Georgian Folk Songs

Georgia is known for its ancient songs. As far back as old Greek travellers were surprised by the harmony of Georgian's songs. In the ancient period, in the age of paganism, the songs and dancing served the purpose of the ritual. In honour of each God, only for him there were performed songs accompanied by dancing. In this ancient time Georgians worshipped the Sun, the moon, the strength of nature, they expressed their religious fillings in their songs. Such songs are preserved till our time and they are being studied by the scientists with great interest. The ancient pagan songs were performed in one or two voices. After the spread of Christianity there appeared and developped the church choral songs. These songs are polyphonic - several voices perform different musical parts, but by the end these parts gather in one strong melody. Polyphonic song sounds like orchestra. "You are vineyard" is the church song. The Georgian polyphonic songs were performed in different vital situations; e.g. some songs were performed while the collective work - while ploughing and sowing, while vintage. Some songs are heroic, they were performed in the war before starting the batlle. Georgians like to drink wine and revel, during these feasts they sing festive songs. Especially they like to sing "Mravalzhamieri" (toast the health of somebody). This song arise enthusiasm of listeners.

Many songs are performed in one or two voices. Such songs express the dearest fillings and dreams of the people. Solo songs are dedicated to the heroes, to the Mother country, to the love. There are also lullaby songs. Young mothers sing the lullaby songs to their child. Some songs are bewitch, they are performed to the sick for the recovery. All these songs are so tuneful that there is no need in musical accompaniment. Georgians have their own folk instruments; e.g. the stringed "chonguri" and "phanduri", the wind pipe. The pipe is herdsman's beloved instrument; one can reproduce melody of any kind with it. Georgians put their emotions and temperament in their songs.