Mongolian Instruments Contain remarkable strings and hauntingly beautiful shelled instruments
Mongolian I nstuments
There are several different types of instruments that are very influential in Mongolian society. Instruments range from string instruments to horns, and mix to create a sound that is uniquely Mongolian.
Horse-head FiddleThe horse-head fiddle or Morin Khuur is the most widely used and popular instrument in Mongolia. It has two strings, and is played with a bow made from dried sheep or mountain goat ligaments. The body of the instrument is made from wood, and at the head is a carved head of the horse, which is the most important animal in Mongolian society. The sound that the instrument makes uses polyphonic melodies often used in both the Long and Short songs, and is played at a wide range of events and celebrations.
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Yatga The Yatga is a harp-like instrument, that is made up of a large rectangular wood frame that is slightly curved to the ground. It is played with the upper part on the instrumentalists lap, and the bottom resting on the ground. Different models range in number or strings from 21 to 10. The hollow body of the instrument allows for the volume to be amplified. To play the instrument, musicians pluck the strings, to create a smooth sound. The Yatga is considered to be very valuable, and therefore was most played by people of stature, and very little by shepherds.
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