Urtiin Duu : Traditional Folk Long Song

The Urtiin duu (蒙古族长调民歌), often referred to as the “long song,” is a distinctive form of traditional Mongolian folk music that has been passed down for centuries. It is one of the two primary types of Mongolian songs, the other being the Bogino duu (短调民歌, “short song”). The Urtiin duu stands out for its length, complexity, and connection to the Mongolian pastoral way of life.

Ritual and Social Role

Urtiin duu plays a prominent role in various important rituals and social occasions in Mongolian society. It is typically performed during weddings, the inauguration of a new home, the birth of a child, foal branding, and other significant celebrations. These performances are not only expressions of joy and festivity but also serve as a way of preserving cultural heritage through song.

In addition to these personal events, the Urtiin duu is also featured in the Naadam (那达慕) festival. This grand event celebrates the core elements of Mongolian culture, including wrestling, archery, and horseracing. The Naadam Festival is held annually and is one of the most important cultural and athletic events in Mongolia, where the Urtiin duu provides a soundtrack to the festivities.

Musical Characteristics and Performance Style

The Urtiin duu is characterized by a highly ornamental vocal style, often with falsetto and a wide vocal range that can extend to several octaves. The melody is slow and steady as it rises, with a falling melody that is sometimes interspersed with lively and energetic rhythms, adding dynamic contrast to the performance. This contrast between the slow, melodic rise and the rhythmic fall gives the Urtiin duu its unique and captivating sound.

The form of the song is typically free, meaning it does not adhere to rigid structural patterns like those found in many other global music traditions. The singer has significant freedom to express personal emotion and creativity within the framework of the song’s lyrics and melody.

The performance of Urtiin duu is closely tied to the nomadic lifestyle of Mongolia’s people. The lyrics often celebrate the vastness and beauty of the Mongolian grasslands, the relationship between humans and nature, and the daily experiences of nomadic life. It can also reflect spiritual and philosophical themes, such as respect for ancestors, honoring the land, and the praise of virtues associated with nomadic living.

Origins and Cultural Roots

The Urtiin duu is believed to have originated over 2,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest forms of Mongolian music still performed today. The song’s roots are deeply embedded in the nomadic culture of the Mongols, who have lived in the vast steppes of Mongolia (蒙古) and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (内蒙古自治区), China, for centuries. These expansive landscapes, with their wide open spaces and dramatic natural beauty, have inspired the lyrical themes of Urtiin duu.

The earliest written records of the Urtiin duu date back to the 13th century, during the Mongol Empire under the rule of Genghis Khan (成吉思汗). The songs were sung by shamanistic priests, herders, and nomadic warriors, who used them as a means of passing down historical narratives and cultural beliefs across generations. These songs, therefore, became an important part of Mongolian oral history and cultural identity.

Regional Styles and Preservation

Throughout its long history, the Urtiin duu has developed a rich diversity of regional styles, with variations in melody, vocal techniques, and lyrical themes depending on the region. These different styles have been preserved in the Mongolian countryside, particularly in Mongolia and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. Even in modern times, Urtiin duu remains central to the social and cultural life of the Mongolian people and continues to be performed at festivals, family gatherings, and cultural events.

The Urtiin duu has also been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage, and it has been included in UNESCO’s list of World Intangible Cultural Heritage (人类非物质文化遗产). This recognition is part of an international effort to preserve the song and other cultural traditions from becoming endangered due to modernization and globalization.

Modern Challenges and Urbanization

However, modernization and urbanization since the 1950s have had a profound impact on the traditional nomadic lifestyle. The shift towards industrialization and the growth of urban areas have led to the loss of many traditional practices, including the performance of Urtiin duu. With the expansion of cities and the encroachment of desertification on once fertile grasslands, many Mongolian families have shifted from a nomadic lifestyle to a more sedentary existence.

As a result, some of the classical themes of Urtiin duu, such as the praise of nomadic virtues and the celebration of the nomadic experience, have gradually lost their relevance in a modern, urbanized context. Moreover, the traditional herding life and pastoral practices, which inspired the Urtiin duu, are no longer as central to the day-to-day existence of many Mongolian families.

Cultural Revitalization

Despite these challenges, the Urtiin duu continues to be an important cultural expression in Mongolia and Inner Mongolia. Efforts are being made to revitalize and preserve this ancient art form through education, cultural exchanges, and modern performances. The younger generations, especially in urban centers, are learning about the history and beauty of Urtiin duu through cultural initiatives and through collaborations with international artists and scholars.

In recent years, Mongolian music festivals and events have included performances of Urtiin duu, helping to keep the tradition alive and introduce it to new audiences. These performances not only celebrate the deep cultural history of Mongolia but also help to connect the past with the present, ensuring that the heritage of the Urtiin duu continues to thrive for generations to come.