The Fifth International Symposium on Traditional Polyphony ...

Some Considerations on the Interpretation of Multipart Music on Early Sound Documents
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Two forms, the overtone singing and unison choir singing with instrumental accompaniment, seem not to have
changed since their very first sound recordings; they are still found (even with slight changes in interpretation)
and represent “typical” genres and singing techniques. <strong>The</strong> two other forms, the improvisation above a
rhythmic and formal frame and singing a melody above a sung rhythm pattern, have to be questioned again
in their performance and even in their existence in the respective regions. Hence, it is obvious how important
archives are. Remembering one of the thoughts Exner explained in the founding motion, we have to agree
that for comparative studies the access to and the availability of sound recordings is essential. <strong>The</strong>refore, we
still benefit from the open concept of the founders devised 100 years ago. And we also have to admit that
historical sound recordings, preserved and documented, figure as valuable sources for our research aimed at
new knowledge about historical sound documents from today’s point of view.
References
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