#polyphonic singing

An introduction to polyphony in the country of Georgia. It’s thought that polyphonic singing was around before the introduction of Christianity to the region, and both sacred and secular songs are sung. While the video states there are three different styles of polyphony, you’ll find many variations and local styles throughout the country. It’s worth noting that these singers are all quite refined despite being “folk” singers. Folk music was highly prized in Soviet times as a representation of the people and regional identity, and so musicians and singers were paid to study and perform their traditional music (albeit in a sanitized and censored way). The video is from UNESCO, which designated Georgian polyphony as a part of the “Intangible Heritage of Humanity.”