The KLAPA What is klapa traditional a capella

The KLAPA

What is klapa? • traditional a capella group famous in Dalmatia (south of Croatia) • Literally means “a group of friends” • Tradition derives from the Middle Ages (was composed mostly of men) • “modern” klapa has been formed in 19 th century Klapa Timbar

• Klapa has become popular in the 90´s, especially female a capella groups • Except in Dalmatia, they are being formed in Rijeka and Zagreb, too • A singer wears black trousers( or a skirt), white shirt and red waistband

Voices • Singing is polyphonic without instruments (a capella) • There are 3 types of voices: 1. tenor (high male voice) 2. baritone (medium high male voice) 3. bas (low male voice) • Singers are staggered by their voices • The highest voice starts the song and the rest of the singers join him

TENORS BARITONE BAS Klapa Berulia

Songs • Song lyrics are mainly love texts • Singers sing by the hearing, not by printed music record • Important singing factors: - sound homogeneity - voice balance - perfect intonation - clear pronunciation - enjoyment of text interpretation

TYPES OF KLAPA • During the past we have 3 types of klapa: 1. traditional (folk) klapa – an informal group of people who occasionally sing to satisfy their love for singing 2. festivalska – sings on various occasions (in taverns, at parties etc. ) 3. moderna(današnja) – use of instruments

MODERN KLAPA Use of INSTRUMENTS Klapa Intrade

Dalmatian Klapa Festival Omiš • Has been located in Omiš since 1967 • It`s the first institution to present klapa singing as a traditional and art music • Has greatly contributed to the development and preservation of the culture of a capella folk singing • 1967 – around 15 klapa groups were noted • 1980 – around 200 klapa groups were noted • Today – more than 400

Other festivals • • Bol, island Brač Blato, island Korčula Vodice Opuzen • 1991. - the first women´s klapa competing evening was established

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