MUSIC OF BULGARIA

Bulgaria is piled up with choirs upon choirs of women.

Stoyan Comes Back to Constantinople
A wedding night song in which the embarrassment of the couple is underscored. The dialogue is lively and malicious, but it ends on a happy note as Maria drinks to Stoyans health and he to hers. (Chorus)

The Drums Roll
With its cries and drawn-out notes, this song from the Pirine region is typical of the songs of harvest when two groups sing to each other across the fields. (Trio)

They Are Going Across the Forest
The forest re-echoes with the joy of two young herdsmen, very proud, sure of themselves, their sabres hanging at the ready, as they go to rejoin the ranks of the Haidouks, mountain fighters who oppose the hated turks. (Chorus)

Theodara, Have You Had Supper?
A Thracian song which asks the question as old as folk music itself: "Are you free to go out dancing with me, and to make love?" (Ianka Taneva, alto)

Iana Has Been Surprised in the Night
A noble and dramatic account of a young girl in love with a Haidouk who sacrifices her love to the cause of the struggle against Turkish domination. (Chorus)