In November 2005, Mongolian Long Song was inscribed in the third batch of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, and in 2008, it was inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Mongolian songs are divided into two main types: "Long Song" or "Urtiin Duu," and "Short Song" or "Bogino Duu." Long Song. As a ritual form of expression associated with important celebrations and festivities, Urtiin duu plays a distinct and honored role in Mongolian society. It can be heard in events such as weddings, housewarming parties, childbirth, branding of foals, and other social gatherings and religious festivals of Mongolian nomadic communities. Urtiin Duu is particularly prominent in Naadam, a sports festival including wrestling, archery and horse racing competitions.
Urtiin Duu is a lyrical song composed of 32 melodies embellished with ornamental notes. It praises the beauty of the grasslands, mountains, rivers. It also expresses parental love, intimate friendships and reflections on fate. It is characterized by the abundant use of ornamentation, falsetto, the melodies with rich rhythmic variations, wide vocal ranges and improvisational forms. The rising melody is slow and steady, while the falling melody often incorporates lively triplet repetitions, mimicking the rhythm of life on the grasslands. The performance and creation of Urtiin Duu are closely connected with the pastoral lifestyle of the nomadic people, a way of life that Mongolians continue to embrace widely.
The history of Urtiin Duu can be traced back 2,000 years, with records in literary works dating back to the 13th century. Diverse regional styles of Urtiin Duu has been preserved until today. Urtiin Duu plays a significant role in performances and contemporary compositions. It is also a crucial part in the social and cultural life of nomads living in Mongolia and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in the northern part of the People’s Republic of China.
Translator: SHEN Ruixuan
Reviewer: BAI Jing
