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Georgian Artists
Sakhioba
2007, Sakhioba Folk Ensemble
- Krist'e aghga (Christ is risen): the Hymn in tone V.
- Lord, I have cried: in tone VIII.
- I Will Open My Mouth: in tone IV.
- Right early let us wake: V Irmos in tone I.
- Ganatldi (Shine, Shine the new Jerusalem): IX Irmos in tone I.
- Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos: the Hymn in tone IV.
- May Habakkuk, divinely speaking: IV Irmos in tone I.
- Saplavad khortsita (In the grave with the body): the Hymn in tone II.
- O Holy Mother of the ineffable light: the Hymn in tone II.
- Alilo: Christmas song, Telavi, village Kondola, version of F. Makhatelashvili.
- Skakvarlis Javrit: Lyrical song, Guria, S.Chavleishvili’s version.
- Gojaspiruli: Table song. Guria, Sketa village, the Khukhunaishvilis’ version.
- Genatsva: An ox-driver’s song, with panduri.Kakheti.
- Naduri: Working song, Lechkhumi
- Khorumi: Achara, instrumental.
- Gideli: Working song, Imereti, during cintage.
- Visats ra unda ukvares: Feast song, Kakheti.
- Vards kokori: Lyrical song with Chonguri.
- Aliphasha: Historical song, Guria.
Sahkioba: Liner Notes
Translated by John Graham
Out of great love for the folk and sacred music of Georgia, members of Georgia's newest generation of revivalist musicians created an ensemble called "Sakhioba." Founded in the beginning of 2006, the ensemble is mentored by the experience and knowledge of Malkhaz Erkvanidze, director of the renowned Anchiskhati Ensemble, with leadership from the young Seminary graduate and music scholar, Revaz Shanidze.
The word "Sakhioba" comes from classical Georgian, and means "sweet singing," either with instruments of voices. The Sakhioba ensemble began studying simple versions of traditional Georgian church chant under the tutelage of Lia Salakaia of the Sioni Cathedral Parish School, and progressed to more advanced chant studies under the guidance of Vasil Tsetskhaladze. As folk singing shares close ties with church chant, the ensemble has also dedicated itself to folklore studies, including the study of traditional folk dances and instrumental music.
The ensemble has performed several times in Georgia, including being invited to perform at the 3rd International Symposium on Traditional Polyphony, hosted by the Tbilisi State Conservatoire in the fall of 2006. Additionally, the Sakhioba ensemble has performed at the Ethnographic Museum in Tbilisi, and appeared several times on state television. The ensemble was honored as the Laureate of the State Folk Festival in 2006.
This, their first recording, was completed in the winter of 2007, and includes chants from the Lenten Triodion and the Pentecostarion. This recording, in conjunction with an accompanying volume of music notation published by the Anchiskhati Church Choir in 2006, will help local choirs relearn traditional church music. The Sakhioba ensemble is committed to the popularization and revival of old traditional Georgian music, with special attention to the intonation, timbre, and arrangements of traditional singers. Likewise, ensemble members are dedicated to learning traditional Georgian instruments, such as the chonguri, panduri, chiboni, changi, chuniri and doli, and seek to share this tradition with international and domestic audiences.
The founding members of the ensemble are graduates of the Tbilisi Theological Seminary, and include: Ravaz Shanidze, Giorgi Gvimradze, Josef Kopaleishvili, Valerian Tsiklauri, and Davit Batirashvili. Also singing in the ensemble are representatives from the church choirs of Trinity Cathedral: Zaza Fanchvidze, and Sergo Urushadze; Kldisubani Church of St. George: Davit Shukakidze, and Elguja Narimanashvili; Church of Fr. Davit: Vladimir Shonia, and Grigol Amiranishvili; and from Betania Monastery: Davit Jamrishvili.