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What is Georgian polyphony and why is it on the UNESCO list?

Three singing styles and a place on the UNESCO list.

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Short answer

Georgian polyphony is a secular vocal tradition in the Georgian language, proclaimed a masterpiece by UNESCO in 2001 and inscribed on its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008. It has three styles: complex polyphony, dialogue over a bass, and contrasting three-voice singing.

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Why

  1. The tradition is highly valued in Georgian culture, and it persisted through periods when the language and culture were suppressed.
  2. The three styles map to regions: complex polyphony is common in Svaneti, dialogue over a bass in Kakheti, and contrasting singing of three partly improvised voices in western Georgia.
  3. Some songs are linked to the cult of the grapevine, and many are thought to date back to the 8th century.

Details

Chakrulo is a ceremonial and festival song using metaphor and yodeling, with the krimanchuli and a male falsetto imitating a cockerel's crow. Chakrulo, performed in the polyphonic style, travelled into space on the Voyager-2 probe.

Songs accompanied daily life: fieldwork, healing and Christmas carols. Threats to the tradition are rural depopulation and the growing popularity of pop music. Where to hear it live: Georgian dance and singing in Tbilisi; on instruments: Georgian folk instruments.

Tip

Live performances are easiest to hear at folklore evenings in Tbilisi, so check programmes and tickets with the organisers.

What may differ

Styles and repertoire differ by region, each with its own songs and manner. There are regional singing dialects across the country.

Common misconception

Polyphony is sung in only one region of Georgia.

What actually happens

There are three styles in different regions: Svaneti, Kakheti and western Georgia. There are examples from Kartli-Kakheti, Mingrelia and Svaneti.

People also ask

  • Why is Georgian polyphonic singing on the UNESCO list?

Sources

This answer is for reference. Dates and rules can change, so check the official websites.

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