Grand Songs of the Dong Ethnic Minority Group
Traditionally, a chorus is made up of one family and the formal performing place of grand song is the drum-tower. Usually the host group would invite visiting guests to sing in the antiphonal style. But it should be between groups of different genders, and song groups of the same gender cannot invite each other to sing. The songs may be solo or chorus, with the latter featuring multiple voice parts: alt, mediant and bass or only alt and bass. Bass is the main part, which, while performing, lasts for a long time, lingering like loquacious murmuring of the brook. The alt is free to express itself, imitating hundreds of birds twittering at the same time. Harmonious and prefect, grand songs have graceful melody and free rhythm, quick or slow. Sometimes, they are calm and fluent, full of sentiments, sometimes smart and bold, full of grand might, and at other times sweetly and clearly broad, echoing and attractive.
The songs express life philosophy and production knowledge. The structure is very particular, and each song is composed of three parts, the beginning, the middle, and the end, and can be sung by male, female and children's voices. These songs are often called the most beautiful nature sounds in the world.
The songs have played the important role in passing down Tong history and culture. But, with the development of the economy, the songs are in danger of dying out and are in great need of protection.
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