Our Georgian adventures continue this week! Now that we’ve covered wine, we want to tell you about Georgian polyphonic singing. It’s an ancient style of singing that Georgia is known for and as soon as we heard it we understood why. Considering its long history, there is a remarkable timelessness about the sounds and melodies it creates and the emotions it evokes. In fact it makes such an impression that the folks at NASA felt compelled to send it into space, just in case someone should happen upon it ( further explanation provided in the podcast). Interesting to mention also that Carl Sagan was the chair of the committee behind the project.
Sally of My Custard Pie and the two Sarahs of Taste Georgia
Khinkali – Georgian dumplings
Thanks to Sarah May Grunwald of Taste Georgia for arranging for us to get to hear the beautiful sounds of polyphony in person and to the members of the Herio Ensemble / ანსამბლი “ჰერიო” we had the great pleasure of listening to!
All singing performed by Herio Ensemble except for Apareka by Trio Mandili, a love song that refers to the old Georgian highland tradition of Stsorproba, a romantic partnership between a man and woman similar to marriage. Listen to the podcast above for more on that!
Plus if you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by sharing your thoughts or insights on the comments section below and sign up for our newsletter for Muse updates and good stuff. 😉
Great posts, ladies. Interesting point about music and healing. YOu know that belly dance was also originally a healing art as well before it become used to objectify women. It was used to sooth women during labor (giving birth). There is a bigger discussion hear with music and healing. Creatvity is healing, I think
Sarah this is very interesting. You need to share more dancing! you dance so well and gracefully too.. dancing for labor – i’m not surprised. there are also music healing frequencies or isochronic tones that are present in nature. harmony is important <3
This feature in the Georgian culture is something new for me and more than interesting. I listen to different genres of music especially Brazilian bossa or jazz, and on early mornings I usually listen to Christian spiritual chants (done by monks…..) for spiritual upliftment/cleansing/healing whatever one may call it….But the Georgian polyphonic singing was a different one that also touched me in a spiritual, very peaceful way. With the historical communal singing mentioned in the podcast, I could just imagine the unity that most Georgians nurture. I think it’s more than a beautiful country.
Wow thank you! Yes it’s a very soothing experience and happy it had a great effect on you ma 🙂 you started my musical education you know 😉 Love yoU!