Tibet: Monastery of Gyuto - The Voice of the Tantra

This ceremony, which was recorded in 1975, and was performed by the first generation of Tibetan monks in exile in India with the current Dalai Lama, reproduces most faithfully the impressive vocal technique, fervour and mystery of this very low-pitch Buddhist chant, with its harmonics, and accompaniment of horns, drums and large cymbals. Thanks to the sound recording technique, the listener is immersed in the very heart of the event.

As in all monasteries of the various schools, an important place is reserved for the memorisation and recitation of a large number of ritual texts. The liturgical practice of Gyütö is characterised by the use of a specific mode of singing, “the voice of the tantras”; this process consists of simultaneously emitting a very low sound and, by modifying the volume of the oral cavity, distinctly bringing out one of the harmonics of this sound. In Gyütö, the harmonic emphasised is the 10th harmonic, which is 3 octaves + 1 third above the fundamental. There are many examples of this on the various tracks selected for these CDs, particularly when the chant master gives the cue for a passage to begin.