Stemmene

Stemmene is the plural form of the Norwegian noun stemme, meaning voice, vocal part, or utterance. The term is used to refer to multiple voices or opinions, especially in musical and political contexts, but it can also describe tone or manner of speaking.

In music, stemmene denotes the individual vocal lines in a polyphonic work, such as a choir with soprano, alto, tenor, and bass parts. In scores, composers or editors indicate each stemme, and singers or instrumentalists perform them together as a cohesive ensemble. The concept is central to the study of harmony and vocal writing, where different stemmene interact to create texture and balance.

In elections and debates, stemme refers to a vote or ballot. Stemmene can be used to speak of the votes cast or the results, for example: stemmene ble telt. The term also appears in political reporting to describe the outcome of a vote or the distribution of support among options.

In everyday language, stemme can describe the tone or timbre of a voice, as in speaking with a particular stemme or manner. The phrase å legge sin stemme expresses giving one's vote or expressing support for a position or proposal.

See also: stemme (singular), stemmegivning.