Klapa

Klapa are folk music groups on special occasions, usually unaccompanied, polyphonic songs present in the southern Croatian historical region of Dalmatia.

Klapa means "group". The roots of the style of music can be found in the liturgical chant. The subjects covered are the love of wine and the harvest, the home country and the sea. The music lives on the harmonies and melodies, the rhythm is of only secondary importance.

Originally there were pure men formations of up to 12 singers who can create a special atmosphere with their voices. Today, there are also all-women a cappella and, although rare, mixed a cappella. Each member of the group has a different voice pitch, this creates a whole provides a very united tone formation. A traditional group consisting of a first and a second tenor, a baritone and a bass, where all voices can be shared except the first tenor. Occasionally serves a restrained instrument, such as guitar or tambura, a kind of mandolin as accompaniment.

Klapa music needs - like the classic a cappella singing - specific practice. The intonation of the songs varies widely, they often start very quietly and experience in the course of the song numerous, successive increases in volume or pitch. Music can have a meditative effect on the listener and evoke deep feelings.

Klapa enjoys great popularity in Dalmatia again. There are new pieces composed and held competitions, for example, every year in summer in Omis and in Kastela.

Various Klapas

• Klapa Maslina
• Klapa Trogir
• Klapa Intrade
• Klapa Cambi
• Klapa Filip Devic
• Klapa Sinj