Every region, every village, every village has its own distinct character, and the same is true of sacred song. The Museum of Corsica wishes to preserve traditional polyphony which is why it has invited three ethnomusicologists to record, observe and understand this centuries-old oral tradition.
The project started with a seminar with our partner, the National Center for Musical Creativity Voce de Pigna, explains Damien Delgrossi, Head of the Sound Library at the Corsica Museum. This first approach allowed these professionals to become familiar with traditional Corsican singing. Next, we decided to organize a field survey. We have chosen Spuncatu because there is a very active confraternity, which has maintained historical continuity of its liturgical musical heritage. »
So the Brotherhood surrendered itself to the recording game. An exercise that is not always easy for them. Indeed, if they used to sing together, this time they had to pass one by one to make his sound.
“Singing is sharing, sharing, doing it alone was hard, Brother Rafael Kelechi explains. Each village has its own songs, tunes and tunes. We don’t sing the same way here and at Nesce or Felicetu. This is what makes the richness of singing in Corsica. »
A discovery also for ethnomusicologists, who, if accustomed to the study of many polyphonic voices, are charmed by the musical richness of the island.
“When I was offered work on Corsican music, I was very interested, Simha Arum says, I worked a lot on African music and oral traditions. Here it is, heaven. My job is to study music that has no writing, transmitted by memory. This music, except by the people who practice it, they have not considered it. The musicologist’s goal is to make this song accessible through theory. »
With the contribution of these professionals, Corsican singing always reveals its secrets.
Paese TV report here
