The music of Central Asia is as vast and unique as the many cultures and peoples who inhabit the region. Principal instrument types are two- or three-stringed lutes, the necks either fretted or fretless; fiddles made of horsehair; flutes, mostly open at both ends and either end-blown or side-blown; and jaw harps, mostly metal. Percussion instruments include frame drums, tambourines, and kettledrums. Instrumental polyphony is achieved primarily by lutes and fiddles.
Use of the bowed string is thought to originate with nomads who mainly used the snake-skin, covered horsetail-bowed lute. In Mongolia instruments like the Morin khuur or horse-head fiddle survive today.
The spike fiddle is widespread in the Gobi areas of central Mongolia and among Eastern Mongols, the Khuuchir and Dorvon Chikhtei Khuur being a two and four stringed spiked fiddle respectively. The resonator can be cylindrical or polygonal and made of either wood or metal. The face is covered with sheep or snakeskin with the belly or back left open to act as the sound hole. The strings are either gut or metal and are pulled towards the shaft (spike) by a loop of string and metal ring midway between the tuning pegs and the body. A horse-hair bow is threaded between the strings which are tuned a fifth apart. The Darhats of Hövsgöl province, north-west Mongolia, call it hyalgasan huur, and by predominantly female ensemble-performers. The 12th-century Yüan-Shih describes the two-string fiddle, xiqin, bowed with a piece of bamboo between the strings, used by Mongols. During the Manchu dynasty, a similar two-string instrument bowed with a horsehair bow threaded between the strings was used in Mongolian music.
The khuuchir is tuned in the interval of a fifth and is small or middle sized, has a small, cylindrical, square or cup-like resonator made of bamboo, wood or copper, covered with snake skin, through which is passed a wooden spike. The neck is inserted in the body of the instrument.A bridge, standing on the skin table, supports two gut or steel strings, which pass up the rounded, fretless neck to two posterior pegs and down to the bottom, where they are attached to the spike protruding from the body. A small metal ring, attached to a loop of string tied to the neck, pulls the strings towards it and can be adjusted to alter the pitch of the open strings, usually tuned to a 5th. The thick, bass string is situated to the left of the thin, high string in frontal aspect. The bow's horsetail hair is inseparably interlaced with the strings.
Other similar instruments have two courses of two silk strings, the first and the third tonic, the second and fourth at the upper fifth. On four-string types, the bow hair is divided into two strands, one fixed between the first and second strings, the other between the third and fourth. Chikhtei means "ear" in Mongolian so the name of the instrument there also translates as “four eared” instrument.
The Buryat huchir is mostly made of wood rather than metal. Buryats use silk or metal strings, tuned in fifths; in the case of the four-string instrument. The huchir is related to the Mongolian huuchir.
The musician rests the body of the instrument on the left upper thigh, close to the belly, with the table directed diagonally across the body and the neck leaning away. The thumb of the left hand rests upright along the neck of the instrument. Horsehairs of the arched, bamboo bow are divided into two sections so that one section passes over the bass string and the other over the top string. The bow is held underhand with a loose wrist. The index finger rests on the wood, and the bow hairs pass between middle and ring finger to both regulate the tension of the hairs and direct them. To sound the thick string one has to pull one section of bow hairs with the ring finger, and to sound the thin string, to push the other section. Strings are touched lightly on top by the fingertips. In modern ensemble orchestras, there are small-, medium- and large-sized huchir.
Ancestors
Huun-Huur-Tu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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.
@7emek
I tried to translate this epic song to English for foreigners as much as I can (Some parts cannot be translated due to cultural and grammatical factors),
My Yenisei [river], My Sayan-Tandy!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
From ages my homeland is still alive [still being, still a thing]
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Melted and gentle sygyt-khomeii
Ahooy! Ahooy!
From the early ages my song is still alive
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
The ancestors of khomeii-sygyt
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Even if it becomes moving stone
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
My heart is worried
Ahooy! Ahooy!
The Khomeiis, children as we,
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
**
Ooy!
The ancestors of Kargyraa
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Even if it changes to rock and stone.
Ahooy! Ahooy!
The strong thoughts are sorrowful [worried]
Ahooy! Ahooy!
The Kargyraas, children as we.
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Ooy!
** and the Tuvan lyrics **
Ene-Saiym, Sayan-Tangdym,
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Egiir shagdan churtum chueve,
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Erig, hoyug sygyt-hoomei,
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Erte shagdan yrym chuve,
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Hoomey-sygyt oegbeleri
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Koeshke-dashtar aparza-daa
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Hoerek-chuereem kuyumnaldyr
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Hoomeyleer toelder bis-le,
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
*
Eey!
Kargyraanyng oegbeleri
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Haya-dashche huulza-daa.
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Kadyg setkil kuyumnaldyr
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Kargyraalaar toelder bis-le.
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
@YasarKESKINN
Yenisayım, Sayan, Tandım
Erte şagdan curdum cüve
Eriig-koyuug sıgıt, hömey
Egür şagdan ırım cüve
Hömey sıgıt ögbenleri
Köşe daştar aparsa da
Körek jürek kayumnaldır
Kargıralar tölder bizde
Kargıranın ögbenleri
Kaya daşe kuulsa da
Kadık setkil uyaradır
Kargıralar tölder bizde
@yusufccgl
@@mutlubadem
Yeniseyim, Sayan Tandım!
Erken çağlardan yurdum ayakta!
Eriyip koyulaşıp sıgıt kömey,
Akar çağlardan türkülerim ayakta!
Kargıranın ataları
Kayaya taşa koyulsa da,
Üzüntüden uzak tutan
Kömeyler çoğalır bizle.
Kömey Sigit ataları
Köşe taşlarında aparsa da
Sandık yürekte kalırlar
Kömeyler dölverir bizle.
Kargıranın ataları
Kayaya taşa konulsa da,
Kömey Sigit ataları
Köşe taşlarında aparsa da.
@mihadono
ANCESTORS
Enesajym Sajan Taŋdym
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
ANCESTRAIS
O rio Yenisey, a cordilheira Sayan e a cordilheira Tandym,
nossos territórios ancestrais, ainda vivem.
O suave canto Sygyt e o elevado canto Khöömei,
os cantos de nosso povo, ainda vivem.
Os ancestrais de nosso canto Kargyraa
há muito se tornaram lápides na estepe.
Mas dentre nós ainda há pessoas
que entoam o canto Kargyraa.
Os ancestrais do canto Khöömei e do canto Sygyt
há muito se tornaram lápides na estepe.
Mas nossos corações fervilham
pois dentre nós ainda há pessoas
que entoam o canto Khöömei.
Os ancestrais de nosso canto Kargyraa
há muito se tornaram lápides na estepe.
Os ancestrais do canto Khöömei e do canto Sygyt
há muito se tornaram lápides na estepe.
ANCESTORS
The Yenisey river, the Sayan mountains and the Tandym mountains
our ancient places are still living.
The soft Sygyt chant and the soulful Khöömei chant
the ancient songs of our people are still living.
The ancestors of our Kargyraa chant
long ago became gravestones on the steppe.
But among us still there are people
who sing Kargyraa chant.
The ancestors of the Khöömei chant and the Sygyt chant
long ago became gravestones on the steppe.
But our hearts boil
cause among us still there are people
who sing the Khöömei chant.
The ancestors of our Kargyraa chant
long ago became gravestones on the steppe.
The ancestor of the Khöömei chant and the Sygyt chant
long ago became gravestones on the steppe.
@erdal44x
antepassados
Atalar
Eu sou novo, estou cansado!
Eu tenho uma casa desde cedo!
Ela se dissolve e escurece
Minhas almas turcas estão de pé na lua!
Os ancestrais do Kargir
Mesmo que a rocha esteja em pedra,
Fique longe da tristeza
Os núcleos nos multiplicam.
Antepassados de Kömey Sigit
Também na pedra angular
A arca permanece no coração
Kömeyler nos fertilizará.
Os ancestrais do Kargir
Mesmo que seja colocado na pedra,
Antepassados de Kömey Sigit
Também na pedra angular.
@cpegg5840
You can feel and hear the spirits of the ancestors in this music.
@rowdytaylor3666
💯💯💯
@fabiocuccu3689
I remember when I heard this live once, in a special place in Sardinia. You could really feel it in the air, even friends who don't believe in spirits could tell there's was like a force in the wind, so strong and beautiful. The nature surrounding reacted just like the ancestors were answering the call, and it felt like there was a crowd, but it was not us the audience. Hard to explain but you can feel it in the music...
@xlarge7370
Ancestors Göktürks salute
@7emek
I tried to translate this epic song to English for foreigners as much as I can (Some parts cannot be translated due to cultural and grammatical factors),
My Yenisei [river], My Sayan-Tandy!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
From ages my homeland is still alive [still being, still a thing]
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Melted and gentle sygyt-khomeii
Ahooy! Ahooy!
From the early ages my song is still alive
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
The ancestors of khomeii-sygyt
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Even if it becomes moving stone
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
My heart is worried
Ahooy! Ahooy!
The Khomeiis, children as we,
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
**
Ooy!
The ancestors of Kargyraa
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Even if it changes to rock and stone.
Ahooy! Ahooy!
The strong thoughts are sorrowful [worried]
Ahooy! Ahooy!
The Kargyraas, children as we.
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Ooy!
** and the Tuvan lyrics **
Ene-Saiym, Sayan-Tangdym,
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Egiir shagdan churtum chueve,
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Erig, hoyug sygyt-hoomei,
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Erte shagdan yrym chuve,
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Hoomey-sygyt oegbeleri
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Koeshke-dashtar aparza-daa
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Hoerek-chuereem kuyumnaldyr
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Hoomeyleer toelder bis-le,
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
*
Eey!
Kargyraanyng oegbeleri
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Haya-dashche huulza-daa.
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Kadyg setkil kuyumnaldyr
Ahooy! Ahooy!
Kargyraalaar toelder bis-le.
Eey!
Ahooy! Ahooy!
@birbir31
Thanks so very much is there any way to get more accurate translations? You made my day!
@7emek
birbir31 You're welcome) By the way like idioms cannot be translated into another language, some parts like strong thoughts are sorrowful actually does not mean anything in English. We, as a human, can be sorrowful not thoughts in English but in Turkic that usage has a meaning. When I said some parts cannot be translated, I was talking about this. Have a good day:)
@nayannbg6314
hiç thank you for the effort you have put into it☺️genuinely beautiful to listen to it relating to the lyrics I can understand🙏
@balazskiss985
great, greatings from hungary-kangaria-khongoroj, gyi
@zhadraaldiayrova8506
Тәңіріміз қолдасын!!!!!!!!!