Traditional music
Nothing is more symbolic of Mongolian music than the throat singing called khöömei or khoomi (literally meaning "throat singing"). This diphonic song based on a "drone" is produced by the larynx and consists of two simultaneous sounds, one low-pitched, a kind of bass accompaniment, the other very high-pitched, like a slightly nasal whistle. Once an essential tool in shamanic ceremonies, this true vocal performance is still very common today during celebrations of all kinds. It is now accompanied by instruments such as the khomus (a jew's harp) and the morin khuur
(the horse-headed fiddle emblematic of Mongolian music). The style has been listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2009 and has a few stars: Khusugtun, who has performed all over the world, Dandarvaanchig Enkhjargal, who is also very well known among world music lovers, and Egschiglen, who plays traditional Mongolian music in a chamber music format.Although khöömei
has long been a male preserve, female performers are increasingly visible and groups such as Tyva Kyzy, composed exclusively of women, are gaining notoriety.The association of diphonic songs with morin khuur can also be found in the music of the Buryat people (a very important Mongolian ethnic group in Siberia), usually with the addition of chanza
, a plucked string instrument. Namgar, a true ambassador of this tradition, as well as Aleksander Arkhintcheev are undoubtedly the leading artists to listen to in order to taste the beauty of Buryat music.The Tuvans, a Siberian Turkic ethnic group (in the Tuva region), also present in Mongolia, are another great khöömei people. Among the latter, we find some masters of the discipline such as Kongar-ool Ondar and Huun-Huur-Tu, two absolute references to be listened to without fail, as well as the Alas Ensemble, very influenced by the first two. It is also among the Tuvan people that we find artists experimenting with more contemporary or less conventional forms: the singer Sainkho Namtchylak, who mixes classical, jazz and khöömei , or the group Yat-Kha, which practices khööömei
in a punk, rock or metal style.Long songs or urtiin duu are one of the oldest and most important forms of Mongolian singing. Essentially vocal - although they can sometimes be accompanied by instruments - these songs are distinguished by the vocal modulations of syllables that the author must hold as long as possible (hence the name). In these songs ornamentation abounds and their composition is free. In its ascending phase, the melody is calm and measured while during the descending phase, it is more jerky and catchy. Still adored in Mongolian society, this form of expression remains associated with important celebrations and holidays: weddings, births, etc. Bukhchuluun Ganburged, also known as Bukhu, is considered a virtuoso of the long song (as well as the khöömei and morin khuur ). The iconic singer Namjilyn Norovbanzad was also a true queen ofurtiin duu
.In contrast to the long songs, there are... short songs (or bogino duu)! Here the rhythm is rather lively and the tunes are accompanied by instruments. Then, in another register, we also practice in Mongolia epic songs called tuul. Reserved for men, unlike short or long songs, they are written in verse and are sung to the sound of the moriin khuur. Two categories of epic songs can be distinguished: the domog, inspired by legends or historical accounts, and the magtaal
, which most often sing the praise of nature. There is no shortage of opportunities or places to get up close and personal with the Mongolian musical tradition. Celebrations such as Navrus, the spring festival, for example, are full of it. Otherwise, the Tumen Ekh theater is the place to be. It offers a wide range of traditional Mongolian performing arts almost daily. Dances with masks, contortionists, orchestra composed exclusively of traditional instruments and khöömei singers follow one another, to the delight of an audience mostly composed of foreigners. Otherwise, it is worth noting that the Silk Road Bazaar restaurant offers concerts from time to time in the first floor room.Classical music
As in almost all the countries of the former Soviet Union, Mongolia cultivated a rich scholarly music scene during the second half of the 20th century. Thus, many composers were able to gain national recognition (as long as they remained faithful to the doxa of Soviet realism) and a few Mongolian symphonies and ballets came into being.
The three pillars of composition are Gonchigsumlaa, Choidog and Mördorj, a trio strongly influenced by the works of Tchaikovsky and Mahler. The first, Sembiin Gonchigsumlaa (1915-1991) was widely considered one of the greatest contributors to modern national music, including being the first to compose a Mongolian ballet. The second, Eregzengiin Choidog (1926-1988), is still regarded as a major contributor to the Mongolian music scene with his overture Friendship. The latter was composed in 1962 for the USSR Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra, and his ballet The Tale of Lady Choijid
is considered one of the pillars of Mongolian lyrical theater. Finally, the third, Luvsanjambyn Mördorj (1919-1996), is best known as the composer of the Mongolian national anthem. At the same time, Bilegiin Damdinsüren (1919-1992) also made national history by composing operas that incorporated traditional folk melodies. Following in his footsteps, the prolific Byambasuren Sharav (1952-2019) composed several concertos for Mongolian folk instruments, as well as three symphonies and four ballets. The country has a National Symphony Orchestra, established on June 5, 1957 - making it one of the oldest in Asia - which can be seen at the State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet. Built in 1932, the place remains one of the cultural highlights of the Mongolian capital, with opera and ballet performances every weekend throughout the year, as well as during the week in the summer.Current music
It is a little known fact outside the country, but the young creation of Ulaanbaatar is absolutely flourishing. That said, although the country is full of young artists, few of them have the opportunity to be exported and remain confined to a local audience.
A small specificity that gives this scene a unique flavor, most of the young artists are very attached to their roots and include traditional Mongolian tunes or instruments. This is the case of Enji in jazz (young artist to watch closely), Lumino in hip hop, Altan Urag or Soyol Erdene, two veteran rock bands, full of Mongolian influences. Go and listen to The HU or Nine Treasures, metal played with morin khuur
and inviting Mongolian poetry in the lyrics. , which usually takes place in July, has become the annual meeting point for Mongolian youth. For jazz, a good address in the capital is the Face Disco Club, an upscale club offering concerts on weekends and, in general, a rather western music.The dance
The Bielgee Dance. The bielgee dance is a particularly lively tradition in the west of the country. It is often accompanied by melodies played on the moriin khuur or yootchin. It is a dance in which the feet remain motionless and only the upper body is in motion. The dance is similar to a pantomime, since it represents scenes of daily life. The themes are often imposed, but the dancer improvises her movements. Slight variations of this dance can be spotted according to the ethnic groups: some dance squatting, others standing..
Religious dances. Religious dances are probably the most known, thanks to the tsam dances, recently rehabilitated in the country. These are religious rituals which put on stage the Buddhist teachings in a mixture of theater and dance. The tsam dances are particularly impressive, thanks to their rich costumes. Some performances required up to 108 different characters and costumes.
Contortionists. Mongolia is also the country of contortionists. This traditional discipline still gives rise to frequent performances, in Mongolia but also much abroad. This technique is recognized by UNESCO as cultural heritage.
