The women's voices carried the melody while the men provided a deep, rhythmic counterpoint, one of them with a great voice sometimes throwing out cries and appeals. All the people rocked back and forth as they sang, many with their eyes shut, entirely lost in the music.'
While the women's voices led the tune, the men offered a rich, pulsating counterpoint. One man, renowned for his powerful voice, would occasionally shout out cries and pleas. All participants swayed side to side as they sang, many with their eyes shut, deeply engrossed in the music.