Georgian folk art contains several dozen folk songs. Below you can get acquainted with some of them. Evaluate the interpretations of various folk groups.
1.Folk song – Alilo
Alilo (Georgian ალილო, literally “Hallelujah”) is a Georgian cult song, performed on Christmas Eve. Several men gather (at least three, because the song for three voices), approach each family and congratulate the holiday with a song. The owner of the house gives the singers a gift (including an egg – a symbol of life and fertility). Alilo’s lyrics express the desire for health, happiness and well-being. “Alilo” was distributed throughout Georgia and was performed on every corner. The song has a pagan tone. “Alilo” seems to have been named after Hallelujah. The common name of the Christmas and Easter songs is supposed to be “Chona”. The alilo tradition in Georgia has a long history. Today Alilo is celebrated after the festive liturgy, when many of the church’s parishioners join the procession of the cross. «Alilo» performed By Corsican Folk Ensemble – «Basiani».
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2. Folk song – Berikatsi
Berikatsi (Georgian ბერიკაცი ვარ, literally “I am an old man”) -The text of this melodic Kakhetian folk song is very unusual and non-standard for the Georgian way of life. In the text of the song, the old man asks ….. to keep his life. The well-known Georgian custom of respecting and honoring elders is universal in nature. The tradition is rooted in the distant past. The etiquette of respect and veneration for elders follows from the authority of fatherhood, which among Georgians rests on the ancient cult of their ancestors. A Georgian is not free to live in any other way than according to the strictly established canons of Georgian etiquette, if recognition of the people is important to him. «Berikatsi» performed by Georgian Folk Ensemble – «Rustavi».
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3. Folk song – Chakrulo
Chakrulo (Georgian ჩაკრულო, literally “bound by an oath”) is a Georgian folk choral song that appeared in Kakheti. It consists of two individual vocals against the background of a slow chorus. The song is dedicated to preparing warriors for battle against the tyrant who oppresses the people. In 2001, the song, as an example of Georgian choral (polyphonic) singing, was included in the UNESCO List of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Chakrulo, along with other man-made masterpieces, was recorded on the NASA Gold Plaque attached to the interstellar spacecraft Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, which were launched on August 20, 1977. «Chakrulo» performed by Georgian Folk Ensemble – «Basiani».
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4. Folk song – Mravaljamieri
Mravaljamieri (Georgian მრავალჟამიერი, literally “Many years”) is a Georgian folk song for three voices. Distributed in the regions of Kartli and Kakheti. It stands out with the refinement of form, texture, structure, richness of means of artistic expression. The melodiousness of this song is complemented by two different voices, which sometimes alternate with each other against the background of the group, sometimes follow each other in parallel and form points of counterpoint. Attention is drawn to the variability of transitions, modulation techniques, thanks to which the interval rises one step more with each repetition, the emotional impact increases, and the song becomes solemn. «Mravaljamieri» performed by Georgian Folk Ensemble – «Basiani».
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5. Folk song – Shemozakhili
Shemozakhili (Georgian შემოძახილი, literally “to shout”) – Georgian folk song for three voices. Distributed in the Kartli and Kakheti regions. Typically, the song is performed by a male choir. The song is characterized by an increased tone, consisting of several transitions. The role of the soloist is accompanied by a three-part choir with transparent and clear harmony and an expressive melody at each transition. The singular structure of the song and the masterful combination of polyphonic sounds are impressive. A wide range and a rich and varied rhythm. «Shemozakhili» performed by Georgian Folk Ensemble – «Tsinandalii».
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6. Folk song – Turphani
Turphani (Georgian ტურფანი სხედან ჩარდახსა, literally “Turphani ( women) are sitting on the tent”) – Probably, many are familiar with this glorious Kakhetian song. Probably, most of them also asked themselves the question, who are these women-“Turphs” and why their pleasure causes such surprise and a kind of envy that the male singers themselves do not sit down at the table and express their feelings from afar. The lyrics reflect one very strange ritual that was common in Kakheti. Once a year, the women gathered in a prominent place and had fun late. Their husbands, and men in general, served them without hesitation. The main purpose of this ritual was to make men understand how difficult it is to be a woman and take care of their family. On this day, women were even allowed to have light romances with other men, of course, without serious sequels. «Turphani» performed by Georgian Folk Ensemble – «Basiani».
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