In 2005, UNESCO proclaimed the cantu a tenore to be an example of intangible cultural heritage.

[1][2] The word tenore is not to be confused with the word "tenor" as a simple description of vocal register; it refers to the actual style of folk singing and is distinguished from other similar styles called by different names in different places on the island, such as taja in Gallura and concordu in Logudoro (Sassu 1978).

In the Barbagia region on the island of Sardinia, there are two different styles of polyphonic singing: cuncordu, usually a form of sacred music, sung with regular voices, and tenore, usually a form of profane music, marked by the use of overtone singing.

Cantu a tenore is traditionally practised by groups of four male singers standing in a close circle.

The 'oche sings a poetic text in Sardinian, which can be of epic, historic, satirical, amorous or even protest genre.