Georgian Polyphonic Singing

Georgia’s unique multivocal harmonies are as important to its culture and identity as the food and wine.

There are three types of polyphony in Georgia: complex polyphony, which is common in Svaneti; polyphonic dialogue over a bass background, prevalent in the Kakheti region in eastern Georgia; and contrasted polyphony with three partially improvised sung parts, characteristic of western Georgia.

Usually sung by at least three men, these rousing songs are included on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. One famous polyphonic song, the patriotic ‘Chakrulo’, was even chosen to accompany Voyager 1 into space in 1977.

Listen to singer and writer Sam Lee’s Radio 4 documentary about polyphonic singing here. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0004cpm

You will be able to experience polyphonic singing on any of our Georgia small group or tailor-made itineraries.