Tibet
Folk and Freedom Songs

The music of Tibet reflects the cultural heritage of the trans-Himalayan region centered in Tibet, but also known wherever ethnic Tibetan groups are found in Nepal, Bhutan, India and further abroad. The religious music of Tibet reflects the profound influence of Tibetan Buddhism on the culture.

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The classical Tibetan musical traditions called Nangma/Toeshay (or Nangma for short) which incorporates two distinct musical styles, became widely popular in the sixteenth and seventeenth century in Central Tibet with the formation of Nangma Kyiduk or associations. With the support of the Tibetan ruling elite, Nangma groups further expanded and the music itself developed and in due course came to be associated with official banquets and picnics.

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