Georgian Polyphonic Music

The Origins of Western Polyphony

Language and song are the most predominant markers that define cultural identity. Both allow an individual and a society to create not only a composite image of the world through word, but also interpret it and express it through an art as timeless as music. Cultures around the world have formulated individual music styles, instruments, and sounds to be able to express the mindset within their socio-cultural identities. From the Americas, to Africa and especially in Europe and Asia, the ethnic groups and peoples who populated the land formulated their own sense of self through the art and song they were able to produce. Nestled on the Eastern coast of the Black Sea, the country of Georgia can trace its civilization back into the stories out of Greek Antiquity. Made famous to the Western world of the past through the story of Jason and the Argonauts, the land became known as one plentiful in gold and wine. Although the lands were materially abundant in the stories of the Greek poets, the peoples of the Caucasuses found their wealth through the culture they cultivated over the decades.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Georgian Polyphony
• Polyphony and Identity
• Regional Variation
• The Quintave
• Globalization of Culture
• The Influence of Christianity
• Early Influences and the West

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay aims to explore the history and cultural significance of Georgian polyphony, highlighting its unique characteristics, regional variations, and influence on the development of Western European music.

• The role of polyphony in shaping Georgian cultural identity
• The distinct regional variations within Georgian polyphonic music
• The unique tuning system of the quintave
• The impact of globalization and cultural exchange on musical development
• The influence of Georgian polyphony on the evolution of Western European music

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Georgian Polyphony: This section introduces the concept of Georgian polyphony and its significance in defining Georgian cultural identity. It discusses the roots of polyphonic singing in pagan rituals and its subsequent incorporation into sacred and secular genres.
• Regional Variation: This section explores the distinct regional variations in Georgian polyphonic music, highlighting the differences in vocal styles, tempo, and use of vocables between the Eastern and Western regions of Georgia.
• The Quintave: This section delves into the unique tuning system of the quintave, which is characteristic of Georgian music. It discusses the importance of the fifth interval and its role in creating a specific sound and feel.
• Globalization of Culture: This section examines the influence of globalization and cultural exchange on Georgian polyphonic music. It explores how the adoption of Christianity and the proximity to other cultures have shaped the development of the tradition.
• The Influence of Christianity: This section explores the influence of Christianity on Georgian polyphonic music. It discusses the development of multi-voiced hymns and the impact of Georgian polyphony on the development of liturgical music in the region.
• Early Influences and the West: This section examines the influence of Georgian polyphony on the development of Western European music. It highlights the similarities between Georgian polyphony and the organum, a form of early polyphonic music in Europe.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The primary focus of this essay is on Georgian polyphony, exploring its historical development, cultural significance, and influence on Western European music. Key themes include cultural identity, regional variations, the quintave tuning system, globalization, Christianity, and the relationship between Georgian polyphony and the organum. This essay examines the unique sound and structure of Georgian polyphony, highlighting its role in shaping Georgian culture and its impact on the evolution of music in Europe.

Details

• Hochschule: University of San Francisco (Saint Ignatius Institute)
• Veranstaltung: Music and Art
• Note: 90.0
• Autor: Nikolas Eristavi (Autor:in)
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2011
• Seiten: 6
• Katalognummer: V174264
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640946631
• ISBN (Buch): 9783640946310
• Sprache: Englisch
• Schlagworte: music art georgia georgian caucasian caucasus caucasus region polyphony polyphonic western west europe kartli kakheti history origins singing