called Alash ensemble, and they are from Tuva -- which is just north of Mongolia. Their culture over the centuries has developed a folk-singing tradition called throat singing, in which they can create multiple tones with their voice. One voice, multiple tones--I know, it doesn't add up. It is crazy! They best way i can describe it is a human bagpipe, because there is a sustained drone in the back of their throat, and then they manipulate the air with their mouth to create high-pitched notes. And then, to top it off, they create different rhythms--it is poly-phonic and poly-rhythmic with one voice box.

2 Comments:

Blogger Lindsey said...

did you really see these people? like in person? no way. me and schub have been watching these dudes on youtube since we were introduced to it at thanksgiving. have you seen Back Tuva Future?? ha.

2:36 PM  
Blogger Joe and Josie Haack said...

yeah! Saw them, saw them. they were in St. Louis playing at Memorial's venue: "The Chapel." I didn't know that you guys were so into Tuvan folk music, or we would have invited you!! You guys never cease to amaze me with your diverse musical tastes: Lionel Richie, Back Tuvan Future...

6:39 AM  

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