Jehona Laberise

Albanian iso polyphony is a traditional a cappella vocal art from southern Albania (mainly the Tosk and Lab regions) defined by a sustained drone called the “iso” over which one or more lead voices weave interlocking melodies. Performances are communal and role-based: a principal lead (marrës) introduces the melody, a second voice (kthyes) “turns” or answers it, a third voice (hedhës) may add soaring counters, and a chorus maintains the continuous iso. Modal, often pentachordal or pentatonic pitch organization, microtonal inflections, and open-throated timbres produce a resonant, buzzing sonority distinct to the area. Repertoire includes laments, epic-historical songs, wedding and work songs, and pastoral pieces. The Tosk style is generally smoother and more diatonic, while the Lab style is rougher, more guttural, and often denser. Recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, iso polyphony remains a living practice of communal memory, identity, and ceremony.