History
Austrian Yodel
Traditional Austrian Yodel originates from the European country of Austria. Because of its mountainous landscape, yodeling became an essential part of Austrian culture in order to communicate in the vast, echoing regions. Austria's pastoral culture also influenced this form of communication to not only yodeling between herders and travelers, but also between the herder and his cattle or other livestock.
This vocal style has since become a part of Austria's musical culture with yodeling festivals and events being organized annually to recognize and conserve this traditional method of singing. |
Tibetan Overtone Chant
Tibetan overtone chant, or throat-singing, is an essential component of Tibetan Buddhism. According to legend, in 1433, a Tibetan monk known as lama Je Tzong Sherab Senge had a spiritual dream in which he experienced a sound unlike any he had ever heard. The sound began as a deep, low drone and was then accompanied by a higher, second voice. The combination of these two voices originated from lama Je Tzong Sherab Senge alone.
This dream inspired him to begin what is now considered "Tibetan Throat-Singing". Tibetan monks use this style of singing to chant prayers in direct relation to the ancient Buddhist texts. The most impressive chantmasters can achieve three distinct notes at the same time by manipulating their vocal chords. Religiously, the chants allow the monk to connect and unite with a deity or spirit(s) in nature. It is thus claimed by the monks that their bodies are simply the vehicles for the voices of the deities. Overtone chant is often accompanied with the ritual of meditation. |