Arifa Navigates the Sounds of the Danubian Region

Arifa – Danubian Voyage (O-Tone Music, 2022)

At its core, Danubian Voyage encapsulates the essence of the Danube, Europe’s second-longest river, meandering over three thousand kilometers from its source in southern Germany to its majestic convergence with the Black Sea. Across millennia, this iconic waterway has served as a conduit for diverse civilizations, including the ancient Greeks, Hungarians, Turks, Dacians, Germans, Slovaks, Serbians, and Bulgarians.

Arifa’s quintessential mix of East and West manifests effortlessly in Danubian Voyage, symbolizing the profound interconnection mirrored by the Danube itself. The Amsterdam-based quartet includes Zhivko Vasilev, a virtuoso kaval player from Bulgaria; Bence Huszar, a masterful cellist representing Hungary; Franz von Chossy, the accomplished pianist with roots in Germany; and Sjahin During, the visionary leader, whose Dutch-Turkish heritage infuses a unique dynamic into the ensemble.

In Danubian Voyage, the exquisite chamber folk music woven by Arifa seamlessly intertwines ancient melodies from the Middle East and Balkans with the improvisation spirit of jazz and contemporary expressions, yielding a captivating fusion of traditions. The addition of the kaval, a traditional Bulgarian flute, adds a new dimension to their repertoire, enchanting listeners with its evocative timbre and rich harmonies, courtesy of Zhivko’s masterful interpretation.

Bence Huszar’s upbringing steeped in classical Hungarian music, coupled with his ventures into experimental cello techniques under the tutelage of Ernst Reijseger, brings forth a rhythmic dynamism that pulsates throughout the album. Meanwhile, Franz von Chossy’s lyrical and impressionistic piano motifs, influenced by his Ukrainian heritage, serve as a poignant thread weaving through Arifa’s music.

Sjahin During’s percussive mastery, cultivated through rigorous study with luminaries from across the globe, adds an eclectic flair to the ensemble, bridging continents with an array of instruments from diverse cultural traditions. This set of rich and diverse sounds has earned Arifa acclaim on both local and international stages, with previous albums unanimously praised as ‘Best World Music Album of the Year’ in the Netherlands, attesting to their enduring effect on the world music scene.

Musicians: Zhivko Vasilevon kaval; Bence Huszar on cello; Franz von Chossy on piano; and Sjahin During on percussion.

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