Turlutte (music)

The turlutte is a traditional French-Canadian vocal melody and song form, often characterized by nonsense syllables and onomatopoeia used to imitate the sounds of wind instruments, particularly the flute or recorder. It can also be understood as a type of bouche fermée (closed mouth singing) where the lips are closed and the sounds are nasalized or hummed, creating a distinctive, resonant tone. The turlutte tradition is closely associated with Quebecois folk music and is often performed a cappella or with minimal instrumental accompaniment. It frequently features in traditional gatherings and festivals, and serves to preserve and celebrate French-Canadian cultural heritage. The melodies are typically simple and repetitive, allowing for improvisation and playful vocal embellishments. While the turlutte can be a standalone piece, it may also be incorporated into larger folk songs or dance tunes.