Georgian polyphony is an outstanding phenomenon and treasury of man-kind. It was listed in UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in 2013. Polyphony in Georgia stemmed from old times. Despite of invasions and wars Georgian people never quit singing. They sang about every day life dedicating songs and chanting to grapevine, Christmas, events and people.
There are three types of polyphony in Georgia: complex polyphony, polyphonic dialogue on the background of bass line and contrasting polyphony.
Famous Georgian “Chakrulo” sung in seven tones is an outstanding complex polyphony, which was sent to Cosmos by NASA in 1977. ”Zari”is a moaning complex polyphony performed during burial ceremony even at present day in Svaneti.
“Chakrulo”,“Krimanchuli”, “Khasanbegura”, “Orovela”, “Zari” “alilo”, “Chaguna” and etc. are all masterpieces of Georgian polyphony.