Deep in the Heart of Tuva: Cowboy Music from the Wild East

by Ralph Leighton

In Siberia in the mountain steppes above the border of Mongolia lies Tuva, an isolated country of herdsmen and shepherds. Among them are exquisitely talented musicians who can sing two notes at once, producing powerful overtones, like whistling wind or a great storm. This recording showcases the main styles of Tuvan throat singing as well as the embellishments on those techniques.

Genres: Music

Audio CD

Published January 1, 1996

About the author

Ralph Leighton is an American biographer, film producer, and friend of the late physicist Richard Feynman. He recorded Feynman relating stories of his life. Leighton has released some of the recordings as The Feynman Tapes. These interviews (available as The Feynman Tapes on audio) became the basis for the books Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! and What Do You Care What Other People Think?, which were later combined into the hardcover anniversary edition Classic Feynman: All the Adventures of a Curious Character. Leighton is an amateur drummer and founder of the group Friends of Tuva. In 1990 he wrote Tuva or Bust! Richard Feynman's Last Journey.
He is credited as associate producer and originator of the concept for the Academy-Award–nominated documentary film Genghis Blues (2000), which came about through the nexus provided by Friends of Tuva.