La nuova generazione di improvvisatori di chjam’è rispondi in Corsica. Rottura o continuità?

Abstract

The chjam’è rispondi is a particular performance, based on improvisation and characterised by a dialogic style, which is sung by two or more performers. After a sharp decline since the 1950s, the chjam’è rispondi has acquired a renewed interest during the last two decades. In particular, a group of young performers has been distinguishing itself for having approached this practice in a completely unconventional manner. This turn has provoked considerable repercussions on chjam’è rispondi, one of which was to give it a new course. An informal manner of singing or situated along institutionalised performing events? Technical learning or “natural gift”? What is the role played by the Corsican language? These are some of the practical and theoretical crucial points with which the performers have to confront themselves. On these issues, conflicting interpretations have emerged, leading the performers to dynamically situate themselves into the contemporary Corsican society.