L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 www.italoamericano.org 14 L'Italo-Americano T h e C a n t o a Tenore tradition i s a n a n c i e n t vocal style from Sardinia, recog- nized as one of the island's most exceptional cultural expressions. This vocal art form reflects the island's pas- t o r a l h e r i t a g e , a n d w a s declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005. Today Canto a Tenore remains a vital symbol of Sardinian identity, cherished for its haunting harmonies and distinctive sound. Performed by a group of four male singers, Canto a Tenore is a form of poly- phonic singing where each voice assumes a unique role. The lead vocalist, known as the boghe, carries the main melody, often improvising lyrics rooted in the traditions o f S a r d i n i a n o r a l p o e t r y , which reflect themes of love, nature, and the hardships of rural life. The bassu, the deepest voice, provides a d e e p h u m t h a t f o r m s t h e s o n g ' s f o u n d a t i o n , o f t e n likened to the sound of the wind or the lowing of cattle, a similitude that grounds the performance in Sardinia's pastoral roots. The contra contributes a baritone element that com- p l e m e n t s t h e b a s s w i t h a r i c h e r t e x t u r e , w h i l e t h e m e s u b o g h e a d d s a higher harmony to complete the ensemble, incorporating its tones into the melody with precision and grace. Together, these voices create a n a l m o s t o t h e r w o r l d l y s o u n d , c h a r a c t e r i z e d b y d e e p , g u t t u r a l t o n e s a n d complex harmonics, perfect- ly evoking the rugged land- scapes and ancient rhythms o f S a r d i n i a . T h e s i n g e r s ' voices blend with remarkable synchronicity, creating an auditory experience that feels both primal and transcen- dent. T h e o r i g i n s o f t h i s unique form of art are deeply tied to the island's history a n d p a s t o r a l w a y o f l i f e ; scholars believe that the tra- dition emerged from Sar- dinia's shepherding com- munities, where it served both practical and cultural functions. Shepherds sang as t h e y t e n d e d t h e i r f l o c k s , using their voices to commu- nicate across vast distances or to express the emotions of solitary life in the hills. Over time, this singing evolved into a structured form of communal art, performed during social gatherings, reli- gious ceremonies, and local festivals. The lyrics of these songs often celebrated the beauty of the Sardinian land- scape, recounted stories of daily life, or explored univer- s a l t h e m e s s u c h a s l o v e , hardship, and longing. The practice is particularly a s s o c i a t e d w i t h c e n t r a l S a r d i n i a , n o t a b l y t h e Barbagia region, where com- munities have preserved this tradition for centuries. Vil- lages such as Orgosolo, Bitti, a n d M a m o i a d a a r e w e l l - k n o w n f o r t h e i r t e n o r e gr oups, and their per for - mances have become integral to local identity and pride. In these towns, Canto a Tenore is a vital tradition, passed down through generations, with younger singers learning from older masters to ensure its continuity. The UNESCO recognition o f C a n t o a T e n o r e a s a n Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2005 was a s i g n i f i c a n t m i l e s t o n e i n acknowledging its cultural and historical value. This designation highlighted the tradition's uniqueness and its role in fostering a sense of community and cultural con- tinuity among the Sardinian people. In their official moti- v a t i o n , U N E S C O p r a i s e d Canto a Tenore for "embody- ing the island's pastoral cul- ture and reflecting the close relationship between humans and their natural environ- ment." The connection to Sardinia's rugged terrain and the shepherding traditions of its past was seen as a vital aspect of this cultural expres- sion, underscoring how the music captured both the spir- it and the struggles of its peo- ple. Crucially, this tribute not o n l y r a i s e d i n t e r n a t i o n a l awareness of the tradition but also encouraged local efforts to preserve it amid the challenges of modernization. With globalization altering lifestyles and threatening the survival of many regional customs, the UNESCO desig- nation served as a wake-up call for the Sardinian com- munity and cultural institu- tions to safeguard this art form. The recognition also strengthened initiatives to document and teach the tra- dition, with local schools, cul- tural festivals, and research Advancing our Legacy: Italian Community Services CASA FUGAZI If you know of any senior of Italian descent in San Francisco needing assistance, please contact: ItalianCS.org | (415) 362-6423 | info@italiancs.com Italian Community Services continues to assist Bay Area Italian-American seniors and their families navigate and manage the resources needed to live healthy, independent and productive lives. Since Shelter-in-Place began in San Francisco, Italian Community Services has delivered over 240 meals, over 900 care packages and made over 2000 phone wellness checks for our seniors. organizations playing pivotal roles in ensuring its continu- i t y . A d d i t i o n a l l y , t h e UNESCO status provided opportunities for Canto a Tenore to gain international e x p o s u r e , e n a b l i n g Sardinian tenore groups to perform on global stages. However, this increased visi- bility has also brought chal- lenges, as the tradition risks becoming commercialized or losing its connection to its original context. As mentioned, Canto a Tenore's lyrics often carry a deep connection to the Sar- dinian landscape and way of l i f e ; t h e y c a n r a n g e f r o m poetic reflections on nature and pastoral existence to s a t i r i c a l c o m m e n t a r y o n social issues. The improvised nature of the lead singer's part allows for spontaneity, making each performance unique. Efforts to preserve Canto a Tenore have intensified in recent years, with local cul- tural organizations, schools, and festivals play a critical role in teaching and promot- ing the art form, to ensure that new generations of Sar- dinians embrace their her- itage. Workshops and com- p e t i t i o n s h a v e b e e n o r g a n i z e d t o e n c o u r a g e young people to participate, while digital archives and recordings have helped docu- ment the tradition for poster- ity. Canto a Tenore's signifi- c a n c e l i e s n o t o n l y i n i t s unique musical qualities but also in its ability to bridge Sardinia's past and present and to revive in younger gen- erations an interest in their r o o t s a n d t r a d i t i o n s ; i t stands as a symbol of the resilience of Sardinian cul- ture and the lasting power of collective expression. The living heritage of Sardinia's Canto a Tenore FRANCESCA BEZZONE LIFE PEOPLE PLACES HERITAGE TRADITIONS Canto a Tenore is one of Sardinia's most precious traditions (Photo: Wirestock/Dreamstime)

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