Editor's note: Urtiin Duu, or "long song," is a major form of traditional folk songs in China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, which is deeply embedded in the cultural life of the Mongolian people. Characterized by its long, sustained notes and expansive melodic lines, Urtiin Duu is also one of the oldest surviving musical traditions of the Mongolian people.
In 2005, UNESCO declared Urtiin Duu one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. China and Mongolia jointly applied for this entry. In 2008, Urtiin Duu was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This designation reflects its cultural significance as a vital expression of identity, history and connection to nature among the Mongolian people.
Widely believed to have originated 2,000 years ago, Urtiin Duu has been recorded in literary works since the 13th century. Traditionally performed by herders across the vast steppes, the song style served various functions in everyday life, including rituals, celebrations and social gatherings. It was often sung to praise the beauty of the landscape, express love and longing or commemorate heroic deeds and historical events.
The name "long song" refers not to the length of the lyrics but to the elongated and ornamented vocal style. A single syllable in Urtiin Duu can be extended for several seconds, incorporating complex vocal techniques such as vibrato, falsetto and dramatic changes in pitch. The melodic line flows freely, often with no strict rhythm, allowing the performer great expressive freedom. Accompaniment is traditionally provided by the morin khuur, a traditional Mongolian bowed stringed instrument also known as the horse-headed fiddle.
Urtiin Duu was traditionally passed down orally from one generation to the next. Masters would teach apprentices through performance and imitation, transmitting not only the musical techniques but also the cultural values and storytelling that are woven into the songs. Lyrics often draw from ancient poetry and epic tales, preserving Mongolian history and worldview through generations.
In the 20th century, Urtiin Duu, like many traditional art forms, faced challenges from changing societal dynamics and urbanization. Despite these threats, Urtiin Duu has experienced a revival in recent decades. Educational programs have been established in music schools and universities, and master singers have been designated as "living human treasures" to help ensure the transmission of the tradition.
Urtiin Duu is now performed on national holidays, cultural festivals and international stages. Modern recordings and digital media have also helped spread awareness of the genre. However, challenges remain in sustaining the tradition in rural areas, where fewer young people are choosing to pursue the art.
In recognizing Urtiin Duu, UNESCO highlighted its importance as a living expression of Mongolian identity and cultural continuity. The organization praised the art form for its poetic depth, vocal complexity and cultural connection to the landscape and way of life of the Mongolian people. It also emphasized the urgency of preserving this tradition, given its vulnerability to the pressures of modernization and loss of oral heritage.
UNESCO's designation called for efforts to ensure the vitality of Urtiin Duu through education, documentation and community support. The inclusion on the Representative List was intended not only to preserve the unique musical qualities of long song but also to encourage intergenerational transmission, ensuring that this ancient and soulful tradition continues to resonate across the steppes and beyond.
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