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Musical Elements
Tibetan Chant |
Austrian Yodel |
-Melody
The melody in this extract is difficult to analyze due to its unique vocal dimensions. Both chanters use the technique of Tibetan throat-singing which enables them to sound more than one note at the same time. The melody in this piece is mainly a meditative drone with some guttural slides as the vocalists stop to breathe and refocus their overtone chanting. The chant follows what is most likely a religious mantra with the changes in intonation of the vowels. -Harmony/Texture The harmony in this piece is created not between the two vocalists but within each individual voice. This creates the guttural and resonant texture behind overtone chant. The deep vocal tones combine between the vocalists in matching pulse and resonance which creates a deep, meditative theme throughout the piece. -Style This duo follows the style of traditional Tibetan overtone chant. This is created by the meditative resonance of the multi-noted sounds from each chanter. -Meter This piece does not follow any specific meter or rhythm. The melody is free flowing and natural following only the needs of the chanter to stop for breath. -Medium The medium of this musical piece is a vocal duet. There are no other instruments or other forms of accompaniment. -Form This piece is performed in the form of a vocal duet. However, both vocalists contribute to the same melody and harmony as if it were performed by only one chanter. -Context This chant most likely follows an ancient and sacred Buddhist mantra or text that would be used to facilitate meditation or a spiritual connection with a deity or other Buddhist monks. |
-Melody
The melody in this piece is carried at first through a call and response that transitions into a section of harmony between the duet. In traditional yodeling style, the melody jumps from chest voice to head voice using the epiglottal stop to transition between the two. -Harmony/Texture The call and response introduction to the vocal piece creates a light, airy texture to the melody. This texture carries throughout the entire piece even with the harmony of the two voices at the song's conclusion. This harmony is homophonic between the two yodelers and is created by an interval of a major third. The arpeggiated style of the melody also carries into the harmony. -Style This extract originates from traditional Austrian Yodel. Particularly from the Austrian Almschrei or "cry of the alpine pastures." The style throughout the piece follows the melody's arpeggiated skips and light texture. -Meter The vocals in this piece are of free flowing nature with no distinct rhythm. In correspondence to traditional Austrian yodel, the meter is typically triple within a major key. -Medium The medium of this musical piece is a vocal duet. There are no other instruments or other forms of accompaniment. -Form This piece is performed in the form of a vocal duet. It begins with a section of call and response between the two yodelers and ends with a harmonious duet. -Context This song is a yodel duet consisting of two males in traditional Austrian costume. This was most likely performed at a festival although the piece itself would have been used traditionally as either communication with other yodelers or simply to express an emotional connection to nature. |