Search - Various Artists :: Siberia, Vol. 10: Song of the Golden Mountains

The Altaïan people live mainly in the Altaï Republic, whose capital is Gorno-Altaisk. Some of them practice Tantric Buddhism, introduced by the Tibetans, yet there are no Buddhist edifices in the region. Altaïans practice several forms of throat song with various techniques including overtone singing, during which the singer emits a fundamental note and harmonics at the same time. There are numerous occasions to listen to them, in village celebrations and cultural centers as well as in the theatres of Gorno-Altaisk. The most commonly found instrument is the two-stringed lute, notably used to accompany epics. Altaïans also play a two-stringed fiddle, three kinds of flutes, the homus jaw harp, and the dünmür frame drum.