Cosmic Voices of Bulgaria consists of female vocalists (the size of the choir ranges from 18 to 21) who represent all the geographic and cultural regions of their homeland.
Under the direction of Vanya Moneva and including some of the best soloists and young artists in Bulgaria today, this choir performs music from the regions of Rodopi, Pirin, Dobrudja, Trakiya, and Shopean as well as an entire repertoire of new works in the old folk tradition. Mechmetio was recorded at the National Palace of Culture in Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital.
The women’s soaring voices have a unique, ethereal quality and the calculated minor and major dissonances create an uncanny atmosphere that is impossible to resist. The rich, multi-layered sonorities captivate the senses and stimulate the imagination. This is music that is exotic yet familiar, the product of a vibrant culture that combines Slavic, Byzantine, Asiatic, and Turkish elements.
Bulgarian choral singing in the folk tradition draws on a centuries-old practice of rich sonorities, complicated harmonies, and driving rhythms found only in this part of the world. The characteristic nasal sound of Bulgarian singing, the vocal ornaments and coloration, and the use of varied repetition are all distinctive, evocative qualities of this music.
There is no harmony in the Western sense. Rather, the singers create a complex sonic tapestry by weaving together simultaneous and overlapping versions of the same melody. This is an ancient way of making music that, with its dissonant and modern-sounding intervals, seems amazingly contemporary.
Discography:
The Choice (EMAM, 1994)
Mechmetio (2000)
Orthodox Chant (KVZ Music 2002)
Sweet Separation (KVZ Music 2006)
Slavonic Orthodox Music, Live at Gaude Mater Festival 2012 (EMAM, 2012)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
Such a pity that their CD’s are practically impossible to find nowadays, both sides of the Atlantic…
Weary of wickedness, I can find no home on this war torn planet, so decided to live within music. Came upon this group and found feeling of being cradled, somehow removed from time to a place hidden from all evil ….sanctuary. Holy of holies? warm harmonies and flow through me, cleansing and releasing the tortured pains of seeing too much; my eyes can finally close and rest here. It is safe here , like in a grandmothers arms. Harmony, breath, rest. I find sanctuary here in these timeless voices finding me in the dark night of this lost soul. Rest. Peace. The stars begin to softly shine through the night and join the chorus of these voices.
Someone, please thank them for me?
Скъпи приятели:
I love your version of Заспало и Челебийче with orchestra! It’s fantastic!
Would it be possible to see the full score?
Благодаря вам много!!