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Music genre

Albanian iso-polyphony

Albanian iso-polyphony is a music genre that emerged in Albania. It is usually classed as a form of polyphony and Albanian folk music. Explore key artists and related styles.

About Albanian iso-polyphony

Albanian iso-polyphony is a music genre that emerged in Albania. It is usually classed as a form of polyphony and Albanian folk music.

From Wikipedia

Iso-Polyphony (Albanian: Iso-polifonia) is a traditional form of Albanian folk music in which multi-line singing is accompanied by choral drone parts, and which has many regional and formal variations. It is included in UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list. Albanian Iso-Polyphony is considered to have its roots in the many-voiced vajtim, the southern Albanian traditional lamentation of the dead. The instrumental expression of the Albanian Iso-Polyphony evolved into the Albanian kaba.

All four regions of southern Albania—Lalëria (Myzeqe), Toskëria, Çamëria, and Labëria—have polyphonic song as part of their culture. A related form of polyphonic singing is found in northern Albania, in the area of Peshkopi; Polog, Tetovo, Kičevo and Gostivar in North Macedonia; and Malësia in northern Albania and southern Montenegro.

Genre family tree

Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Albanian iso-polyphony.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Albanian iso-polyphony?

Albanian iso-polyphony is a music genre that emerged in Albania. It is usually classed as a form of polyphony and Albanian folk music.

Where and when did Albanian iso-polyphony originate?

Albanian iso-polyphony originated in Albania.

Sources & credits