Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
»
Folk Impressions
(2012) by the Sofia Boys' Choir - traditional folk songs from the
renowned youth choir
»
Bulgarian Rhapsody Vardar
(2007) by Pancho Vladigerov - some of the com-
poser's most popular works
Music
Choral Music
Bulgarian ecclesiastic music dates back to the 9th century and conveys the mysticism of
chronicles, fables and legends. To hear Orthodox chants sung by a choir of up to 100
people is a moving experience. Dobri Hristov (1875-1941) was one of Bulgaria's most
celebrated composers of church and choral music, and wrote his major choral work,
Lit-
urgy No 1
, for the Seven Saints ensemble, Bulgaria's best-known sacred-music vocal
group, based in Sofia's Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church.
The Sofia Boys' Choir, formed in 1968,
brings together boys from various schools in
the capital, aged 8 to 15, and has performed
around the world to great acclaim. As well as
their traditional Easter and Christmas concerts,
they are known for their Orthodox choral mu-
sic and folk songs.
Learn more about Seven Saints, Bulgaria's leading
sacred-music vocal ensemble, at
Folk Music
The vaguely oriental sounds of Bulgarian folk music offer an immediate and evocative
aural impression of the country. Traditional instruments such as the
gaida
(bagpipes),
gadulka
(a bowed stringed instrument) and
kaval
(flute) normally feature. As in many
peasant cultures, Bulgarian women were not given access to musical instruments, so they
usually performed the vocal parts. Bulgarian female singing is polyphonic, featuring many
voices and shifting melodies, and women from villages in the Pirin Mountains are
renowned for their unique singing style. Regular folk-music and dance festivals are held
around Bulgaria and are great opportunities to experience the culture.
