Image: Johanna Kovitz, Public domain — via Wikimedia Commons
Tuvan throat singing
хөөмей / khoomei
| Category | Other |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Russia |
| Classification | music genre |
| Wikipedia | en.wikipedia.org |
| Wikidata | Q108757333 |
Listen
Audio: Cassa342, CC BY-SA 4.0 / via Wikimedia Commons
Audio: Cassa342, CC BY-SA 4.0 / via Wikimedia Commons
Audio: The KLF, CC0 / via Internet Archive
Overview
Tuvan throat singing, known in Tuvan as khöömei, is a vocal tradition in which a single performer produces two or more pitches at the same time. By carefully shaping the throat, mouth, and lips, the singer reinforces specific overtones above a sustained low fundamental, creating an effect often described as a melody floating above a deep drone. While most strongly associated with the Tuva region of southern Siberia, closely related practices flourish in Mongolia, the Altai region, and parts of Inner Mongolia.
Origin & History
Throat singing in this region is generally believed to be very old, with roots in the herding cultures of the Eurasian steppe and mountains. Practitioners often describe the tradition as deeply tied to the natural environment: the wind in the grasslands, the sound of running water, and the cries of animals all serve as both inspiration and material for vocal imitation.
Although the tradition has been practised for many generations, it became more widely known internationally during the late twentieth century, partly through the work of musicians such as Huun-Huur-Tu and through international research and tours. UNESCO has recognised related throat-singing traditions in Mongolia as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
How It’s Performed
Throat singing is built on careful control of breath, vocal cords, and the resonating cavities of the throat and mouth. By tightening the vocal apparatus and shaping the mouth like a small filter, a singer can amplify particular overtones in the harmonic series above a deep drone, producing the characteristic two-tone effect.
Several distinct styles exist within the broader tradition:
- Khöömei – the central style that gives the whole tradition its name, with a relaxed, rounded tone
- Sygyt – a bright, whistle-like style with a high overtone melody
- Kargyraa – a deep, growling style that uses additional vocal resonance to produce a sound much lower than the singer’s normal voice
- Borbangnadyr and Ezengileer – stylised effects that imitate flowing water or rhythmic horse riding
Singers often combine these styles within a single performance, sometimes accompanied by the morin khuur or other traditional instruments.
Cultural Significance
Throat singing is closely tied to the natural and spiritual life of the regions where it developed. Many performers describe specific sounds as connected to particular landscapes, animals, or seasonal experiences, and the tradition has long been part of pastoral life on the steppe.
Today throat singing is taught in conservatories in Tuva and Mongolia, performed at international festivals, and incorporated into a wide range of cross-genre projects. Despite this global reach, leading practitioners often emphasise the importance of learning the underlying cultural context alongside the vocal technique itself.
Related Instruments
Where to Hear It
Recordings by Huun-Huur-Tu, Sainkho Namtchylak, Alash Ensemble, Yat-Kha, and Khusugtun give a strong introduction. Field recordings made in Tuva and Mongolia, available through Smithsonian Folkways and other ethnomusicological archives, show the tradition in its original settings.
Learning Resources
Beginners often start with simpler overtone exercises before attempting full khoomei, which requires careful control of the vocal apparatus. Workshops led by experienced Tuvan and Mongolian teachers, online video courses, and method books are increasingly available worldwide. Many teachers emphasise patience and warn against pushing the voice in ways that can cause strain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tuvan throat singing the same as Mongolian throat singing?
The traditions are closely related, with shared roots and many similar techniques, but each region has its own styles, names, and cultural associations.
How can a singer produce two pitches at once?
By shaping the mouth and throat carefully, the singer amplifies specific overtones from the natural harmonic series above a sustained low note, so that both the fundamental and a clear higher partial can be heard at the same time.
What does khöömei mean?
Khöömei (often spelled khoomei) is both the name of the broad tradition and of one of its central styles, characterised by a balanced, rounded sound.
Is throat singing safe?
When taught carefully it is considered safe, but pushing the voice without good guidance can lead to strain. Beginners are encouraged to study with experienced teachers.
Are women allowed to throat sing?
Historically, throat singing was practised mostly by men, but in recent decades a growing number of women have become respected practitioners, and the tradition continues to evolve.
