The Music of Albania (Albanian: Muzika Shqiptare) is associated with the country of Albania and Albanian communities. Music has a long custom in the country and is thought for its regional diversity, from the Ghegs in the North to the Tosks within the South. It's an integral part of the national id, strongly influenced by the country's lengthy and turbulent history,[1] which forced Albanians to protect their culture from their overlords by living in rural and remote mountains.

Various Albanian folk music includes monophonic and polyphonic types, responses, choral, instrumental and vocal music. Every area has a unique musical custom that displays its historical past, language and tradition.[1] Polyphonic singing and song kinds are primarily found in South Albania, while within the North they are predominantly monophonic. Albanian iso-polyphony has been declared an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.[2] The Gjirokastër National Folklore Competition, held every 5 years in Gjirokastër, is a crucial venue exhibiting traditional Albanian music.

Albanian music extends to historic Illyria and Historical Greece, with influences from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empire.[3] It's evident in archeological findings reminiscent of arenas, odeons, theatre buildings and amphitheatres, all over Albania. The stays of temples, libraries, sculptures and paintings of historic dancers, singers and musical devices, have been found in territories inhabited by the ancient Illyrians and historical Greeks.[3]

Church singing was performed throughout early Middle Ages in Albania by choirs or soloists in ecclesiastical facilities reminiscent of Berat, Durrës and Shkodër.[four] The Center Ages in Albania included choral music and traditional music.[4] Shën Jan Kukuzeli, a singer, composer and musical innovator of Albanian origin, is likely one of the earliest known musicians.[5]

Internationally renowned up to date musicians of Albanian origin from Albania and Albanian diaspora embody Action Bronson, Elvana Gjata, Ava Max, Bebe Rexha, Dua Lipa, Era Istrefi, Albert Stanaj, Dafina Zeqiri, Eleni Foureira, G4SHI, Ermal Meta, Enca, Elhaida Dani, Noizy, and Rita Ora. In the area of classical music, a number of Albanian sopranos and tenors have gained worldwide recognition together with Rame Lahaj, Inva Mula, Marie Kraja, Saimir Pirgu and Ermonela Jaho, and the composer Vasil Tole a member of the Academy of Sciences of Albania

Instrumentation are an integral a part of Albanian people music, particularly in the north. These devices may be divided into string, wind and percussion categories. They differ from albanische lieder area to region and are used steadily throughout the whole country, performing each dance and instrumental polyphonic folk music.[3]

The lahuta, a single-stringed instrument, is rooted in Albanian epic poetry with emphasis on important historic and patriotic events from history.[10][eleven] It's normally played only by men during winter evenings by the fireside. The instrument is primarily widespread within the mountainous northern area of the country however could be additionally found within the center of the country.[1] It's often made from a single wooden block composed of assorted forms of woods together with maple, spruce and oak. The top of the lahuta is decorated with symbols of ancient cults such as the head of the capricorn, which is the image of the Helmet of Skanderbeg.[12]

Çifteli was used since the Ottoman occupation of Albania.

Çiftelia is an extended necked stringed instrument and steadily utilized by Gheg Albanians in northeastern Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and Macedonia.[3] It's an integral part of northern conventional instrumental ensembles, commonly performed within the context of northern wedding music.

Fyell, often known as Zumare, is an identical instrument to a pennywhistle and is usually played by shepherds within the north together with a shepherd's flute.[thirteen] The instrument contains five holes in every pipe and a bell. The melodies which are played with a fyell are homophonic and sounds nasal as well as very sturdy and powerful.[three]

Violina is often used since the 19th century in each the northern and southern region. Prior to now, it was held in a vertical place like a violoncello or a lahuta but shouldn't be practiced anymore.[3]