Customer Reviews

The Orphan's Lament

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am writing this to refute the previous review that called this "Mongol techno music". "Techno" would seem to hint that this is electronic music that just happens to also have Tuvan-style vocals. That is 100% not the case! The music on this cd is completely acoustic and played on traditional and non-traditional Tuvan instruments, and the previous reviewer has no familiarity with Nepalese music, because it does not sound like this, nor does this music have any rap-like qualities. I also disagree with the "official review" that called this "musically naive at first listen". There is nothing naive about the level of musicianship and/or vocal ability that the men on this cd possess.

Tuvan throat-singing is really something to behold. Whereas Tibetan Buddhist-style throat-singing seems to stop and start while already in the overtone, Tuvan throat-singing usually starts in a normal voice (one note) and then in mid note or phrase the singers will shift into the overtones, and their actual overtones sound vastly different than those of the Tibetans as well. In short, this is some of the most beautifully ethereal-yet-rustic music ever recorded.

A couple (of the many) standout tracks are STEPPE and KHOMUZ MEDLEY.

Tuvan throat-singing techniques allow a singer to sing two notes at once, a low drone and a higher melody made of the overtones of the low note. Huun-Huur-Tu specializes in old Tuvan songs that were in danger of being forgotten during the long Soviet reign. This album is an improvement over their first album, "60 Horses in My Herd", by adding Anatoli Kuular's strong tenor to the band. Kuular has the best voice I've heard in Tuvan music, and he and Kaigal-ool Khovalyg provide a great one-two punch here. My favorite song is "Aa-shuu Dekei-oo"; other highlights are the "Exile's Song" and "Agitator". Every Tuvan album includes some khomuz jaw harp, and that's usually the low point of the album for me--the medley of khomuz here is perhaps the most listenable I've heard. The instrumentation is mostly simplified variations on violins and banjos, and the playing is pretty basic.

A work of well-produced art, contemporary offerings in traditional Tuvan styles, not an ethnomusicological assay. Its 16 pieces in styles varying from unison Kargyraa chants to political songs to khomus ("Jews' harp") solos provide a tour-de-force of Tuvan styles designed for listening pleasure and wonderment. Master khoomigch Kaigal-ool Khovalyg's deeply touching igil (Tuvan viol) playing is (as on "60 Horses") a real highlight of the album. His frequent vocal solos in all styles, and those of the sweet-voiced Anatoli Kuular, joined by Mergen Mongush for one sygyt cut, help place this album among the two or three "must-have"'s for anyone who *enjoys* authentic Tuvan music.

Time and again I go back to this album. The music is uplifting, enchanting, and spiritual to me. My favorite is "Yellow Trotter" with the sounds of nature coming in a close second.

Once, years ago, I had the opportunity to see them in concert. They are delightful to see in person and at work. Hopefully they shall tour again.

A must for lovers of world music, any music, or if you have never heard music... start here.

M...

I believe the documentary Genghis Blues has largely been responsible for exposing many to Tuvan throat singing. For that I am eternally grateful. Although my hope in contemporary music has lately diminished, it has been renewed by this unlikely source.

The track "Orphan's Lament" is absolutely incredible. Whenever I play the track I can't help but be completely transfixed by the gently moving instrumentation struggling to keep the mood grounded. The vocals high and lows move one so deeply it almost becomes painful not knowing what he is singing about.

Very enjoyable CD that contains the magic of Tuva. This albulm should be added to any collection of world music. Masterful example of overtone singing where two or three notes are produced simultaneously. The focus of Huun Huur Tu music is traditional Tuvan folk songs, frequently featuring imagery of the steppes or of horses.

Also worth buying 60 Horses in My Herd: Old Songs and Tunes of Tuva

It's out there from a the perspective of a Brittany Spears world. But I find it hypnotic and fun. If you have gotten far enough into this to read the reviews, you'll probably dig it. Listen to a sample. That should tell you all you need to know.

I nominate Orphan's Lament for the national anthem of Macho-topia. The jew's harp solo was especially moving. And the throat singing transported me to another world. These guys stampede their semi-wild horses straight into your brain and kick up dust in your cerabellum.

Its like Nepalese rap music; Mongal techno. Take Gengis Kakn and throw him into the middle of the UK techno scene and this is what you might get.