Ööld Urtiin Duu Songs: An Interview with Dorji

Abstract

In this interview, Dorji shared his journey with Ööld Urtiin Duu Songs. As he explained in the video, he learned these songs primarily from his father, a well-known singer often invited to ceremonies for performances. After retiring in 2016, Dorji, along with several others, established an association dedicated to Urtiin Duu Songs in Nilah County. The association now boasts over 200 members, approximately 80 of whom fluently sing traditional songs. Since its inception, they have taught the public over fifty traditional Urtiin Duu songs. In addition to teaching, Dorj has also collected numerous Urtiin Duu songs from local elders. He initially studied Kazakh and Uyghur at school and later learned Mongolian, through which he prepared a book of Urtiin Duu songs for publishing.