Music of Sardinia

Sardinia is probably the most culturally distinct of all the regions in Italy and, musically, is best-known for the tenores polyphonic chant, sacred songs called gozos, and launeddas, an ancient instrument that consist in a set of three single-reed pipes, all three mouth-blown simultaneously using circular breathing, with two chanters and one drone

Launeddas

Launeddas is an ancient instrument, dating back to at least the 8th century BC, they are played using circular breathing.Launeddas are used to play a complex style of music that has achieved some international attention, and they are still played during religious ceremonies and dances (su ballu).Some of the most famous player were Efisio Melis, Antonio Lara, Dionigi Burranca and Luigi Lai. Many of the launeddas musicians are from de south of the island from villages like Villaputzu, San Vito and Muravera in the subregion named Sarrabus, or from Samatzai but even from Cabras near Oristano and Ovodda near Nuoro. Distinctively, they are played using extensive variations on a few melodic phrases and, because of the technique of circular breathing, a single song can last over an hour.

Cantu a chiterra

Traditional singing accompanied by guitar cantu a chiterra is also found in Sardinia, represented by performers like Luiginu Cossu, Maria Carta, and nowadays Franco Denanni; this genre is especially well-known in the northwest region of Logudoro near the city of Sassari and in the northeast region of Gallura.

Polyphonic......

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