Customer Reviews

Bulgarian Soul

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Of her recording of Bulgarian folk songs acclaimed mezzo-soprano Vesselina Kasarova has said, "I've never made such a recording before. After recording each song, I was shaken by emotion. These are songs every Bulgarian knows - and not just the people. The walls know the music. Bulgarian songs are sad, full of melancholy, and I understand this. I love people and having them around, but I like being on my own. This feeling characterizes our music."

Surely most listeners will also be emotionally touched by these timeless, unforgettable melodies that Kasarova has sung since childhood. She brings not only understanding but heart and soul to this recording.

A collaboration with composer Krassimir Kyurkchiyski, the Cosmic Voices from Bulgaria and the "Sofia Soloists" Chamber Orchestra is nothing short of brilliant.

This is a disc to be heard again and again as with each listening the elements of history, mythology and fantasy begin to emerge as the rhythms portray shared elements of human life.

I've been waiting to listen to this CD ever since I first heard of Ms Kasarova's plans to make a record only of Bulgarian folk songs and after I finally was able to do so I'm really happy that she has managed to introduce the listeners to this lovely music in such a touching way! All the pieces are specially arranged for the project in order to match the folk songs appropriately with an operatic voice and the efforts are more than successful - the result is an enchanting blend of two different worlds. I also enjoyed the choir that sings in the typical for the Bulgarian folk tradition very "open" way. It helps greatly in conveying the atmosphere of that marvellows music. And, of course, Vesselina's singing is as always passionate, mesmerising and even heart-breaking at times. She even manages to imitate in a very delicate way the traditional way of folk singing that has more vibrato in it, so it isn't a fault here, as one of the reviewers mentions, but only an intentional effect. So, if you are looking for something different, made with great love and professionalism - that' s a record you shouldn't miss.

Vesselina Kasarova's BULGARIAN SOUL is a difficult recording to characterize. Theoretically it is an album of Bulgarian folk tunes, most of which are arranged for Ms. Kasarova's beautiful mezzo soprano voice, but the recording is far more than what listeners would expect it to be. The various pieces vary from lively melodies to soulful reflections. The arrangements are contemporary and showcase Ms. Kasarova's vocal talents as well as her appreciation for the music she is performing. In each excerpt Ms. Kasarova's beautiful voice adds majesty to what in many cases are centuries old works. She is accompanied on many of the pieces by a women's chorus which gives an added flair to the recording. The music is at times haunting, at other times charming, but in all cases beautiful. An excellent booklet accompanies the disc which gives a background to the music.

I would encourage people to listen to the recording more than once before judging it. I have found that it is more of an acquired taste than an instant hit. Personally I wondered exactly what I was listening to the first time I heard it, but it has been in my rotation of CD's since that time and each time I hear it, I seem to grow fonder of it. I'm sure you will too!

This nostalgic CD makes me want to visit Bulgaria.... just to see what kind of a country is it that produced such haunting folk songs... and such soulful singer as Vesselina Kasarova and her many great Bulgarian colleagues.

The first piece, Dilmano Dilbero grabs your attention quickly with its strange dissonance and harmony...or dis-harmony between the soloist and the chorus. They sing together in different keys! And somehow it all works. All the songs are pretty sad but not depressing, climaxing at the last, haunting piece, Tell Me, Little White Cloud.

Kasarova's distinctive full mahogany voice cuts right thru the chorus and the contrast is intoxicating. It's strange to my ear... like she and the Cosmic Voice chorus are singing their own different tunes about the same thing. And it somehow works! After listening to this CD I now have a good idea why the Bulgarian singers tend to be expressive and in command of many vocal colors. It's practically ingrained in their traditional music. Most pieces here are accompanied by piano or light orchestration.

The booklet provides libretti in Bulgarian and English, with Ms Kasarova's note on the history and development of Bulgarian folk music, and her short synopsis on each of the song which really helps me appreciate them better.

singer has untransparent voice, sounds muffled and obscure, uses the vibrato far too often.

compositions jettison modal character of traditional bulgarian music, making melody sound disconnected from tonal center of gravity.

in short, little or no "bulgarian" flavor-except when the heavenly choir makes an appearance.