The Republic of Tuva, located in the Russian Federation, is known across the world for its music. If you’ve ever heard Tuvan vocalists sing, you’ll understand why. A piercing whistle hovers over a deep, buzzing drone — two very different sounds coming from the same singer’s vocal tract as he harmonizes with himself.

So how do these master vocalists sing two notes at once? The answer lies in the most fundamental principles of sound. And in theory, anyone can learn to do it. 

On this episode of the Scienceline podcast, experience the captivating beauty of Tuvan throat singing and the physics that makes it possible.

You can find more information on Scienceline: https://scienceline.org/2022/02/how-tuvan-vocalists-sing-two-notes-at-once/

Effects:
Acoustic data from Bergevin et al. (2020) | Used with permission

Music:
”My Throat” by Alash | Used with permission
”Karachal” by Alash | Used with permission

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