Amazon.com
Nothing can prepare the uninitiated for the shocking sound of Tibetan throat singing, and these two liturgical pieces, each clocking in at near 25 minutes, are among the best, and most chilling, examples. The Gyuto Monks, in exile in India since the annexation of their native Tibet, have developed a tradition of singing that involves producing the lowest possible notes in the vocal range while simultaneously singing high overtones. The resulting sound suggests a symphony of inspired bullfrogs whose passion is Buddha, not Budweiser, croaking endlessly while rotating a wet foot around the perimeter of a giant wineglass. Which is a pretty mundane metaphor for music that produces such a powerful sense of dread and spiritual awe. Track 2 also includes clattering drums, some made of human crania. Spice Girls it ain't.... --James Rotondi

Tracks:

Guhyasamaja Tantra, Chapter ll
Melody For Mahakala

Amazon.com

Nothing can prepare the uninitiated for the shocking sound of Tibetan throat singing, and these two liturgical pieces, each clocking in at near 25 minutes, are among the best, and most chilling, examples. The Gyuto Monks, in exile in India since the annexation of their native Tibet, have developed a tradition of singing that involves producing the lowest possible notes in the vocal range while simultaneously singing high overtones. The resulting sound suggests a symphony of inspired bullfrogs whose passion is Buddha, not Budweiser, croaking endlessly while rotating a wet foot around the perimeter of a giant wineglass. Which is a pretty mundane metaphor for music that produces such a powerful sense of dread and spiritual awe. Track 2 also includes clattering drums, some made of human crania. Spice Girls it ain't.... --James Rotondi

Customer Reviews:

Great stuff.......2007-04-10

I've been looking for a Gyuto Monks CD for some time. This really hits the spot.

IF YOU MEDITATE.......2006-03-16

IF YOU MEDITATE OR EVEN LIKE CALM AND RELAXING SOUNDS YOU WILL LOVE THIS CD. I USUALLY PUT IT ON FIRST THING IN THE MORNING WHEN I ARISE TO MEDITATE AND THEN TO REVIEW MY DAY. THIS CD IS BOUND TO RELAX AND SOOTHE THE RESTLESS SPIRIT. IN THE EVENING BEFORE RETIRING I AGAIN LISTEN TO THESE ENCHANTING SOUNDS TO PREPARE FOR A DEEP SLEEP. THE VOICES OF THESE MONKS ARE INCREDIBLY COMPLEX, CAPTURES ONES COMPLETE ATTENTION AND IS TOTALLY ENJOYABLE.

Not available per song on iTunes.......2006-02-22

I have much enjoyed this and the "Freedom Chants from the Roof of the World" recordings of the Gyuto Monks (this one being my favorite). A correction: this music is sold as an album on iTunes for $9.99. The songs are Les Ames d'Hélios, tome 1 : Le Ciboire oublié