Ensemble Marani - Sharatin (შარათინ) (2025)
Fantastic release and the recording quality is amazing as well!
Inscribed in 2008 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (originally proclaimed in 2001), Georgian polyphonic singing represents one of the masterpieces of Georgian culture.
In Georgia, polyphonic singing accompanies the community through all moments of life, such as wedding or funeral ceremonies, healing rituals, liturgy, work, children's lullabies, dances, or even banquets (supra). These polyphonic songs have different characteristics depending on their regional origin. Polyphonic singing is practiced by both women and men, but the male repertoire is much more extensive.
The practice is traditionally transmitted orally, within the family and community. Today, many singers try to get as close as possible to this mode of transmission by learning directly from singing masters (lotbari). This is the case in the Ile de France region for the Marani ensemble, which has made several study trips to Georgia and invited Georgian singing masters.
Over the years, the Marani ensemble has performed on numerous stages, presenting traditional songs from all regions of Georgia, as well as Orthodox liturgical chants. Their repertoire has developed from their roots in the Georgian community, but also from the ties forged with many eminent singers, connoisseurs of the traditions, knowledge, and customs related to the practice of singing in Georgia. ©
