
In Krasnoyarsk, a master of throat singing Congar-ool Ondar acts in small halls. In the U.S. his album «Back Tuva Future» was in the top ten according to the magazine «New York Post» along with a disc of John Lennon.
- I have traveled the world with concerts, did not happen only in Australia and Africa. Organisation of the concert in Russia is more complicated than abroad. Tastes of our youth have long conquered the pop-singers. Of course, it is not our weight category - we only work for true connoisseurs of culture. A new generation isn't interested in its culture - a dangerous trend.
- Some politicians come to the delight of throat singing. They say that Boris Yeltsin personally insisted that you were given the title of Honored Artist of Russia...
- It's funny happened! In 1994, Boris Yeltsin realle came to Tuva. He drank our national milk vodka, listened my singing. Suddenly came to me and asked: "What a tool in your mouth hiding?" - "I myself sing!" He was surprised such an unusual voice - and after I was given a title.
- Since I started talking about politics. What do you think about Soviet influence on philosophy and culture of the Tuvan people?
- Tuva joined the Soviet Union during the life of my parents. Under the ban immediately got the national traditions and religion. It was dangerous to appear in public places in Tuvan suit . How many good and talented people were repressed! Now the republic gradually regains its history: we organize horse races and tournaments in the national struggle, celebrate New Year in lunar calendar.
- And there is no fear that high technology and universal globalization, sooner or later kill Tuvan identity?
- Tuvinian have a saying: "No horse - there is no life." All good things in life, we compare with the horse. True, this proverb can be converted: "There is life when there is no electricity and mobile communication." Want to see real Tuvan life - go away from Kyzyl. Just 50 kilometers from the city the shepherds, who according to the recipes of ancestors make cheese and live in a yurt, and the honored guest slaughtered sheep, live. And we should protect this life. Civilization is largely pernicious. Television, for example, promotes laziness.
- Do not tuvinets can master the art of throat singing?
- As soon as the talk in the Tuvan language. In our language there are three sounds that are not in Russian: they are pronounced with the stress of the vocal cords. There are also Japanese, Americans and Germans, who learned to sing. Of course, a significant strain of the organism, it is not recommended for young children engaged in singing and women. But we all sing - the body gets used to such testing.
- Why the U.S. and Europe appreciate your talent, and in Russia - not so?
- In America, people have a favorite word "no problem". They can do anything is wanted. Here, I recorded an album "Genghis Blues" with Paul Pena. Then, here a film about Genghis Khan was made, who was nominated for an Oscar. The whole world knew about a mysterious republic of Tuva. Perhaps someday, and Russia will live just as well. The main thing for us - to live in a world without aggression and separatism.
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