Cantu a tenore

The (Template:Langx; Template:Langx) is a style of polyphonic folk singing characteristic of the island of Sardinia (Italy's second largest island), particularly the region of Barbagia, though some other Sardinian sub-regions bear examples of such tradition.

In 2005, UNESCO proclaimed the to be an example of intangible cultural heritage.

Etymology

The word is not to be confused with the word "tenor" as a simple description of vocal register; it refers to the actual style of folk singing and is distinguished from other similar styles called by different names in different places on the island, such as in Gallura and in Logudoro .

In the Barbagia region on the island of Sardinia, there are two different styles of polyphonic singing: , usually a form of sacred music, sung with regular voices, and , usually a form of profane music, marked by the use of overtone singing.

File:Tenore Nuorese 1903.jpg

Singers from Nuoro () in 1903.

Technique

File:Map Folklore I 1990 - Polivocalità - Touring Club Italiano CART-TEM-096 (cropped).jpg

Map of polyphonic folk music in Italy

is traditionally practised by groups of four male singers standing in a close circle. Each singer has a distinct role, here listed in descending pitch order—form a chorus (another meaning of ):

• or (pronounced /oke/ or /boke/, 'voice') is the solo voice
• or is the 'half voice'
• is the 'counter'
• as 'bass'

The sings the same note sung by the , and a fifth above the . The and the sing in a regular voice, whereas the and the sing with a technique affecting the larynx. The sings a poetic text in Sardinian, which can be of epic, historic, satirical, amorous or even protest genre. The chorus consists of nonsense syllables (for example bim-bam-boo).

According to popular tradition, imitates the sound of wind, while the imitates a sheep bleating and the a cow lowing.

The solo voice starts a monodic vocal line and is then joined by the others as he indicates to them to join in.

The effect is somewhat that of a round except that the points where the other singers join in vary and, thus, the harmonies vary from version to version. The execution differs in details between each of the villages where a is sung to such an extent that the village can be immediately recognized.

Tradition

File:Tenores di bitti mialinu pira 2.jpg

Tenores di Bitti

Although nowadays and are performed only by men, memories remain of a time where women groups performed as well, following the matriarchal tradition of Sardinia. According to some anthropologists, was performed back in Nuragic times.

Some of the most well known groups who perform are and .

References

• Cited in .

Listening

• Tenore singers on a mountain

See also

• Throat singing

External links

• The Oral Tradition of the a Tenore Song, an expression of Intangible heritage of the Sardinian pastoral culture
• Sardinian Music - Buy Sardinian Music
• Tenores.org