Music

Tibetan Music

Tibetan plateau’s altitude, short growing season, and cold weather gradually form the unique life style of Tibetan, which influence the development of Tibetan Music, especially Buddhism, which has exerted a particularly strong influence on Tibetan Music since its introduction in the 7th Century.

Tibetan music often involves chanting in Tibetan or Sanskrit. Monks use music to recite various sacred texts and to celebrate a variety of festivals. The most specialized form of chanting is called “Yang”, which is without metrical timing and is dominated by resonant drums and sustained, low syllables. Other forms of chanting are unique to Tantra as well as the four main monastic schools: Gelukpa, Kamar Kagyupa, Nyingmapa and Sakyapa. Among of those sects of Tibetan religion, Gelukpa the most popular nowadays is considered a more a restrained, classical form; and Nyingmapa is widely described as romantic and dramatic.

Due to without newspaper and other news media in Tibet in the ancient time, Tibetan “street song” was a traditional form of expression as a means of commentaries including political, this type of “Street Song” in tibetan is called “Lu” music that is a cappella music singing without instrumental accompaniment, it is distinctively high in pitch with glottal vibrations; and being often used by the Folk wandering poets, whom provided political and social commentary and satire, as well as now rare epic bards who sing the tales of Gesar, Tibet’s most popular hero.