In 1992 Kaigal-ool Khovalyg, Alexander Bapa, his brother Sayan Bapa, and Albert Kuvezin founded the quartet Kungurtuk, as a means of concentrating on the presentation of traditional songs of their homeland. The musicians later decided to rename the ensemble Huun-Huur-Tu. After the first album 60 Horses in my Herd (1993), Kuvezin left the band to form the more rock-oriented Yat-Kha. Kuvezin was replaced by Anatoli Kuular, who had previously worked with Khovalyg and Kongar-ool Ondar as part of the Tuva Ensemble. In 1995, Alexander Bapa, who had produced the first two albums, departed the band to pursue production as a full-time career. He was replaced by Alexei Saryglar. In 2003 Kuular quit the band and was replaced by Andrey Mongush.
The name Huun-Huur-Tu (sometimes spelled without hyphens) translates literally to "Sun Propeller," a Tuvan term referring to the special kind of light you can see streaming down through the clouds at dawn or down through densely leaved trees at noon.
The most distinctive characteristic of Huun Huur Tu's music is throat singing, in which the singers sing both the note (drone) and the drone's overtone(s), thus producing two or three notes simultaneously. The overtone may sound like a flute, whistle or bird, but is solely a product of the human voice.
The group primarily uses native Tuvan instruments such as the igil, khomus (Tuvan jaw harp), doshpuluur, and dünggür (shaman drum). However, in recent years, the group has begun to selectively incorporate western instruments, such as the guitar. While the thrust of Huun Huur Tu's music is fundamentally indigenous Tuvan folk music, they also experiment with incorporating not only Western instruments, but electronic music as well.
Their website is http://www.hhtmusic.com
Ancestors
Huun-Huur-Tu Lyrics
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Erte shagdan churtum chüve
Erig khojug sygyt khöömej
Egüür shagdan yrym chüve
Kargyraanyŋ ögbeleri
Khaja dashche khuulza-daa
Kadyg setkil ujaradyr
Kargyraalaar tölder biste
Khöömej sygyt ögbeleri
Közhee dashtar aparza-daa
Khörek chürek khajymnaldyr
Khöömejleer tölder biste
Kargyraanyŋ ögbeleri
Khaja dashche khuulza-daa
Khöömej sygyt ögbeleri
Közhee dashtar aparza-daa
Huun-Huur-Tu's song "Ancestors" is a beautiful and haunting tribute to the ancestors of the Tuvan people, who are known for their distinctive throat-singing style. The lyrics describe a ritual in which the singer honors the spirits of the ancestors through the use of various throat-singing techniques. The first verse describes the singer's preparation for the ritual, as he tunes his voice to match the sounds of the natural world around him. As he continues to sing, he becomes more and more connected to the spirits of the ancestors, until he is transported to another world.
The second and third verses describe specific throat-singing techniques that the singer uses to honor the ancestors. The kargyraa style, characterized by low growling sounds, is used to evoke the spirits of the underworld. The khöömei style, which produces a high-pitched, flute-like sound, is used to call upon the spirits of the sky. When combined, these styles create a powerful and otherworldly effect that is central to the Tuvan shamanic tradition.
Overall, "Ancestors" is a beautiful and deeply spiritual song that reflects the Tuvan people's strong connection to the natural world and their ancestors. Through their incredible vocal abilities, Huun-Huur-Tu takes us on a journey into the heart of this ancient tradition, inviting us to connect with the spirits of the past and honor their memory.
Line by Line Meaning
Enesajym Sajan Taŋdym
I call to the spirits of my ancestors
Erte shagdan churtum chüve
I gather their strength and power
Erig khojug sygyt khöömej
I sing their ancient songs and music
Egüür shagdan yrym chüve
I feel their presence and energy around me
Kargyraanyŋ ögbeleri
The deep throat singing of my ancestors
Khaja dashche khuulza-daa
Echoing across the steppes and mountains
Kadyg setkil ujaradyr
It touches my soul deeply
Kargyraalaar tölder biste
Their spirit continues to live on
Khöömej sygyt ögbeleri
The throat singing of my ancestors
Közhee dashtar aparza-daa
Rising up into the heavens
Khörek chürek khajymnaldyr
It fills my heart with joy and wonder
Khöömejleer tölder biste
Their music lives on through me
Kargyraanyŋ ögbeleri
The deep throat singing of my ancestors
Khaja dashche khuulza-daa
Echoing across the steppes and mountains
Khöömej sygyt ögbeleri
The throat singing of my ancestors
Közhee dashtar aparza-daa
Rising up into the heavens
Contributed by Nathan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Smiljana
on Saryglarlar
by the Tambourine Boulders.
Dismounted people get held up,
because of the beauty of Saryglarlar maidens.
Travelers slow down by the Shangyr place.
They are slowed down
by the beauty of Saryglarlar maidens.
Noble bandits at the amazing Khovuzhuk place.
The Part of my soul it's this song
Hoping to Learn
on Exile's Song
I appreciate the translation very much, thank you. It’s been hard to find any english lyrics.