Complete Box Set, Vol. 1-2/Ritual [BOX SET]

Le Mystere Des Voix Bulgares

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 26, 1995)
• Original Release Date: September 26, 1995
• Number of Discs: 3
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Nonesuch
• ASIN: B000005J3P
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #43,630 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars consider the source..., July 10, 2002

By	Kristin M. Fiore "sadtomato" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I won't repeat any comments... these women have done a marvelous job fleshing out traditional songs and bringing them to a new audience. But those who are interested in the choir's dissonance, passion and ethereal tone should check out the more authentic music they pull from, even though it is not as polished and may not have as wide an appeal. When I was ten I heard the Byrd's shimmery version of Mr. Tambourine Man. When I was 16 I heard Bob Dylan's original six-string wheezing operetta and thought it was a horrific joke. Of course, now that's the version I prefer. *Both* have their place. A few Dylans available on Amazon (do a search): Bistritsa Grannies, Bulgaria: Traditional Singing (on the Ocora label. they put out several field recordings), the "Song of the Crooked Dance" compilation. Not on Amazon yet (but not hard to find): renowned ethnomusicologist Yves Moreau's Beyond the Mystery three-disc set (what do you think the title refers to?). The best collection of field recordings I have heard. Other choirs you might want to try (available on Amazon) are Bulgaria's Pirin Folk Ensemble (name varies) or Georgia's Rustavi Choir, though (as one reviewer says), they ain't the "male version of Le Mystere." Listen well before you buy.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Deserted Island Music, October 18, 2000

By	"jenniferblaufrau" (Stuttgart, Germany) - See all my reviews

These ladies sing universes. Incredible, strange, dissonant, unbelievable harmones that make me gasp and cry.

Someone said that any art that moves the spectator must harness the concept of contrast. This amazing music covers the whole audible spectrum: from massive wave interference to sweet, delicate consonance; from bold, unfaltering vibrato-less pitches to subtle, gentle wavering over a note; from frolicking and fun to mournful and intensely moving.

In short, this music is some of the most unusual, extraordinary, elegant, expressive sound I have ever heard, and it is THE piece of music I would take with me to a deserted island if I could take only one. I would recommend this to anyone who is willing to listen attentively. It is almost impossible that one would do so and NOT be moved.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Otherworldly, August 8, 2000

By	A. Casalino "V^^^^^V" (Downers Grove, IL USA) - See all my reviews

The Bulgarian Female Vocal Choir has put forth here music that is at the same moment both haunting and joyous ~ Some of the harmonies herein, such as "Polegnala e Todora" tenaciously grasp my very soul. How does one go about describing music via the written word? One really must listen to this collection to come to know its essence and its virtue. This is music that's brought out the ghost in me ~~ These beautiful voices are rapt with the essence of a clean, fragrant breeze after a storm, a glimpse of ecstacy of a previous life perched upon the edge of remembrance. It is truly a celebration of the spirit ~