Deep in the Heart of Tuva, with Book [Hardcover]

Ralph Leighton (Author)

Book Description

Series: Deep in the Heart of Tuva | Publication Date: June 1996

In Siberia in the mountain steppes above the border of Mongolia lies Tuva, an isolated country of herdsmen and shepherds. Among them are exquisitely talented musicians who can sing two notes at once, producing powerful overtones, like whistling wind or a great storm. This recording showcases the main styles of Tuvan throat singing as well as the embellishments on those techniques.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Ellipse (June 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559613246
• ISBN-13: 978-1559613248
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,450,672 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good insight into Tuvan music, both traditional and modern, October 31, 1997

By 

[e-mail] (Anchorage, Alaska) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Deep in the Heart of Tuva, with Book (Hardcover)

Although I prefer The Orphan's Lament by Huun Huur Tu, Deep in the Heart of Tuva provides much more information on Tuvan culture and the background of Tuvan music than does any other Tuvan CD. The accompanying book is very nicely done but the section on how throat-singing is accomplished could be better executed (although currently I know of nothing better). This CD is not traditional although it features several traditional numbers--it also has several numbers which show clearly how Tuvans (and non-Tuvans as well) are blending traditional elements with western influences to create results that can appeal to both cultures. If you want to hear true mastery get The Orphan's Lament; if you want a good overview and are not familiar with Tuvan music this is the CD for you.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best available intro to Tuvan music - if you can find it, September 27, 2002

By 

woburnmusicfan (Woburn, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Deep in the Heart of Tuva, with Book (Hardcover)

I've got several CDs of Tuvan music, and this one is the best introduction for someone new to the subject. Tuva is a small region in Russian Asia, nestled in the mountains between Siberia and Mongolia. Herders who got bored spending their days in the countryside on horseback developed throat-singing, in which a singer can sing two notes at once, a low drone and a higher melody. The high part is produced from the overtones of the low note. The style began with a cappella singing, then was extended to include music on banjo- and violin-like instruments, with a rhythm like American cowboy music. This CD includes plenty of songs by Kongar-ool Ondar and Kaigal-ool Khovalyg, two of the first Tuvans to tour America. There are several examples of various styles of hoomei (the Tuvan word for throat-singing--the English spelling of this and ALL Tuvan words varies from album to album), including by an 11-year-old student of Ondar's. There are examples of modern variations on Tuvan music, including the title track from the "Fly, Fly My Sadness" collaboration album between Tuvan group Huun-Huur-Tu and the Bulgarian women's choir Angelite. And there is Paul Pena, the blind American blues singer (and writer of Steve Miller's "Jet Airliner") who learned throat-singing on his own and won an award at a Tuvan throat-singing festival, as chronicled in the Oscar-nominated documentary "Genghis Blues". (The CD suggests that it includes a live version of Pena's award-winning performance, but doesn't explain how he could be playing two guitars at once.) My only complaint with the CD is that there is too much of Mikhail Alperin's Tuvan-Russian hybrid projects (4 tracks), and not enough traditional Tuvan songs done with instruments, especially the banjo-like doshpuluur. A perfect Tuvan compilation would include the caravan-drivers' song ("Tying Siirtuktiilerining Iri") and "Ches Bulungum"; for those, look for the CD "Tuva: Voices from the Land of the Eagles".

What makes this CD a better choice than "Land of the Eagles" is the 64-page book on Tuva that is included in the "Deep in the Heart" package. It provides an introduction to Tuvan history and culture, important notes on cuisine (like a recipe for blood sausage, and how to prepare and serve the honored dish "Fat of Lamb's Tail"), and simple explanations of how to throat-sing. For example, to perform the whistling sound of the sygyt style of hoomei, put your mouth in the position to make the sound "ur" as in "urn", tighten your throat, and do a Kermit the Frog impersonation as you sing "ur-ee, ur-ee". Now go practice.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You have to hear it to believe it., July 26, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Deep in the Heart of Tuva, with Book (Hardcover)

After reading the Feynman/Leighton books, especially Tuva or Bust, this CD/book is a must. Tuvan throat singing has to be heard to be believed. It's actually beautiful when you become used to it. It is a wonderful companion to the Ralph Leighton's Tuva or Bust book. Reading the book first helps you appreciate this CD/book. I play it for my students. In 5 years, I have never heard a negative comment about the Feynman/Leighton books being required reading in my courses. (My courses are in finance)