Language/Halh-mongolian/Culture/Traditional-Music

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Halh Mongolian → Culture → 0 to A1 Course → Mongolian Music and Arts → Traditional Music

Traditional music is an important part of Mongolian culture dating back centuries. It is a mode of celebrating heritage and passing down tradition through the generations. The techniques and styles of traditional Mongolian music are unique and often sound incredibly different from music found in more western cultures. In this lesson, we'll dive into some of the key instruments and styles found in traditional Mongolian music.

Take some time to dive into these other pages after completing this lesson: Modern Music and Dance & Cultural Diversity and Identity.

The Morin Khuur

The morin khuur is a unique and national musical instrument of Mongolia, also known as the horsehead fiddle, made primarily from wood and horsehair. It has two strings that are tuned among a variety of harmonics, while the body of the instrument is often carved to resemble the shape of a horse head. The morin khuur is a crucial instrument in traditional Mongolian music, often a main feature in songs.

Here are some common terminologies in Mongolian related to the Morin Khuur:

Halh Mongolian	Pronunciation	English Translation
Морин хуур	Morin khuur	Horsehead fiddle
Өмөө	Ömöö	Bow
Нуурийн хонхой	Nuuriin khonkhoi	Horse's head scroll

Throat Singing

Also known as Khoomei, throat singing is a traditional Mongolian musical style where one person produces multiple pitches simultaneously with the aid of how they manipulate their vocal cords. Mongolian throat singing has its roots in the herding and hunting cultures of Central Asia, with the practice being developed as a way of expressing and celebrating the beauty of natural landscapes around them. It is a stunning and unique musical expression and is often improvised to add to the artistic value of the songs.

Here are some common terminologies in Mongolian related to Throat Singing:

Halh Mongolian	Pronunciation	English Translation
Хөөмий	Khöömi	Throat singing
Хоомийн сонгууль	Khoomei songuul	Throat singing style
Угайгаа эрнэ	Ugaigaa erne	Vibration of the larynx

Other Instruments

Other musical instruments commonly utilized in Mongolian traditional music include:

Ih Khuur (jaw harp)
Shudraga (guitar)
Tobshuur (a type of lute)
Tsuur (flute made from wood or bamboo)
Limbe (flute with reed)
Tovshuur (yoochin - a two-stringed plucked lute)

Here are some common terminologies in Mongolian related to Other Instruments:

Halh Mongolian	Pronunciation	English Translation
Их хуур	Ih khuur	Jaw harp
Шүдрэгэ	Shudraga	Guitar
Тобшуур	Tobshuur	A type of lute
Цуур	Tsuur	Flute made from wood or bamboo
Лимбэ	Limbe	Flute with reed
Товшуур	Tovshuur	Yoochin - a type of two-stringed plucked lute

Performance

Traditional Mongolian music is often performed in combination with dance. Mongolian folk dance is a crucial component of Mongolian traditional music that adds to the overall artistry and ambiance of the performance. It is common for performers to wear decorative costumes adorned with traditional symbols and designs. These costumes are often made from silk and are embellished with intricate embroidery.

Here are some common terminologies in Mongolian related to Performance:

Halh Mongolian	Pronunciation	English Translation
Угаалга	Ugallga	Cleanliness
Аюулгүй байдал	Ayuulgui baidal	Stability of the intonation
Хөгжмийн баг	Khögdumyin bag	Dance troupe
Үг	Üg	Lyrics
Толгой	Tolgoi	Chorus

Traditional Mongolian music is a significant part of Mongolian culture that has been passed down through the generations. It is a unique and breathtaking art form that showcases the beauty and diversity of Mongolia's cultural heritage. Its impact reaches far beyond its country borders and has even gained attention overseas.

Table of Contents - Halh Mongolian Course - 0 to A1

Course Presentation

Introduction to the Halh Mongolian Alphabet

Basic Greetings and Expressions

Nouns and Pronouns

Numbers and Time

Verbs and Tenses

Family and Relationships

Adjectives and Adverbs

Food and Dining

Prepositions and Conjunctions

Travel and Transportation

Mongolian Customs and Traditions

Weather and Seasons

Mongolian Music and Arts

Traditional Music
Visual Arts

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