for the 21 Praises to Tara, and other texts
Seven Line Supplication to Guru Rinpoche
This English version of the 7 line prayer has 7 syllables per line so it fits with the Tibetan. It draws on Padmakara Translation Group’s translation of Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche's 'White Lotus' (published by Shambhala - recommended reading!)
The recording mix is based on Tadi Yan's recording of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche in Tibetan, with English overlaid in three part harmony (high, medium and low - the medium harmony is roughly the same as Rinpoche's chant).
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To learn the harmonies:
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Listen to the separate recordings of the parts, following the patterns of pitches in the pictures.
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Listen to the full recording - see if you can hear the different parts.
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Try singing along with the recording, following whichever part is most comfortable for your voice.
(There are more learning tips at the bottom of the page. You can also find a 90 second video on the home page that helps explain how to use this website).
medium harmony
high harmony
low harmony
all parts (English with Tibetan to compare)
very simple alternative harmonies (Tibetan)
LEARNING TIPS
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In the recordings for each part, the first 'HUM' is the key note (which is also Rinpoche's main note), the second 'HUM' is the starting note for the part.
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The English is not a perfect syllable for syllable match. Some syllables are lengthened or fall in the gap at the end of the line. This creates a shifting rhythmic pulse that is almost dance-like.
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The high and low parts go up and down in parallel, but the middle part is more straight.
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In the full English recording it sounds as though the harmonies bounce up and down more than they actually do. This acoustic phenomenon is sometimes called the 'ghost soprano' - one of the beauties of singing in harmony is that the sum of the whole is greater than the parts. But don't be temped to follow the ghost or it could spoil the effect!
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The bottom image shows a very simple harmony option where the high and low parts stay on a single note.