Albanian folk music is more than just a collection of different streams, melodies, and songs – it is the heartbeat of a nation. Throughout their long, and often difficult history, Albanian people have used music to express emotions, remember important events, and convey the most important values, like honor, loyalty, hospitality, and strength of character. From rhapsodies of the north to UNESCO-protected polyphonic music and everything in between, each genre is a testimony of the rich Albanian cultural heritage.
In this article, we’ll get to explore the diverse Albanian folk music, unique folk traditions and instruments, and the voices that have inspired so many generations.
Table Of Contents
History Of Albanian Folk Music
Albanian folk music is deeply connected with the complex and troubled history of the Albanian people, throughout millennia. It is very diverse, incredibly creative, and probably the common people’s biggest act of resistance against foreign invaders, alongside the protection of the Albanian language.
According to scholars, the oldest traces of Albanian folk music come from what is left of ancient Illyria, with early melodies celebrating nature and community rituals, like worshiping weddings, and funerals. This is evident in the archeological finds on various historical sites across Albania, and the Balkan peninsula. While there are no direct recordings of what would be a comprehensive written record of the Illyrian music, studies show that the most likely direct link is through the Albanian iso-polyphonic songs, which are unique to southern Albania.
In northern Albania, the lute (lahuta), which is a long neck string instrumental that dates back more than 2000 years ago, is still commonly used in modern days.
During medieval times the Byzantine church music had a strong impact, which helped to shape different vocal styles and harmonic structures, especially in the south Albania region. The rhapsodies of the north with their epic tales of Kreshniket emerged during the Middle Ages as well, with the rise of Arbanon (the name of Medieval Albania).
During the Ottoman invasion, there were a lot of Eastern influences as instruments such as clarinet or saze were introduced. In the 20th century, Albanian folk music gained more momentum as it began being studied by both domestic and international scholars. Many Albanian artists collected and recorded the songs, as an effort to preserve Albanian folklore. Nowadays, folk music is very much alive and continues to accompany people in their daily lives or important events, as well as inspiring generations to come.
Epic Heroic Songs – Këngët Kreshnike
The epic heroic songs, as known in Albanian Këngët e Kreshnikëve are the most essential part of Albanian folklore. They are basically epic poetry sung in a rugged and heroic tone to narrate the story. The main character of Kreshnikët is Muji (meaning; the one who can), whose legendary deeds include fighting for freedom, against invaders to preserve the homeland, and personal honor.
These epic poems are always accompanied by the musical instrument of lahuta, which reflects a unique Albanian tradition of storytelling.
During the Albanian movement for independence in the 19th century, Gjergj Fishta, the national poet published the Lute of Highlands (Lahuta e Malsis’). These new heroic epics were in the style of Këngët e Kreshnikëve but based on true historical and political events. It also contained a lot of Albanian mythological creatures such as fairies (zanat) or magical beings (orët).
The impact of this literary masterpiece was so great that the rhapsodies adopted the songs immediately and started singing them in the same way as Këngët e Kreshnikëve.
Epic poetry, as seen in both cases, was a way to preserve honor and dignity and depicted the struggle for independence and freedom.
Rhapsodes Of The North – Rapsodet E Veriut
The Rhapsodes of the North, or Rapsodet e Veriut, is a huge part of the country’s cultural heritage, particularly in Gheg music, in northern Albanian regions, and in Kosovo. They are male singers with a unique storytelling style who have free rhythm and an ancient lute to perform.
The rhapsodes are also referred to as the songs of towers (këngët e kullave) because men would gather in the traditional stone houses and invite a singer. They played a key role in preserving the region’s rich oral history, as their songs shaped the collective memory by recounting the political history of the region, the heroic deeds of great warriors like Skanderbeg, and patriotic events.
Rhapsodes offer a glimpse into the soul of Northern Albanians, who have always shared their struggles and triumphs through music.
Majekrahi Song – Kënga Majëkrahi
This type of song was first heard when Roman soldiers entered the Illyrian city of Skodrinon (Shkodra). It is still common in the regions of the Great Highlands, Rugova, and Dukagjini. The literal translation is “the song over the arm,” but it is also referred to as the Highlanders songs. This is often a call to action, before or during war battles, or it can be used in cases of death, or wedding ceremonies to notify others.
The song is a loud, dramatic shriek performed mostly by men. It was used in the times of Skanderbeg too, as a way to inform Skanderbeg’s Albanian army about the arrival of enemies. The echo of the mountains helped the song travel far, and because Albanian is an isolated language, invaders could not understand the message. When Germany invaded Albania during WW2, they were so impressed by the effectiveness of this method that they called it the natural Albanian telephone.
Polyphonic Music – Muzika Polifonike
The Albanian Iso-polyphonic music or, as it’s called in Albanian Muzika Iso-Polifonike, is part of the Unesco intangible cultural heritage list. This form of singing is with many voices and is part of southern traditions, or the so-called tosk music, particularly in the regions of Toskëria and Labëria. The many different vocals are in complete harmony with each other, and depending on the song, they can have a melancholic style or be quite joyful.
The rich vocals of the singers paired with southern folk instrumentals make the Albanian iso-polyphony sound almost hypnotic, especially for foreigners. Some have gone as far as describing it as an emotionally cathartic melody, but this is, of course, a personal experience.
Iso-polifonia is deeply entangled with southern traditions of Albania, and dates from at least the 5th century, with many scholars arguing that it comes from a pre-byzantine area, tracking it to Ilyrian and ancient Greeks. That’s why, in 2008, UNESCO recognized it as a cultural heritage of global importance, which should be actively protected from changes, modernizations, or disappearance. Pleased to say that this genre is alive and well, and still being sung in Albanian weddings and festivals.
Shkodra Traditional City Music – Muzika Qytetare Shkodrane
Shkodra, an ancient city located in northern Albania, has a rich cultural and historical heritage that extends to music, as well. Their traditional music, also known as Shkodra Civic Songs, has been shaped throughout centuries. It has a very distinctive method of interpretation, poetic text, and musical language, that makes it instantly recognizable.
These songs are commonly used during weddings or other joyful ceremonies, but later on, were adopted by great professional folk artists who introduced this genre to bigger stages. It is usually sung in a choir but can be performed solo with strong vocals. Different instruments are used; violin, drums, cello, accordion, etc.
Shkodra traditional city music has had a strong impact on Albanian culture as a whole, and modern pop and turbo-folk genres.
The Serenades of Korça – Serenata Korçare
Nothing more romantic than serenades of Korça to express deep love and affection for the girl who stole your heart. These love songs, which are a tradition and a symbol of Korça, in southern Albania, have become a cherished part of Albanian folk music.
The singing is performed with guitars, violins, or an entire orchestra at times. The tradition of serenades is rather new, as the people of Korça adopted them in the last few centuries, inspired by Spanish and Italian culture.
Tirana Folk Songs – Këngët Popullore të Tiranës
Tirana Folk Musik (Muzika Popullore e Tiranës) was consolidated in the first half of the 20th century after Tirana was proclaimed as the capital city of Albania. It is in fact much older than that, as it combines the musical traditions of Elbasan, Durrës, Shkodra, and Berat, all with centuries-long histories.
The Albanian folk songs of this genre reflect the constant transformation of the capital and how it has become a unifying force for the Albanian people. It is accompanied by different instruments such as clarinets, drums, guitars, or mandolin. The lyrical style is often quite simple and repetitive, with fast melodies and beats. Tirana folk music has major contributions to Albanian popular music and folk traditions.
The Rugova Dance – Vallja e Rugovës
This genre of Albanian folk music is beautiful and incredibly calm. It is performed by shepherds in the mountains, with simple melodies that are fully in tune with nature.
It is commonly performed with an Albanian flute, which is called fyelli, and sometimes improvised. It takes years of practice to fully learn, but long times in solitude with kettles in the mountains is a good opportunity to practice. Nowadays, international scholars have asked it to be protected by Unesco so that it can be preserved intact by modernization.
Song With Cooking Tray – Kënga me Tepsi
This is a very old tradition from northern Albania that is cherished in rural areas. The performance is exactly as the name suggests; you sing while using a round, cooking, metal tray as an instrument. It takes a lot of practice and coordination to do such a thing. The tray is typically struck with a coin, spoon, or something similar and should be turned in place with fast movements in the hand. Holding the balance is much more difficult than it looks. It’s like spinning a basketball on your finger, but much harder.
It is usually performed by women at weddings or joyful occasions and is accompanied by singing. It creates a very lively atmosphere, full of laughter.
Arbëreshë Folk Music – Muzika Arbëreshe
The Arbëresh community has fully preserved Albanian culture, traditions, and traditions for six hundred years. They first left Arbanon (Medieval Albanian), after the death of Skanderbeg, when the Ottomans invaded the country again. Since then, they have settled in Italy, where they live even in modern days.
Their music is very important from a historical point of view because Arbëreshët hasn’t changed their ways since the 15th century. This means that their music is also very similar to what their ancestors sang during the Skanderbeg state.
The Arbëresh songs are centered around their Albanian roots, national identity, nostalgia for the lost homeland, and faith in God. Polyphonic singing and melodic ballads paired with instrumentals such as mandolin and accordion create a distinctive genre. The Arbëresh culture has extended to Ukraine, Argentina, and the United States as they migrated to different countries throughout time. Their songs are usually performed at church services, weddings, and cultural festivals, where they are always a guest of honor.
The Impact Of Albanian Folk Music In Modern Albanian Music
Do you know the latest winner of the Song Festival (Festivali i Këngës), who will represent Albania in Eurovision 2025? Zjerm by Shkodra Elektronike is already going viral on TikTok, due to the mix of Albanian folk beats, with electronic music and very heartfelt lyrics. A true recipe for success that might give them the taste of yet another victory on the European stage.
They are not the first to try and do such a clever thing; many different artists have used traditional folk music with some modern twist, or special visuals. This way, they are able to create a unique fusion and bring tradition to urban songs and commercial pop.
How Do You Say “Albanian Folk Music” In Albanian?
Albanian folk music in the Albanian language translates as muzika folklorike shqiptare.
Related Vocabulary
If you follow any type of Albanian media to listen to traditional folk music or modern pop, then you have probably heard some of these words and phrases.
Commonly Asked Questions About Albanian Folk Music
1. How Do Northern And Southern Albanian Music Traditions Differ?
Northern folk music focuses on heroic and epic themes with instruments like the lahuta, while southern folk music emphasizes iso-polyphonic singing with harmonized vocals.
2. What Are The Oldest Folk Music Genres In Albania, And How Have They Been Preserved Over Time?
The oldest folk music genres in Albania include iso-polyphony in the south and epic songs from the north, such as those sung with the lahuta. These traditions have been preserved through oral transmission, performances at cultural festivals, and recognition by organizations like UNESCO. They remain an integral part of Albania’s heritage, passed down through generations to keep the stories, melodies, and identity alive.
3. What Themes Are Typically Explored In Albanian Folk Songs?
Albanian folk songs often revolve around themes of heroism, love, nature, and nostalgia for the homeland, reflecting the country’s cultural and historical identity.
Wrapping Up
In this article, we went through only some of the most important traditional Albanian folk music genres. While it is a small country, the Albanian folklore is incredibly rich and diverse. The northern and southern traditions, alongside their cultural and political history, blend seamlessly together to create an artistic heritage that belongs not to Albanians alone but to the world.
If you are more interested in fully understanding Albanian folk songs or contemporary pop, make sure to download the Ling app for fun Albanian lessons.