samsöngu

Samsöngu is a term used in musicology and ethnography to describe the practice of communal singing performed in unison, where participants sing the same melodic line at the same tempo and rhythm. The word appears to be formed from elements meaning “together” and “sing” in Nordic language traditions, with a nominalizing suffix. The concept is discussed in studies of participatory music and folk traditions in Nordic regions, where it is described as distinct from polyphonic or heterophonic singing, in which multiple parts or melodies are sung simultaneously.

In practice, samsöngu emphasizes unity of sound and collective participation rather than individual voice parts. It is commonly observed in community gatherings, choral groups with unison repertoire, children's singing activities, and ritual or ceremonial contexts where the emphasis is on shared musical experience.

Scholarly treatment of samsöngu varies. Some researchers treat it as a formal category within unison singing; others view it as a practical description of performance practice rather than a separate musical genre. Debates concern how to distinguish samsöngu from simple unison singing used in many musical contexts.

See also: unison singing, choral music, folk music, participatory music.

References are not provided in this short article.