Echoes of the Snowland Cuckoo

My first encounter with Amdo Ballad Singing as a musical form took place in 2018 at a Tibetan performance venue in Xining, Qinghai Province, a type of establishment known locally as a “Langma Hall.” I was immediately captivated by the unique instruments and melodic charm of the music performed there. Out of curiosity, I asked the performers, “If I want to learn Amdo Ballad Singing, where should I go?”

The performers provided me with two key pieces of advice. First, they suggested I visit Maqu County in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the heartland where Amdo Ballad Singing thrives, to fully immerse myself in the authentic musical atmosphere. Second, they recommended that I study the repertoire of Dubhe, a highly respected Amdo Ballad singer and instrumentalist.

Following their advice, I set off alone in 2019, carrying nothing but a backpack, to embark on an ethnomusicological field study in the region. Over the past six years, I have gradually learned both the songs and the instrumental techniques of Amdo Ballad Singing. Along the way, I have also come to deeply appreciate the rich history of local nomadic culture and gained invaluable friendships that extend far beyond the realm of music.

Why these three songs? There is no special reason these three songs were chosen. The repertoire of Amdo Ballad Singing is vast, and each song holds its own unique meaning. During the recording process, I asked the performers to select their personal favorites, songs they felt the strongest connection to, and record those selections. My aim was to make the recording process more relaxed and natural, allowing each performer to express themselves as freely and comfortably as possible.

Amdo Ballad Singing is a traditional folk music form widely performed across the Tibetan areas of Gansu, Qinghai, and Sichuan. It is characterized by accompaniment on the dranyen (Tibetan lute) or mandolin, blending singing and instrumental performance into a distinctive musical expression. Through field research, it became evident that many of the most renowned Amdo Ballad singers hail from Maqu County, which has become recognized as a core region for the preservation and spread of this tradition. Dubhe is a celebrated Amdo Ballad singer from Manrima Township, Maqu County, whose works are considered iconic within the tradition.