Kantelechanting

Kantelechanting refers to a vocal technique performed in conjunction with playing the kantele, a plucked string instrument central to Finnish folk music. It involves the singer producing vocalizations, often wordless or using simple melodic phrases, that are harmonically and rhythmically intertwined with the kantele music. This practice is not about traditional singing with lyrics in the conventional sense, but rather an extension of the kantele's sonic texture.

The vocal sounds can range from humming and glissandi to more structured melodic lines that mirror or complement the kantele's tune. The intention is to create a unified, layered soundscape where the voice and instrument become almost indistinguishable. Kantelechanting is often characterized by a meditative or trance-like quality, aiming to evoke a sense of connection to nature or a spiritual experience. It's a contemporary development within kantele music, explored by artists seeking to expand the expressive possibilities of the instrument and its traditional context. While rooted in folk traditions, kantelechanting can be found in experimental and contemporary folk music settings.