Long melody is a sort of ballad which was created by nomadic tribes in North China in the course of stockbreeding activities and is sung at the time of grazing and during traditional festivals. It is featured by long-drawn-out and leisurely rhythm, extensive artistic conception, magnitude of tones, fewness of lyric, long tinge, and highly decorative rhythm. Long melody with the most distinct feature is coloratura singing style evolving from the singing type of "Noguerra" (Mongolian, means twisted and turned sound or decorative sound). It is the typical music style of the Mongolian ethnic minority.
Long melody is freely translated from the Mongolian "Arad unurtu- yin- daguu" ("Arad unurtu- yin" means eternity and perpetuity; "Daguu" means song). According to textual research, long-melody ballad was already in existence when the Mongolian minority came into being. Therefore, it has a history of up to 1000 years as a kind of oral culture passed on from ancient times. It can be therefore rated as a "Living Fossil" of Mongolian music.
Mongolian long melody is an embodiment of characteristics of Mongolian nomadic culture. It has close bearing on Mongolian language, literature, history, religion, psychology, world view, ecological view, philosophy and customs, etc. Meanwhile, it runs through the entire history and social life of the ethnic group. The basic subject matter of the long melody usually focuses on pastoral and nostalgic songs, paean as well as wedding and banquet songs (drinking song), etc.
Long melody ballad has its themes closely linked to the social life of the Mongolian minority. It is a necessity in the Mongolian festival ceremonies, wedding banquets, friend's and relative's gatherings, "Nadam Fair" (a Mongolian traditional fair) and other activities. Moreover, it reflects the mental development and cultural taste of the Mongolian from all aspects. On November 25, 2005, the UNESCO announced that "long melody ballad of the Mongolian minority" was listed among the third group of "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity".
