kargyraa

Kargyraa is a style of overtone singing in the Khoomei family, used by the Tuvan people of southern Siberia and surrounding cultures. It is characterized by a deep, resonant, growling voice produced by lowering the larynx and constricting the vocal tract, creating a strong drone in the bass range while separate resonances reveal higher overtones and melodies.

Technique: The singer maintains a sustained low fundamental and uses precise shaping of the mouth, tongue, and lips to emphasize the overtone series. The result is a two-part sound: a continuous undertone and a higher-pitched melody produced by harmonics. It can be performed with varying degrees of vibrato and with breath control.

History and distribution: Kargyraa is one of the classic styles of Tuva throat singing, with roots in the region's pastoral and shamanic traditions. It is closely associated with Tuva's singing schools and has spread through the broader Khoomei repertoire to Mongolia and other Central Asian communities; in the 20th and 21st centuries, it has gained international exposure through world music and cross-cultural collaborations.

Recorded and modern practice: Prominent practitioners include traditional masters as well as contemporary groups such as Huun-Huur-Tu and the Alash Ensemble; solo performers include Kongar-Ool Ondar. It has influenced contemporary composers and is used in film and stage soundtracks.