The Fifth International Symposium on Traditional Polyphony ...

Outline of a Syntax of Chords in Some Songs from Samegrelo
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In the mode of A, on the contrary, we find the three types of cadences, A-B-C.
In the three modes, the unison only appears on the I degree.
With regard to accidentals, the appearance of certain degrees that are altered, upward or downward,
implies small “modulations – shifts” to neighboring modes.
<strong>The</strong> modes of E and A both show alterations that affect the second and fifth intervals. In the mode of A
these also appear on the sixth intervals as we will see further on.
In all cases these are sporadic modulations.
It appears that the size of the interval – major or minor as a factor of the harmonic syntax - is irrelevant.
<strong>The</strong> only thing that is relevant is the denomination of the interval (2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 9 th , etc.).
From the standpoint of the harmonic syntax, the songs alternate between stable segments and others that
are variable. In certain songs, the stable segments correspond to the same sequence of chords as those that
characterize the final cadence.
Considering the lowest part in the three modes, the degrees that appear most frequently are: I-VI-VII,
followed by IV and V.
In the body of songs examined, the II degree does not exist in the modes of E and A. In the mode of G,
the III degree does not appear.
<strong>The</strong> songs have varied themes: work, banquet, humor, lullabies, lyric-love, weddings, traveling, religious,
riding…
Songs in the mode of E (19 songs)
No.
SONG
CAD.
SEMIC.
3 Sisa Tura A - 5ªb VI - 8/6* Lullaby
4 Didou A - 2ª# VI - 8/5 Lullaby
5 Nana A - ---- I - 6/4* Lullaby
6 Veengara A - 2ª# / 5ªb VI - 5/3 Lullaby
7 Ia Patonepi A - 5ªb VI - 6/4
ACCIDENTALS
BEGINNING
THEME
Healing
song
38 Mapshalia A - 5ªb I - 5/3* Lyric/love
39 Veshemtsodua A - 2ª# / 5ªb I - 6/3* Lyric/love
41 Edemis Baghi A - 5ªb I - 5/3* Lyric/love
42 Chelaia Tsira A - 5ªb VI - 8/6* Lyric/love
43 Si Kouli Bata A - ---- VI - 5/3 Lyric/love
46 Chkim Toronji A - 5ªb VII - 6/4 Lyric/love
50 Vojanudi A - 5ªb VI - 5/4 Lyric/love