One hears a continuous note, then a sharper line seems to come off above. Only one singer can produce this effect. The Mongolian khmemei uses the components of vocal sound to make several levels appear in the ear. In the whistled style, harmonics are drawn above a bumblebee held.
The singer works in particular the shape of the oral cavity, the position of the tongue and the opening of the lips. This control gives a melodic line to components that already belong to the sound. Other techniques produce more serious effects. The diversity of styles prevents reducing the whole khmemei to a single way of singing.
The UNESCO notice, registered in 2010, places this tradition in western Mongolia and describes its oral learning with experienced practitioners. Opportunities range from ceremonies to family life. Sound amazement therefore requires no extraordinary anatomy: behind what looks like two voices lies a learned art, with varied traditions and interpretations.
What we know
Different effects according to singing techniques.
To go to the source
References consulted on 3 October 2026. Linked pages may be in another language.
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