9
Page 12-The Michigan Daily- Wednesday, April 25,1990
Voices rise in
Bulgarian women'
by Jennifer Rosen
s music grow
B ULGARIA is a land not much
larger than Ohio, but its geographic
size is irrelevant when one considers
cultural diversity. Each region of
Bulgaria has its own representative
music, food and clothing. When cer-
tain aspects of all these locations are
brought together, beautiful things
can happen. A case in point is the
traditional folk music performed by
the Bulgarian State Female Vocal
Choir.
The Choir, consisting of 24
singers, brings together traditional
costumes and folklore of the various
regions. The music does not resem-
ble anything that exists in the realm
Of popular music today.
The history of Bulgarian vocal
choirs goes back to the 1950s. A
dhoir by the name of the Koutev
ensemble put out a record in 1955
balled Music of Bulgaria. This al-
lum has held the interest of a large
rumber of musicians: performers
such as George Harrison, David
Byrne and Paul Simon are just a few
who have claimed this Bulgarian
sound as one of the best ever. The
%950s album was the first but cer-
tainly not the last and many choir
groups have emerged from that ba-
sis, the Bulgarian State Female Vo-
cal Choir being one.
Out of the capital city of Sophia,
this Choir gives an ancient folkloric
sound a modern twist, resulting in a
sophisticated, eerie, mysterious and
spiritual sound. Their first big suc-
cess came with Le Mystere des Voix
Bulgares, an album that gained
much praise and recognition and
provoked the creation of a Volume
II, which received a Grammy this
year. The music is interesting be-
cause it is unique in its sound. It is
in a class by itself and it speaks
loudly for both Bulgaria and women.
Le Mystere's powerful sound is
representative of the strength of
these women. The singers' voices
are moving and full, filling the air
with robust and vigorous aspira-
tions. This music conveys the
strong role that women play in Bul-
garian society. Historically, women
were the primary gathering and
working members of the family.
They provided the food by farming
and gathering, while the men were
shepherds. Women were the singers
nystery
s from tradition
because their hands were occupied
and could not play instruments, and
the men, who had free hands, ac-
companied the voices of the women.
The songs' lyrics express work-
ing and living conditions. They orig-
inally came about as a way to pass
time and provide a pleasurable aspect
to a day's work.
The Bulgarian State Female Vo-
cal Choir is rooted in this cultural
history. The singers perform along
with four male musicians who use
traditional instruments such as a
gaida (Bulgarian bagpipe), a tambura
and a kavala. The lyrics and music
are basically the same as what has
been heard throughout Bulgaria for
ages. The sound is unique and ap-
pealing, and recommended for any-
one interested in music.
THE BULGARIAN STATE FE-
MALE VOCAL CHOIR is perform-
ing tonight at 8 p.m. at the Michigan
Theater. Tickets are $19.50.
The Bulgarian State Female
and its sequel. The group is
Vocal Choir hit the big time with the smash album Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares
on tour now in America, with a stop at the Michigan Theater tonight.
tIiE £i Uli au t au
Come join us for
May 5th.
9:00 am
until 4:00 pm
Extensive buffet, full-service
bar and the ambiance of
The University Club.
Call 763-5911 for reservations
We're filling up fast!
Attention Advertisers!!! r
The Michigan Daily's
last publication will be
Wednesday, April 25, 1990
We will be publishing every
Wednesday during the {-
Spring and Summer terms.
4. 4-
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41
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The University Club
Michigan Union
530 S. State St.
The University Club is a private
club for students, faculty, staff,
alumni, and their accompanied
guests. Only members who are
of legal drinking age may
purchase alcohol.
CALL TODAY
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PRIMITIVE LOVE
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