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Two-part Singing and Playing in the Istrian Scale


Language: English

On the Istrian peninsula in western Croatia, several varieties of two-part singing and playing in the Istrian scale are preserved by Croatian, Istro-Romanian and Italian communities. The style is characterized by vigorous, partly nasal singing. It involves a degree of variation and improvisation in both vocal parts but always ends with two performers singing in unison or an octave apart. Typical musical instruments are the ''sopele'' shawms, always played in a pair, bagpipes, flutes and the ''tambura'' lute. Several local sub-styles have developed their own characteristics. For example, in ''kanat,'' performed primarily by the Croatian population, the second voice is often exchanged for or doubled with a small sopele; in the widespread variant known as ''tarankanje,'' words are sometimes replaced with characteristic syllables (ta-na-na, ta-ra-ran, etc.) designed to imitate the sound of the flute. This tradition is still a part of everyday life and festive occasions, including wedding ceremonies, community and family gatherings and religious services. Its bearers, about a hundred outstanding singers and players and some ten craftspeople, have acquired their skills and knowledge from their elders. Nowadays they are often associated with organized amateur folklore groups, spread throughout the region.


on this subject: Nomination file/Dossier de candidature


Topics and Tags
Place/region: Croatia, Europe
Series: Inscriptions on the Intangible Heritage Lists
Type: Documentary
Duration:
Production and personalities:
Publisher: Croatian Radiotelevision; Varazdin Television
Coproducer/sponsor: Croatia. Ministry of Culture
Published in:
Rights: Croatian Radiotelevision; Varazdin Television
 

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Original: DVD
Location: EV only
UMVS reference: AVFONDS-CLTITH-2009-0023100013
Source ref.: DOC:00717-EN, CAND:00231
Rights holder: UNESCO ; Croatian Radiotelevision; Varazdin Television