Researching a multipart singing tradition: The human dimension as a driving force for preservation and creativity among the vlach-aromanians of Drenova (Korça)

Abstract

This article evolves from a musical project for the CD album Aromanian Songs from Drenova, (Squilibri, 2018) with multipart songs from the aromanian-vlach minority of Drenova, a village in Korça’s district, in southeast Albania. This area has been among the most vital ones in the three-part singing style and this minority has played a significant role. Alongside the recording process, a research on the documentary level evolved, for investigating a rather neglected presence of singing practices of this group. This article explores the human dimension focusing on four eminent aspects: personal history, embodiment, self-expression, and joint action. The latter have been a driving force for creativity and preservation in this singing practice.