The long song is a highly TECHNICAL piece to perform and is highly demanding on the singer
THe long SOng
The Long Song is used in celebrations and festivals and is honoured in Mongolian society. It is often performed at births of children, weddings, the initiation of new homes and religious matters in nomadic communities. The long song or Urtiin Duu contains 32 verses that are sang in chant form, with a highly accessorized melody. The lyrics give praise for various natural qualities in a nomadic community including the mountains, rivers and steppe, as well as gratitude for friends and family members. It also includes reflections on human destiny.
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The song is sung using a variety of techniques. The melody is slow buildings and goes through many peaks and falls, imitating life in the grasslands, as well as nomadic lifestyle. Like all other Mongolian music, it uses the pentatonic scale. It is unique through its harmonies and unique utilization of the throat. Urtiin Duu is often sung by a women, with multiple instruments in the background including the morin khuur, or horse head violin, and is performed in elaborate costumes.
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