The Morin Khuur: Voice of the Steppe

Ever heard a melody that paints a landscape? The Morin Khuur’s deep, resonant sound carries the spirit of Mongolia’s vast grasslands—a musical bridge to nomadic life.

Morin khuur

Roots in Nomadic Culture

This “horse-head fiddle” embodies Mongolian heritage. Its carved horse-head scroll and horsehair strings honor the steppe’s revered companion. It is played vertically, held between the knees, with the strings lightly pressed by fingernails (not fingertips) while a horsehair bow is drawn across them. The music mimics nature: wind, water, and galloping horses. For centuries, it has narrated epics and enriched rituals.

Ancient Sound, Modern Stage

Today, its voice echoes globally. From the China Inner Mongolia Morin Khuur Ensemble to concert halls worldwide, it shines in folk performances and innovative cross-genre collaborations—blending with jazz, film scores, and electronic music.

A Mongolian man is playing the morin khuur

A Cultural Bridge

The Morin Khuur is a treasure of China’s intangible heritage. To the world, it offers a unique lens into nomadic wisdom and humanity’s bond with nature. Its emotional depth speaks a universal language, connecting ancient tradition with the modern soul.

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