There are many kinds of great musical artists in the world, and they come with different skills and gifts, bringing with them both individual talents and the flavors of their native cultures. Some are great technicians, dazzling listeners with their sonic acrobatics; others compose intricate and lofty musical architecture, and still others impress with their inventive improvisations.
Kaigal-ool Khovalyg represents one of the most unique types of artist: He has the ability to go straight to the heart of the listener, to move people. Of course, there is his sound, and this applies equally to his singing and igil playing. Take for example his gorgeous khoomei style, with its pulsating, shimmering harmonics, an aural equivalent to the Northern Lights. Similarly, his mastery of the igil, seemingly but deceptively effortless, conjures up a two-stringed symphony of tones, overtones and rhythm.
Rarer still is Kaigal-ool’s ability to touch his audiences deeply. Listening to his music, one can sense the joyful awe of the mythical Oskus-ool, riding across ancient Tuva naming its places, or the pain of losing one’s parents. Or one might be transported to a earlier century, sitting around a campfire on the wild steppe. I've seen him bring tears to the eyes of elderly Tuvans, for singing the old way, the right way.
When I first heard his music, I closed my eyes and saw the Tuvan landscape, and knew I would have to journey there. And I know many others around the world that have shared this same magical experience.
Thank you, Kaigal-ool, for sharing your gifts with me and with the world. May you enjoy great happiness and continued success!