Khöndergey

Tuvan folk refers to the traditional music of Tuva (a republic in southern Siberia, today within Russia), best known for its overtone or throat-singing techniques (khöömei) alongside small ensemble instrumental traditions. Distinctive vocal styles such as sygyt (whistle-like overtones), khoomei (soft, breathy overtone singing), and kargyraa (deep, growling undertones) mimic the sounds of wind, rivers, and animal calls, reflecting an animistic worldview and a close relationship with the steppe and mountain environment. Instrumentation commonly includes the igil (two‑string horsehead fiddle), doshpuluur (plucked lute), byzaanchy (spiked fiddle), shoor (end‑blown flute), and khomus (jaw harp), as well as frame and shamanic drums. Musically, Tuvan folk emphasizes drones, sustained fundamentals with shifting overtones, pentatonic and modal melodies, and cyclical ostinatos. Performances range from solo singer‑instrumentalists to small ensembles and can accompany ritual, herding, storytelling, and celebration.