October 21, 2010

E is for Entertainment

To be honest with you, I'm usually a titch cynical about "cultural" shows put on for tourists. But we were in Ulaanbaatar on a special mission and we could not say "no" to our hosts when they suggested we go. A nudge is sometimes a blessing. 

The show of traditional Mongolian musicians, singers, dancers and acrobats in a small intimate theater turned out to be one of the delightful highlights of our stay in the capital.


 


 

 Ulaanbaatar, 2007

If you'd really like to be entertained here today, I gladly nudge you to visit this video (after you say hello to me) and learn a little about the music made with the two-stringed marin whoor (horse-headed violin) that often accompanies khoomii, Mongolian throat singing. It's a treat to the receptive ear.

I'm linking with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday. Go check out other fun takes on the letter E this week.

40 comments:

  1. Thats a fun entertainment to watch. interesting

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  2. How wonderful to have the opportunity to see and hear this fabulous art in person. The costumes are exquiste and the stage setting is amazing. Thanks for this Entertaining Letter E post.

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  3. Beautiful photos, beautiful costumes and beautiful young women. But I love the big guy in the middle picture. He looks so serious, Francisca. LOL

    Kay, Alberta

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  4. I love that sound. It resonates deep down inside. Incredible!

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  5. great photos and music!
    Thanks so much for the ongoing photo tour...

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  6. beautiful colors and costumes. Looks like a great time.

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  7. Francisca, this is so neat. I'm with you. I usually shy away from tourist shows, as well. They feel so artificial and commercial.

    But this one seems so fresh and real.

    What a neat link to Alphabe-Thursday.

    I really enjoyed your music and photos. The 'throat singing' is really different!

    Thank you for linking.

    A+

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  8. Sometimes we are surprised in a good way. Beautiful people, beautiful costumes, beautiful music...what more can one ask for?

    Well, I must add, beautiful photos!

    Re your comment on Cedar Key: You found 4 cats? I only found 3! Heh, heh. Where's the 4th?

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  9. Loved this post - and whole blog! Great!

    XOXO Lola:)

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  10. It looks wonderful and the costumes are beautiful. :-)

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  11. The costumes are exquisite!!!
    ~victoria~

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  12. Beautiful pictures! I can see why it would be a highlight!

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  13. I bet the music was a wonderful as the costumes.

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  14. The photos are fabulous! I'll be checking out the video next.

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  15. oh those photos are wonderful, the costumes are just so gorgeous!!! what a visual feast! I will be off to check the video next!

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  16. What a rich feast for the eyes and ears! Everything looks amazing!

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  17. Such beautiful costumes -- you are so fortunate to be able to travel so much! I loved the video -- fascinating! My husband and I have been planning a trip to Tuva, for years, to hear the throat singing competitions.

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  18. Unfortunately I'm not busy for fun... !-( But looking at your beautiful, colourful and meaningful portraits is making me feel a bit better. No time for the video though.

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  19. Interesting music.. love the costumes of the culture and the colorful way they present it... nice post!
    Sandy

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  20. The photos are fantastic! The youtube video reminded me of a story I read in my textbook for Japanese class called Suho's White Horse...I think it was about a mongolian boy and his white horse. It had a sad ending...but I remember he makes a instrument from the horse. I know, my memory is very very vague ;-D

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  21. We are so lucky to have you post about places most of us will never see for ourselves! This is great and I will follow the link.

    I hope someday you'll tell me why you get to travel to so many exotic places. I am extremely curious (and jealous).

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  22. I'm so glad I followed the link, Francisca! It was totally fascinating to hear the throat singing and marin whoor.

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  23. Hi Francisca! Now the question is:

    How much was that kitty in the window
    The one with the little red nose?

    :-)

    Have a great day or night whatever the case may be wherever you may be!

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  24. What a fabulous opportunity to see this entertainment, funny isn't it how the best nights are always the unopredicted ones, off the cuff adn 'almost' mistakes.
    Beautiful photos to match the perfect experience

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  25. Thank you for sharing this wonderful ENTERTAINMENT through photos! Colorful and lovely!
    Happy E Day!
    Coralie

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  26. I'm usually a little suspicious of those types of things also. I have some Native American friends who tell me there are two types of pow-wows - the ones done for the tourists and the real ones.

    This looks like so much fun though, thanks for sharing!

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  27. Wow, that seems like such a neat cultural experience. Very cool!

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  28. Actually, this looks pretty fascinating.

    =)

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  29. Yeah, Mongolian acrobat is famous in my country... thanks for sharing.

    I'm your new follower via Alphabe-Thursday

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  30. Throat singing is so amazing. Thanks for sharing your photos. Mongolia is one the places I've always wanted to explore.
    Peace,
    Su-sieee! Mac
    This and That. Here and There. Now, Sometimes Then.

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  31. This was beautiful and very entertaining! I am ecstatic that you posted this today and I am loving this beautiful music and culture. Thank you Anne

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  32. Those costumes are amazing~ I would have loved to see the acrobats perform! Spectacular photos :-)

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  33. Fantastic shot! The outfits are amazing and I would have loved to attend that show.

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  34. What beautiful pictures! I loved the throat singing - that there are 12 diffferent sounds is amazing - that guy was great with only 6!

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  35. You'll be responsible for a peak in tourism to Ulaanbaatar after this!

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  36. Lots of new meme's popping up, or should I get out more... Saw throat signing on TV - very unusual...

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  37. sorry I am so late in commenting I have a week of being very busy. I loved your post thanks you

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