Musical Trip

For my musical trip I took a journey to Mongolia to explore the style of music known as Khoomei, or Mongolian throat singing. Khoomei is an enthralling technique of singing that combines usually a single instrument, most commonly the Morin Khuur (horse head fiddle), with multiple vocal pitches created by one singer. The harmonics created by the lone singer are hypnotizing, creating a trance like atmosphere. 

This music is used for many things such as luring animals, summoning spirits, and even as lullabies for their babies. Khoomei is a bridge, connecting the people, animals, land, and spirits of the environment. 

Below are two examples of Khoomei music. 

Chinggis khaanii Magtaal - Batzorig Vaanchig

Su-Ren Jiabu

I believe this music fits perfect with the sprawling landscape of Mongolia, the harmonics mimicking natural elements as they roll across valleys and echo off of jagged cliff walls. It really makes me feel the deep sense of connection that the people of Mongolia have with the land that provides them with life. 

References

Battushig Bars, "The Khuumii: Mongolian Throat Singing as An Extraordinary Vocal Technique", https://www.mongolianz.com/post/2020/04/25/the-khuumii-mongolian-throat-singing-as-an-extraordinary-vocal-technique/, posted April 25, 2020. 

Encyclopedia Britannica, "Throat-singing", https://www.britannica.com/art/gymel, accessed on March 20, 2024. 

Evolution of the Mandolin

Hello everyone and welcome to my blog about a musical evolution that is is very special to me. Today I want to talk about the evolution of the Mandolin, how it evolved from the Mandora and how it has impacted music since it's evolution. 

Today's Mandolin is a member of the Lute family and is believed to have evolved from the Mandora sometime around the 18th century. The Mandora was a very popular instrument across Europe as it was known to be a good instrument for beginners. Because of this, people of all backgrounds were able to enjoy the sounds of the Mandora. As people traveled across Europe, they brought their instruments with them, evolving the sound and shape. And then in Italy around the 19th century, the Mandolin was born. 

The Mandolin was developed even further when it was brought to America. Bill Monroe brought much popularity to the Mandolin in the 1920's when he began playing the instrument for his Bluegrass group. 

Below is a video of what you might have heard from a Mandora performer if you were in Europe in the 17th Century. 

Mandora - Renaissance

While it is a very pleasant instrument to hear, it feels fairly simple, and easy to follow. But it easy to be enjoyed and would pair nice with a calm atmosphere.

Next I want to show you how the Mandolin has evolved to become a vibrant and expressive instrument. Though it is small is very capable of producing strong tones and being very dynamic. 

Grasstowne - In The Pines

As you could hear, this Mandolin player has taken the Mandolin to new heights, hitting a wider variety of Chords as well as having a more intense Dynamic than the Mandoras of old. These two elements I believe have been impacted the most. Because of this I believe that the evolution was a step forward, greatly improving the sounds and experience of the Mandolin. 

References

Georgia Pick and Bow, "The History of the Mandolin". https://www.georgiapickandbow.org/history-of-mandolin/. Accessed March 4 2024.

Encyclopedia Britannica, "Mandolin". https://www.britannica.com/art/bandurria. Accessed March 4 2024. 

ArtistWorks, "A Mandolin By Any Other Name: Ancient Origins". https://my.artistworks.com/blog/mandolin-any-other-name-ancient-origins. Accessed March 4 2024.