öngöriä

Öngöriä is a term that refers to a specific type of traditional Mongolian throat singing. It is characterized by its ability to produce multiple pitches simultaneously, often creating a harmonic overtone melody above a fundamental drone. This vocal technique is deeply rooted in Mongolian nomadic culture and is traditionally associated with shamanistic rituals and storytelling.

The practice of öngöriä is believed to imitate the sounds of nature, such as the wind, water, and the calls of animals. Different styles of öngöriä exist within Mongolia, each with its own distinct techniques and cultural significance. For instance, khoomei is a well-known form of Mongolian throat singing, and öngöriä can be considered a broader category encompassing various techniques that fall under this umbrella.

The ability to perform öngöriä requires significant vocal control and training. Singers manipulate their vocal tract, tongue, and lips to isolate and amplify overtones, which are naturally present in the human voice. This creates a unique and complex sound that has fascinated audiences worldwide. While öngöriä is often performed solo, it can also be accompanied by traditional Mongolian instruments like the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle). The art form has been recognized for its cultural importance and efforts are being made to preserve and promote it.