Music. A typical piece of Umbagollian music will have a sawing rhythmn which repeats itself - but not precisely. The rhythmn changes slightly every time it is played, until (by a series of degrees so gradual that the listener barely notices them) it ends as something completely different. A professional musical group will consist of a number of sopranos and counter-tenors and strings with one bass singer and a few of the deeper instruments to balance them. Most bands will have at least two people playing the four-string wrijflot. The six-string pear, the tenor almond and wooden leaf are also popular. The leaf is always played with a mute inserted in the horn, otherwise the noise would be unbearably loud. Our best musicians are found in Jail, even though most non-Jailites prefer to believe that nothing good could ever come out of that bloody town. The Jailites have an enormous love of musical theatre and they are tolerant of new talent. The best way to avoid a mugging in Jail is to pull out a musical instrument. Many thieves will either leave you alone or politely request a tune. Robbers are also likely to respect a Poidian accent. Cumber Poidy's underground environment has left its inhabitants with deep chests, resonant voices and a communal habit of singing together, making them natrually excellent vocalists. The theatres of Jail, most of which are devoted exclusively to musical theatre, are stocked with migrant Poidian singers. They are the town's unofficial nobility and their advice is sought on all important matters, whether related to singing or not. In return, the migrants develop a stubborn loyalty to the town. The legendary Poidian soprano Nellie Seldom refuses to sing anywhere else, sending each request back with a note reading: "If they want to hear me sing, they will have to come here." And they do. Purely instrumental compositions are popular in Ex, while Gum Goolooians enjoy singing rounds. The smaller towns have their own songs. Groups of woodwind musicians playing differently-pitched butters are well-liked in the Falling Hills. Troupes of them roam from place to place, playing for their supper. The largest travelling troupe is, of course, The National Umbagollah Orchestra.