Canadian Indian Breath Music Query

Subject: Canadian Indian Breath Music Query
From: rich-joy
Date: 22 Feb 02 - 08:51 AM

A non-net friend has asked me for info on "Breath Music" that he saw in a film featuring Canadian Indians - used in a bereavement/keening scene - he says it wasn't Inuit and it wasn't like Mongolian Throat Music. I tried searching myself, but not being too experienced, I somehow ended up at Indian sub-continent porn sites!!!
Can anyone help me with links to info and possible recordings please???
Thanks and Cheers from Oz, Rich-Joy

Subject: RE: Canadian Indian Breath Music Query
From: Sorcha
Date: 22 Feb 02 - 10:44 AM

From what little I found, I am guessing it must have been Inuit......

"Throat singing is a well-known form of Inuit music that is usually performed by two women. The singers stand face to face; it helps if one singer is taller than the other. Each singer repeats a different sound in a fast rhythm. The low-pitched sound that is the trademark of throat singing represents sounds made by different birds and animals. Sometimes, throat singing can be a contest to see who can sing the longest. Some women are able to throat sing by themselves, using a large bowl or kettle held near the singer's mouth to give resonance. This method is common in the Arviat area.

If you would like to try throat singing, here are the basics. Try to make a sound deep in your throat without making noise from your mouth. Make the sound as you exhale, then inhale quickly without making a sound. Repeat this, remembering to make sounds only when you exhale. The sounds can be long or short.

From: http://www.arctictravel.com/chapters/inmusicpage.html

Subject: RE: Canadian Indian Breath Music Query
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Feb 02 - 11:00 AM

what was the name of the film? what part of Canada? what Tribe?

Subject: RE: Canadian Indian Breath Music Query
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Feb 02 - 12:32 PM

Hey RJ! Glad to (belatedly) notice you took the plunge and joined up!

I think this must be something like I experience when I am working on a new piece for church, and am breathing it more than singing it-- before I've learned the words. There's a glory about it that's more than just me at work, I am sure.

Some of the newer members are introducing themselves and their music over HERE if you'd like to say a word or two.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Canadian Indian Breath Music Query
From: Metchosin
Date: 22 Feb 02 - 01:17 PM

I have a great CD by Alacie Tullaugaq and Lucy Amarualik entitled "katutjatut Throat Singing" and you can get more info and hear a cut here.

Subject: RE: Canadian Indian Breath Music Query
From: Metchosin
Date: 22 Feb 02 - 01:41 PM

and here is a wonderful video clip.

Subject: RE: Canadian Indian Breath Music Query
From: rich-joy
Date: 24 Feb 02 - 04:32 AM

Thanks for all your help - my friend said it wasn't Inuit, but he can't remember the film or tribe either!!
I had a little trouble with the video - once I'd downloaded it and tried to open it with Windows Media Player (I didn't know what else to choose!!), it said I couldn't and it all seemed to disappear to who knows where - guess I'll try again when I've got time to experiment ...
Cheers! R-J