Materials
epic song
ICH Materials 27
Videos
(3)-
Aitysh/Aitys, art of improvisation
Aitys is a contest centred on improvised oral poetry spoken or sung to the accompaniment of traditional musical instruments – the Kazakh dombra. Two performers (akyns) compete with one other to improvise verses on topical themes in a battle of wits that alternates between humorous ripostes and penetrating philosophical reflections. During the competition, the performers sit opposite one another improvising a dialogue on topics chosen by the audience. The winner is the performer considered to have demonstrated the best musical skills, rhythm, originality, resourcefulness, wisdom and wit. The most meaningful and witty expressions often become popular sayings. The element is practiced on a variety of occasions, ranging from local festivities to nationwide events, where practitioners often use the contest to raise important social issues. Although it was traditionally performed only by men, many women now participate in Aitys and use the contest to express women’s aspirations and viewpoints.
Kazakhstan -
Traditional music of the Morin khuur
Mongols have traditionally shown a great respect for the horse, honoring it in their national standards and symbols (flags and emblems) and in their folk songs. Morin khuur clearly belongs to this symbolic tradition. Morin khuur, so named for the ornamental horse-head carving at the top of its neck, is a unique two-stringed musical instrument developed by the nomadic Mongols. The strings of both the bow and fiddle are made from the hair of a horse’s tail. Most significantly, there is a tradition of playing the morin khuur at all ritual and ceremonial events. No discussion of the morin khuur would be complete without having considered the folk ‘long song’, for which it provides the principal accompaniment. Besides Bii Biylgee and folk long song, many other folk artistic forms such as Ülger (tales), Tuuli (epic), Yörööl (benediction), Magtaal (ode) and others can always be performed with morin khuur.
Mongolia -
Nepal's Hereditary Musician Castes_Shree Krishna Ko Gatha
Nepal's Hereditary Musician Castes_Shree Krishna Ko Gatha\n\nPerformer: Hum Bahadur Gandharva\nDate of Recording: 1992\nCaste: Gandharva\nCollector: Ram Prasak Kadel\n\nThe late Hum Bahadur 'Huni Maya' Gandharva was a very famous saarangi player and singer from Tansen in the Palpa District in the Lumbini zone of west Nepal. In this video recording, he sings about the epic of Lord Krisha. People of the Gandharva caste perform this song while visiting houses in the morning. It is believed that the song is sacred and brings well-being and prosperity to the family.\nInstrument: saarangi
Nepal 1992