Get That Mongolian Vibe

US Play the Horse-Headed Fiddle 11/12/07

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Kong Audio have released a new virtual instrument for Windows. They tell us that Matouqin (horse-headed fiddle, aka morin khuur), as one of the precious legacies of the Mongolian people, has been heartily embraced by Chinese musicians today as a vital musical element. They say that its unique sound character complements other classical Chinese instruments in a way like no others.
Matouqin is believed to have originated from the nomadic people during the Tang Dynasty (7th - 10th centuries), and became widely known circa Genghis Khan's reign. Nowadays, like many other Mongolian legacies, Matouqin has become a valuable part of Chinese culture.
Besides the horse-headed pegbox, Matouqin is very recognizable for its unusual playing techniques and styles. Kong Audio approached Matouqin in pursuit of the indigenous flavour instead of the more Westernized style, and by delivering that flavour they believe that all composers and musicians now have a chance to easily explore and express in the most authentic and original Mongolian flavour.
The sampled Matouqin was played HuGejiletu, a member of the Hanggai band in China.
Matouqin contains various types of legato, tremolo, trills, slaps, and staccato, as well as special techniques, phrases and articulations. Check out the vid...