tradition
Iso-polyphony — the UNESCO-listed singing tradition of southern Albania
Multi-part vocal music with origins in the Tosk and Lab highlands — UNESCO-listed since 2005, still alive at weddings and folk festivals.
Written by myAlbania Editorial·April 28, 2026·2 min read
Iso-polyphony involves a chorus of voices singing a sustained drone (iso) while one or two soloists carry an embellished melody on top. The result is hypnotic and ancient-sounding — UNESCO listed it as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2005.
The two main schools are Tosk (Korçë, Berat, Gjirokastër) and Lab (Vlorë, Sarandë). Wedding songs, work songs, lullabies — all use the form.
Where to hear it live
- Gjirokastër National Folk Festival — every five years (next: 2028).
- Albania Folk Festival in Përmet — annual, smaller, intimate.
- Search for Saz'iso or Lela e Përmetit recordings to start.
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