There are a few things that Georgia is becoming known/famous for around the world 1. is khachapuri – in particular the adjaruli khachapuri which is a boat-shaped bread filled with cheese, butter, and an egg (but more about that in our food guides). 2. Georgian wine – Georgia is the birthplace of wine after all! But one thing that many people who are yet to visit don’t know about is the long and beautiful history of Georgian singing.
Polyphonic singing has been an integral part of various aspects of daily life in Georgia, as songs traditionally pervaded work, healing rituals, and festive occasions.
I can still remember the first time we heard this style of singing. It was 2016 and we were in a bar at about 3 am and suddenly a table of men in the corner just started singing. Their vocals made us stop in our tracks and listen as they all sang the most beautiful traditional tune in perfect polyphonic harmony. It – was – Magical!
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Thanks to Ansambli Keria who kindly permitted us to use some clips of their music in this episode.
What are Georgian Polyphonic Vocals?
Most music that we are accustomed to is defined by a melody line with chordal and harmonic accompaniment known as Homophonic music. Homophony has one clear melody line; the line that leads and that you most likely notice over the rest of the music. All other parts provide accompaniment or fill in the chords. So you have a singer, a backup singer providing harmonies, and other instruments providing additional accompaniment to add to and enhance the main melody of a song.
But in Polyphonic singing, you have more than one independent melody line occurring at the same time. Think of the cannons or rounds you used to sing as a kid in school – but give it a whole lotta practice, add some harmonies, and then turn it up to 11.
In Georgian music, this style of polyphonic singing is a very old tradition, even older than the introduction of Christianity in Georgia which was around the 4th century AD. The Georgian polyphonic tradition is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its importance in preserving cultural identity and its connection to everyday life and rituals.
Georgian singers are generally male, though some female groups do also exist . Even more rare are mixed-gender polyphonic singing groups but we have seen them here and there.
But, more often it will be men that you will see performing Georgian polyphonic singing. And the number of singers can range from three to hundreds of singers (for example at big traditional weddings). Traditionally, top melodic parts are performed by individual Georgian singers, but the bass parts are where lots of other people can join in.
Most songs are sung a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment), which adds to the haunting beauty of the songs, but instrumental accompaniment on stringed instruments such as the “chonguri” (a plucked 4 string musical instrument) and “phanduri” (traditional Georgian three-string plucked instrument) is sometimes added.
The human voice is inherently monophonic and can only achieve polyphony when multiple singers perform together, creating rich polyphonic textures through the collaboration of individual voice parts.
Historically Georgian singing is divided into 8 parts:
- Krini
- Krimanchuli
- Gamqivani
- Modzakhili
- Mtkmeli
- Shemkhmobari
- Bani
- Dvrini
All these parts are still common in many Georgian music choirs, but they are not all needed for a song to be performed. The majority of songs today are sung in three parts: 1) Mtkmeli 2) Modzakhili and 3) Bani.
If this is all going completely over your head it might help that some of the Georgian names for vocal parts do translate into more traditional European styles that you might recognize such as: krini – falsetto, modzakhili – 1st tenor, mtkmeli – 2nd tenor, bani – baritone, and dvrini – bass. The remaining three parts: krimanchuli, gamqivani and shemkhmobari are specifically Georgian, and it is hard to find a comparison anywhere else in singing.
Characteristics of Georgian Polyphonic Singing
Georgian polyphonic singing is a unique and complex form of vocal music that has been an integral part of Georgian culture for centuries. Unlike the more familiar homophonic music, where a single melody is supported by chords, polyphonic singing involves multiple voices singing different melodies simultaneously. This creates a rich and harmonious sound that is both intricate and captivating.
One of the most distinctive features of Georgian polyphonic singing is the use of a male falsetto singer, known as the “krimanchuli.” This singer performs a high-pitched melody that soars above the main melody, adding a unique and ethereal quality to the music. The interplay between the krimanchuli and the other voices creates a complex polyphony that is a hallmark of Georgian music.
Another fascinating aspect of Georgian polyphonic singing is the partially improvised sung parts. Singers often create their own melodies and harmonies on the spot, adding a spontaneous and dynamic element to the performance. This improvisation, combined with the structured polyphonic textures, results in a musical dialogue where two or more voices engage in a conversation through their independent melodies.
The overall effect is a dense and intricate musical texture that is both engaging and deeply moving. Georgian polyphonic singing is not just a form of music; it is a living tradition that continues to evolve while preserving its ancient roots.
Regional Variations in Georgian Polyphonic Singing
Georgian polyphonic singing is not a monolithic tradition; it varies significantly across different regions of the country, each with its own unique styles and characteristics. In the mountainous region of Svaneti, for example, the local singing style is known for its complex polyphony. Here, multiple voices sing different melodies simultaneously, creating a dense and layered musical texture that is both powerful and haunting.
In the Kakheti region, polyphonic dialogue is a key feature of the local singing style. This involves two or more voices singing different melodies at the same time, creating a sense of conversation and interaction between the voices. The result is a dynamic and engaging sound that is characteristic of Kakheti’s musical tradition.
Western Georgia, on the other hand, is known for its partially improvised sung parts. Singers in this region often create their own melodies and harmonies in the moment, adding a spontaneous and lively element to the music. This improvisational approach, combined with the region’s unique polyphonic textures, makes western Georgian polyphonic singing particularly vibrant and distinctive.
Despite these regional variations, all forms of Georgian polyphonic singing share a common foundation of complex polyphony and polyphonic dialogue. These elements unite the diverse regional styles into a cohesive and harmonious tradition that is uniquely Georgian.
History of Singing in the Georgian Polyphonic Tradition
Georgia’s rich and still vibrant traditional music is considered the earliest polyphonic tradition of the whole Orthodox world. For Georgian people singing has been inextricably part of their life from antiquity to modern era. Throughout time they have sung at home, in the fields during harvest time, at festivals and holidays, and when in mourning. Sources written by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, even speak about Georgians going into battle with singing…..that was in 480 BC.
Byzantine liturgical hymns have significantly influenced Georgian polyphonic singing, absorbing elements of the Georgian musical tradition and playing a crucial role in the broader framework of traditional Georgian music.
The basic themes of songs relate to work, family, love, happiness, friendship, etc. some of the songs are especially dedicated to the cultivation of the grapevines – it’s said throughout the country even today that while cleaning out the qveris (underground clay pots where the wine ferments) that the men sing while they work to keep themselves awake and you know that if the singing stops they’re drunk and fallen asleep.
The folk music of Georgia consists of about sixteen regional styles, known in Georgian musicology and ethnomusicology as “musical dialects” and because of this, there are considerable regional differences in singing styles throughout the country. Songs are both sacred and secular and are usually sung unaccompanied in a minimum three-part harmony.
Singing is also an essential component of Georgia’s legendary hospitality and comprises a major part of the Georgian feast also known as a supra. A supra can last for several hours and will include long beautifully spoken toasts, which are sometimes then followed by an appropriate song.
Georgian Polyphonic Songs include: “mushuri” – songs related to workers, peasants, and their life. “Supruli” – songs created for feasts. “Satrpialo” – songs dedicated to love and “Sagmiro” songs – epic songs created for heroes. Kakheti – the wine capital of Georgia is famous for many deep and full-sounding polyphonic songs all about wine.
–> Experience the heart of Georgian culture! Join our 1/2 day Supra Tour for an unforgettable feast with a local family. Savor traditional cuisine and be mesmerized by authentic polyphonic singing.
But many Georgians just love to sing, so much that they don’t need the occasion of the supra to break out into song. As we experienced, and have done many times since then – you can be sitting in a pub or restaurant and a group of men will break out into song (it’s usually after a few too many wines or chacha’s – but who’s complaining – it’s beautiful to listen to and a thrill to witness)
Perhaps the most famous of Georgian polyphonic singing is a patriotic song from Kakheti Region “Chakrulo”, that was chosen to accompany the Voyager spacecraft in 1977 together with the collection of music from around the world.
Georgian Polyphonic Singing is also listed on the representative UNESCO intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list which aims to ensure better protection of important cultural heritages worldwide like oral traditions, performing arts, local knowledge, and traditional skills and brings about awareness of their significance.
Surprisingly (for me at least) During the Soviet period (1921–1990), folk music was highly praised, and revered folk musicians were even awarded governmental prizes and were given decent salaries. But at the same time, some genres were strictly forbidden (particularly Christian church-songs), but since the USSR’s collapse, Georgian musicologists have made an effort to collect and revive many of the songs from the past that have been forgotten.
One particular group The Rustavi Ensemble have strived since its creation in 1968 to bring Georgian singing to the world. Created by Anzor Erkomaishvili, a singer and folklorist from a distinguished Georgian musical lineage that goes back seven generations, the ensemble has successfully toured more than 50 countries around the world and their recording of “We Venerate Thy Cross” was even featured in a scene of the Coen Brothers’ film, The Big Lebowski.
Anzor Erkomaishvili was also paramount in recovering a great number of gramophone recordings of Georgian village singers that were made from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century and re-issuing them on CDs. Despite the poor technical quality of the old recordings, they often serve as the model of high mastery of the performance of Georgian traditional songs for today’s contemporary ensembles to learn from.
Another notable singer we have to mention is Hamlet Gonashvili who is known as “The Voice Of Georgia”. He was a famous baritone and is loved by many Georgians for being the best interpreter of songs from the regions of Kartli and Kakheti. Hamlet was the soloist in the Rustavi ensemble until his untimely death, at the height of his fame, 1985. He was picking apples from a tree and fell.
Preservation and Promotion of Georgian Polyphonic Singing
Georgian polyphonic singing is a treasured part of the country’s cultural heritage, and significant efforts are being made to preserve and promote this unique tradition. Recognizing its importance, the Georgian government has established initiatives to support polyphonic singing, including the creation of a national polyphonic singing ensemble.
Various organizations and individuals are also dedicated to preserving and promoting Georgian polyphonic singing. The Georgian Polyphonic Singing Association, for instance, plays a crucial role in this effort by organizing concerts, workshops, and educational programs to raise awareness and foster appreciation for this musical tradition.
The global recognition of Georgian polyphonic singing has been bolstered by its inclusion in UNESCO’s list of Masterpieces of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This prestigious designation has helped to highlight the significance of Georgian polyphonic singing on the world stage and has encouraged further efforts to preserve and promote it.
Overall, the preservation and promotion of Georgian polyphonic singing are vital to maintaining this rich cultural heritage. Through the combined efforts of the government, organizations, and passionate individuals, this ancient and beautiful tradition continues to thrive and inspire new generations of polyphonic singers.
Where Can You Experience Georgian Polyphonic Singing In Tbilisi?
“Ethno Tsiskvili” – Etno Art Band “Gordela”
Georgian restaurant “Tsiskvili” is famous for its ethno-art band “Gordela”, formed in 2007. The ensemble offers guests a wide selection of melodies that can travel you back to the Middle Ages. Moreover, this band managed to preserve traditional musical culture in its original form. Folk polyphonic songs, performed by “Gordela” are full of spiritual nature and are considered as a real treasure for the Georgians. Different venues in Tbilisi showcase various styles of polyphonic traditions, offering a rich diversity of vocal harmonies.
Georgian House
In Tiflis hall of Georgian House, you can enjoy our Georgian music program everyday from 20:00 to 00:00 performed by quartet “Hangebi”, choreographic ensemble “Tiflis” and famous Georgian pop musicians.
Old City Walls Restaurant
Located In the heart of old Tbilisi. Old City Walls Restaurant offers authentic Georgian cuisine and live folk music.
