2019-04-12
Georgian sacred chants are a unique phenomenon in world history, a great global treasure that must be cherished, Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze stated at today's presentation of the research results of the neume musical notation elements from 10th-century hymnography collections.
The Head of Government expressed special gratitude to the researchers who, albeit with sparse financing, carried out this crucially important study.
"We are proud of our millennia-old history, of Georgia's unique contribution to world civilization. What we mean by our contribution to world civilization is, firstly, Georgian polyphony, something that we are all proud of. Georgian sacred chants are a unique phenomenon in world history, a great global treasure that must be cherished. I avail myself of this opportunity to thank everyone who has preserved this most precious treasure for generations to come because, in certain periods of Georgian history, the very survival of this unique treasure was jeopardized," Mamuka Bakhtadze stated.
According to the Prime Minister, a state program has launched to teach Georgian folklore and sacred chants throughout the country.
Georgian sacred chants must be further promoted both at home and throughout the world, the Head of Government believes, and they must be handed down to future generations.
The presentation of the research results of the neume musical notation elements from 10th-century hymnography collections was held at the National Museum. Neume-notated irmoi, and the neume-based systems found in the iadgari liturgical hymnography compilation by Mikael Modrekili, have been studied for years by Malkhaz Erkvanidze and Zaal Tzereteli, members of the Anchiskhati Choir.
Prime Minister's Press Office