Lumbri

Lumbri, in the context of traditional Serbian and Croatian folk music, refers to a specific type of vocal ornamentation or embellishment commonly used in ganga singing. It's characterized by a guttural, throaty sound produced by manipulating the vocal cords. The lumbri adds a distinctive timbre and intensity to the performance, often perceived as a rough or strained quality. It's a key element in the overall aesthetic of ganga, contributing significantly to its raw and powerful emotional expression. While it might sound harsh to untrained ears, lumbri is considered an integral and appreciated aspect of the style by those familiar with the tradition. The execution of lumbri varies slightly depending on the region and the specific ganga group, but the underlying principle of vocal manipulation remains consistent. The use of lumbri is not typically transcribed in standard musical notation, as it is learned and passed down orally through generations of performers.