Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)

KEXP.ORG presents Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares performing live in the KEXP studio. Recorded April 21, 2017.
Songs:
Moma Houbava
Sama Li Si Den Zhanala
Horo
Shopski Napevi
Izlel E Delyo Haidutin Mehmetyo
Dai Mi Bozhe
Yova
Vito Horo
Douda E Bolna
Dilmano Dilbero
Ergen Deda
Host: Darek Mazzone
Audio Engineer: Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Alaia D'Alessandro & Justin Wilmore
Editor: Justin Wilmore
kexp.org
www.themysteryofthebulgarianvo...

[@babayega1717]

As a Bulgarian i just want to express my gratitude for the amount of positivism and recognition in this comment section. Thank you. You should be proud. People on the internet usually choose otherwise. I appreciate you.

[@MixolydianMode]

I really love bulgarian music, greetings from germany.

[@Blackrieder213]

@@MixolydianMode I also love this MASTERPIECE!! And also greeting from germany to germany and bulgaria!! :D haha

[@MountainMetal]

There's something here so genuine and beautiful, and humbling, that it's hard to put into words, but it's almost as if I've been transported to a place above the clouds, where time stopped long ago, and all our worldly cares slip away as if they never existed. And their modest but joyful dresses and headgear... I want a girl like these to marry. Love and tears from the USA.

[@sirtim100]

You should be rightfully proud of your country's music. It's one of the most beautiful in the world. Best wishes and take care.

[@00hn34]

Stunning!!! Greetings from El Salvador. 👽🔭

[@ElFareh]

Here in 2023 and my ears have never been happier. Absolutely astonishing. Much love from Scotland.

[@abelashenafi6291]

As an Ethiopian, I have no idea of what they are saying. However, I heard some stories, a painful past, troubled times and all their ancestors endured. May no one endure the same emotions. What a beautiful performance and art. Heart felt admiration and gratitude. Peace and love to our world

[@BadWolf8932]

Ты реально эфиоп... 👎

[@guybuddy1]

THIS is the kind of tradition we as humanity must preserve. Seriously.

[@KaizorianEmpire]

Loolwhy ? Cause it sounds cool ? Lol

[@Dyadactic]

KAIZO POLYMATH That’s part of it.

[@JonnyBGoode]

Here here! Agreed, my good Sir. Now may you have a pleasant day!

[@clinclin1240]

Check out some Georgian folk singing.

[@alexstivi1]

Yes

[@stephanepap5077]

Im from Greece, and I'm grateful for my Bulgarian neighbours and their amazing culture, their music is so universal. Peace and love

[@Kask8t]

What a kind comment. Likewise. Much respect for the Greek culture as well.

[@bernab]

Actually some rhythms came from Greece, so, Bulgarian rhythms like 7/8 are the torch of Old Greek rhythms

[@newreast3904]

bulgarians and greeks have many shared origins.one of them is music. they only have much fatter heads than greeks. maybe it helps with singing.

[@aysheto3260]

@@bernab These rhythms came from the ancient Thracian tribes not from Greece .

[@bernab]

@@aysheto3260 Maybe. But if you read Olivier Messiaen's traité of rhythm and you compare the rhythms of Greek meters and these bulgarian songs, they are very similar (7,11, etc) which happen to have the same principle (long and short values: 3 and 2, counting)

[@stevenrenfro5064]

This music has so many dissonance intervals you'd never hear in a western choir. This is the best example of where dissonance sounds beautiful. After listening to each song, I cant tell you why, but my natural reaction was to cry. Especially after listening to mehmetyo.

[@vasil.kamdzhalov]

Mehmetyo is very high level, it is very hard to do right.

[@donkscorleone6115]

Malka Moma makes me cry EVERY time

[@huskytail]

I actually cry even more when I listen to the songs when they are not arranged for a choir. Nadka Karadjova, Stefka Sabotinova, Yanka Rupkina and many more. When they sing without the choir it makes me weep and even sob, always. I just came from "Lele Yano tunka Yano" and I am still sniffing 😁. I am also NOT a fan of this choir since the current conductor took it over.

[@simonlatham552]

Makes me cry every time - still not sure why

[@MrRubyscube]

@@huskytail Interesting. What makes you dislike the current conductor?

[@macehead]

These women (and 2 bros of course) navigate this EXTREMELY complex music with more confidence than I have making a bowl of cereal

[@nicolasribeiro7914]

And I thought playing jazz was the most difficult thing

[@nicolasribeiro7914]

Well said

[@missfaba1781]

This was the first concert I ever saw as a child. 3 yrs old I saw them perform in 1989 in Vancouver Canada. I demanded to sit on my mothers lap so I wouldn’t miss a thing. This inspired me into 12 plus years of choral singing🇨🇦

[@susanmeertens606]

[@AngelTonchev]

This is awesome! I know how much a child's attention would be captured by this mesmerizing performance! I loved going to my mother's side of the family mountainous village during celebrations and festivals and hearing this folklore music echoing through the pastures and hills around!

[@anabaotic973]

I am Bosnian and I sang Ergen Deda in choir (in school). It is still one of my favourite songs. I am now caregiver for patients with demetia. I sing this to them and they like it ❤

[@Komap619]

Single Grandpa in English which sounds so weird to westerners my friend asked me why do you sing about single grandpops :D

[@MilesNauticus]

As caregiver you are a wonderful person. God bless you.

[@santerisatama5409]

[@sanches2]

This is a seriously noble and tough thing to do. Best wishes for you and your family!

[@milosstokic8691]

you are a wonderful gift for these patients ❤

[@chaoscope]

New challenge: watch this video and not cry from being overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the harmonies.

[@madmatt1414]

I try several times, i still cant

[@Robinwhiteart]

Cry, one of the few times in life it is tears of joy.

[@Replicanna-rl6zg]

Nobody can beat this challenge

[@costasbellas1345]

I am from Greece, neighbor of Bulgaria. I am ashamed i didn't know we have such a great musical treasure next to us

[@mladenmartinov2432]

❤️

[@WhoKilledBambiAgain]

@@mladenmartinov2432 maybe Orpheus have something in common, with the Bulgarian folk music.

[@user-sg4gk9fm9h]

Shame on you :)

[@alexanderbringsoniou6612]

Kai ego den to ixera.

[@carolfreeman9773]

None of this is traditional to Bulgaria. The original singers in the two national choirs were assigned to bring in songs from their villages, and arrangers trained in Western classical music and jazz made these fantastical concoctions. Those of us who work with Bulgarian traditional music intensely dislike these arrangements, as do many of the singers themselves. Traditional Bulgaria music is very beautiful - much more beautiful than the choral music. Some it it is similar to music you will find in Θράκη or in Μακεδονία.

[@milenita__d]

These songs are a source of pride for us Bulgarians. They tell our history, traditions and culture. Some songs make you sad and some make you happy. I am sincerely warmed by the positive comments of people of other nationalities. Thank you! ❤️🇧🇬

[@laurentcoustaud6439]

Magnifique Vibration ❤

[@user-ck3uu8rj3x]

They are beautiful songs, using the only real instrument we have. Beautiful harmonies, even people who don't understand the language can't help but understand the hearts and souls.

[@StasiSLG]

We Bulgarians are here to sing to you dear listener sounds from your deep past. The mystery is why regardless of where you come from you can feel in your chest if you listen with your heart that this music is a call from ancestors you never knew you had. Calling you back to your senses and give you a connection to mother Earth.

[@HABLA_GUIRRRI]

yes that is the sensation

[@willvanderwalt1160]

Yes, very yes.

[@timwilbur4387]

Thank you for putting it into words.

[@tybowesformerlygoat-x7760]

It is incredibly beautiful. Brings me to tears.

[@jobracci4583]

Grazie amico Bulgaro, dall' Italia con amore🇮🇹, thank you bulgarian's friend from Italy

[@simonbaingo5842]

Because of this concert I just made a two week trip to Bulgaria and I loved it ❤️ also met the conductor of this choir, she is a very nice and intelligent person. Right now working on a documentary idea about Bulgarian choir music. These melodies and the art of singing inspire me a lot.

[@jobracci4583]

it's fantastic experienc

[@alexandrelaplace1897]

I was born in Sofia and adopted so I never leaved and thrived in my bulgarian roots. Listening to this make me feel the most connected to my culture and the fact that as a non bulgarian cultured related you are touched also by this makes my heart full. I’m also working on a documentary about bulgarian heritage to allow me to know more my country and culture and help promote it. So thank you very much for all

[@columbus8myhw]

Tell us when you have an update on the documentary!

[@Shopov123]

@@alexandrelaplace1897 any news?

[@Simon-iy7mt]

@Simon Baingo What a cool story and comment! I'm usually content to leave a like like a pussy when I dig something, i.e. this choir. You, however, "went to Bulgaria and met the conductor."

[@VisionInTears]

The soloist lady that sang sama li si den 3:03 literally made me cry because my mum sings something like that. I am Assyrian and for us this has always been a tradition as well and we call it lilyanah singing for women. It was sung during weddings or when big festivals were happening and the ladies from the villages met over someone’s house and made food preparation for the festivities. I believe we have a lot more in common than people actually know. Love the Bulgarian singing❤❤❤

[@erdjanbekir2285]

recemtly I found some relations with the ancient bulgarians, Assyria and some common history happend in the place of Messopotamia

[@Asyouwere]

Holy…. This rips through my whole being… I am very grateful at 49 years old to discover this mindblowing beautiful powerful music. I am not religious, but it sounds like music from the gods, or goddesses to me. Again, very very grateful ❤❤❤

[@jackdolphy8965]

I attended the concert in Seattle I think it was the evening of this radio spot. I had known them since 1990 or so…. I was in tears, literally for the duration of the two plus hours of their performance. A beyond once in a lifetime treat and honor to see them. They tour rarely … if you get a chance definitely go far as needed out of your way to experience them live. 💗☮️🙏🏼

[@paulinedear3729]

As an experienced chorister I can assure listeners that this is the most difficult choral music ever performed/written. Nothing compares. These women are skilled beyond comprehension. Mere talent cannot produce this sound.

[@RizalBudiLeksono]

In Indonesian archipelago, this singing technique are common, especially in northern Sumatra regions and southern Sulawesi.

[@mminlovewithflo]

wow! really? can you suggest any titles?

[@EmdrGreg]

It seems they must have absolute pitch-- most if not all.

[@Rinnaoj]

Ok that's why I find this soooooo wholesome

[@tamjansan1154]

Thank you for sharing your expert knowlege.

[@dagmarholikova330]

I'm also slavic and I've been to Bulgaria yet had never an idea of how deeply was your culture preserved. It brings me back to my ancestors many many centuries ago. Unfortunetly there is no chance to see my culture in such brightness and richness. That is something every Bulgarian can be proud of today. It's really beautiful.

[@alexandravladmets8206]

It took 35 years! I have a snippet of a song recorded on cassette from the radio. Could enver make out what the presenter said it was. Now and then these "mysteries" solve themselves. Happy listening!

[@guilherme_vinas]

this is probably the most beautiful music i've heard in my life. i mean, here i am, crying in quarantine thinking "oh the humanity"

[@user-zs3re6fh4n]

Try. DJ89. ABAGAR QUARTET. TRIO BULGARKA. MARIA DIMITROVA. NUSHA CHOIR. Choir ANGELITE. NELI ANDREEVA. PHILIP KOUTEV CHOIR. ISIHIA. DIA

[@TomDutch]

Indeed. I wanted to watch the movie Genesis - Creation and the Flood and got caught by a piece of this music that is in the beginning of this movie. As I was taking a shower first it was repeating and repeating and the singing went so deep. It made me realise how this world is distress and it will become worse, much worse. I am a Christian and believe these are the Last Days. With this in mind this choir sounds like a cry out to our Creator. It goes so deep it brings me to tears.

[@StasiSLG]

We are here for you. Stay strong this too shall pass.

[@pinkfloydguy7781]

I can’t explain what I feel when I hear this music, it’s like a deep religious love for humanity, all of our past and all of our future. There is hardly anything that makes me cry, even if things make me feel sad, but this singing always brings me to tears within a minute of listening. Massive respect to these amazing vocalists and for Bulgarian culture from an American 🙏

[@thesewmuchfunstudio]

Oh wow, I thought I am going nuts, because I am also crying from it! This is some kind of metaphysical medicine music.

[@evelynbaron8357]

I heard them 1st in Geneva then live in a Greek Church in Toronto Canada and was sitting improbably right behind Bette Midler. Imagine my confusion. It was a sublime experience and I walked out alone with lots to think about. my father was born in Serbia in 1908 and fought in the resistance in WW11: he bequeathed me his father's compass from WW1, so I think I as a Canadian can imagine your feelings, but with the profound respect and affection I had for my gallant parents who came to a new world (Tempest why not?) I love this music which melds the old and new. loved your comment.

[@veselliq]

Same for me , crying like a baby🙂 this voices just touch somewhere deep...

[@winkmurder]

Me too! I thought I would be criticized for stating so in the comments but I commented anyway and then I read your comment. It's very cool to know it is not only just me.

[@madmatt1414]

Same for me brother, this song are magic

[@skarrin]

I've had every CD this choir produced since the 90s, and I am so, so happy to be able to *watch* them perform. I was educated in the western European classical tradition, and discovering music from east of the Rhine has enriched my life so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@agahunter8977]

I don’t know what they are doing but it make me cry like a baby. I’m your Polish sister.

[@user-zs3re6fh4n]

Bulgarian folklore is most rich folklore on this planet. In national library is keeped more of 240000 folklore songs. Try. DJ89. ABAGAR QUARTET. TRIO BULGARKA. MARIA DIMITROVA. NUSHA CHOIR. Choir ANGELITE. NELI ANDREEVA. PHILIP KOUTEV CHOIR. ISIHIA. DIA. IRFAN. Bulgara. ORATNITZA. COSMIC VOICES FROM Bulgaria. KAYNO yesno solnce

[@orangeppp]

コストフさん、カラジョバさんご夫妻は亡くなられたとネットで知りました。大変残念です。ご冥福をお祈りいたします。ヨルダノフさん、ミミちゃん、お元気ですか。28年前コンサートに連れて行っていただいた日本人です。一生の思い出をありがとうございました。 От интернет научих, че са починали г-н Костов и г-жа Караджова. Това е много жалко. Молим се за душите. Йорданов-сан, Мими-чан, как сте? Това е един японец, който ме заведе на концерт преди 28 години. Благодаря ти за спомените за цял живот.

[@rene9ade]

This is the best i ever heard of slavic folk music.Pozdrav iz Hrvatske

[@vasil.kamdzhalov]

Thanks, it means a lot.

[@_-__-_7207]

❤❤❤

[@AvgerinouAna99]

13:14: Αυτό ακριβώς είναι τα Βαλκάνια. Όλοι τραγουδάνε το ίδιο τραγούδι αλλά ο καθένας αρχίζει ξεχωριστά. Όμως με κάποιο μυστηριώδη τρόπο, από την οχλαγωγία και το χάος προκύπτει αρμονία και μουσική ιδιαίτερη και μοναδική σε όλον τον κόσμο. Εύγε Βουλγαρία!

[@MrYuriniko]

Thats right, true!

[@DoQuintin1]

This is the first time in 28 years on earth i listen to bulgarian music. So glad i found this. Beauty beyond words. Love from France

[@user-zs3re6fh4n]

Try. DJ89. ABAGAR QUARTET. TRIO BULGARKA. MARIA DIMITROVA. NUSHA CHOIR. Choir ANGELITE. NELI ANDREEVA. PHILIP KOUTEV CHOIR. ISIHIA. DIA. IRFAN. Bulgara. ORATNITZA. COSMIC VOICES FROM Bulgaria. KAYNO yesno solnce. Avigeya. Teodosi Spasov. Ivo papazov. Avigeya. Smallman. AEGONIA

[@lavertu5711]

Mieux vaut tard que jamais ✌🏽

[@ivayloyotov3993]

God Bless you! Sending love from Bulgaria.

[@chrisd5964]

It was a French music producer who made this group popular, he discovered their music on a trip to Bulgaria in the 1980’s and remastered an album by them and sold it on to first a french label and then 4AD in England. They appeared on TV shows in the UK in the 80’s. He produced subsequent albums by them, don’t have his name or further details but Google’s your friend. They of course of have a different line up now, but the music is as beautiful as ever.

[@tacostacos4981]

As a french, i had the chance to see this band in the late 80s thanks to a school program. It blew my young mind back then. A game changer in my musical approach.

[@edujmnz]

You kidding me? I only wanted to watch some good anime reviews in KZbin and ended up here crying.

[@meritxellcarceller7488]

Es una reacción muy común con estas señoras :)

[@vanyaivanova193]

😂💪❤️

[@vanyaivanova193]

The best comment ☺️

[@lehliladevandria5712]

Yes indeed. All traditional music from Europe has this effect upon me also. When people say that "white people do not have a culture" I send them this. Then the traditional music channel.

[@lehliladevandria5712]

@8alot4t Yes. I want to visit Poland and Findland.

[@IonutTudorica]

Bulgarian choirs are the best in Balkans. Greets from Romania

[@veselgana]

❤️

[@umapuma]

I agree as a croatian

[@jimfonzie2887]

Agree from France ! Fantastic voices.

[@abdel-rahmansaid6094]

Not just the Balkans.

[@user-fv7hl7ru2q]

respekt Romania

[@apolloc.vermouth5672]

Oh my... this pretty much justifies the existence of the internet single-handedly. So beautiful.

[@tonyjonesbassoonwhippet2271]

So beautiful! Bulgarians should be very proud of such a wonderful tradition! Sending love from the U.K.🙏💙

[@Miguel53de]

In September 1967 I made my first vacation by plan. I went to Varna in Bulgaria and I spent three fantastic weeks on Golden Sands, on the Black Sea. It was then that I heard these voices for the first time and brought two records with me to Germany. For the next three years I was back in Bulgaria every year. Also in Burgos and the Sunny beach. I went around by train with a Bulgarian tour guide. Was in Shumen visiting his family and got very special inside views. Still have friends to the day from that time. And I never forget the very special Bulgarian voices. So great to hear it right now again. Thanks for uploading! Greetings from - now - Canada.

[@diegomorales8917]

Mehmetyo absolutely broke my mind as a classical musician

[@ladydje906]

I'm a french native living in Varna, even if I can't understand a word, your chants tell the story of humanity's heritage since creation, you are the divine givers🙏 which are beyond rewritten books of human history...YOU ARE THE LIVE VOICES THAT SPEAK THE TRUTH ABOUT HUMAN HISTORY

[@riyabcn]

An amazing comment! Respect!

[@dollynina8992]

How come you don't understand but live in Bulgaria?

[@veselliq]

​@dollynina8992 😅 it is simple, you dont have to understand everything to live...

[@ladydje906]

@@dollynina8992 Because my Bulgarian is basic and the languish is very hard to learn

[@ladydje906]

@@veselliq Yep, and I also draw on paper or use my hands to make myself understood when I run out of words

[@communitygirl20]

I'm Italian and these voices are sooo fascinating, such powerful faces, eyes, voices. Such powerful women

[@user-zs3re6fh4n]

Try. DJ89. ABAGAR QUARTET. TRIO BULGARKA. MARIA DIMITROVA. NUSHA CHOIR. Choir ANGELITE. NELI ANDREEVA. PHILIP KOUTEV CHOIR. ISIHIA. DIA. IRFAN. Bulgara. ORATNITZA. COSMIC VOICES FROM Bulgaria. KAYNO yesno solnce

[@galaxychannel3343]

@@user-zs3re6fh4n Thanks for the suggestion! Аз съм българка, но и аз не знаех за тези изпълнители!

[@peterlakatos4029]

And thanks to Italians as well - you also have gems to share with the world - such as Tenores do Bitti: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaSlaoNrr86Uea8&ab_channel=mialinumialinu

[@3yoldbride]

West tried so hard in killing that Spirit which is of God. Couldn't.

[@paullewis3419]

Bulgaria is one of the most beautiful and varied countries I have visited. The wine is exceptional too.

[@StefanVeselinov]

The rakia man, the rakia....

[@nick-.t]

bulgaria and ukraine

[@pakoti96]

Fun Fact: Dionysus - the god of wine, was believed to be born in Thrace (Today Bulgaria). Thracians may also be among the first people to make wine, implied by the fact they drank it undiluted with water, as opposed to Greeks and other ancient peoples.

[@vasil.kamdzhalov]

@@pakoti96 Anceint greeks really loved their belief of power of mind etc. so they feared falling from that state to one disorderly while frinking alcohol so they watered it. This is more of a combining to your comment. We I learned of it I thought it as interesting.

[@lovemusic975]

Такива изпълнения трябва да се излъчват по телевизията, за да се зареждаме с хубави емоции...

[@raduromanesti6408]

LOVE and Respect from Romania , you are our Brothers! we were an empire once for almost 1k years!!

[@danbrockettDOP]

Thank you KZbin random algorithm, this is just superb. The most haunting, serene, beautiful music I've ever heard. It's just so incredible, it sounds like the music you hear when you arrive in Heaven.

[@Sergent_Mantuok]

This culture should never disappear. Hail Bulgaria !

[@umapuma]

as a croatian with rich and diverse history of ethnic and choral music without instruments...this bulgarian one is my favorite one. pure perfection of harsh emotional sincerity with beautiful harmonies and highly technical !!!! I couldn't praise it enough

[@sanches2]

I loved Croatia! Me and my wife visited in 2015 - great people, wonderful nature and sea! We did a Contiki sail on the coast and the yacht crew was Croatian - they were great and were kidding - watch out they can understand us ;) We had a storm one day and i could hear from the captain's deck a lot of words and especially something having to do with a mother everybody was worried but i giggled like crazy:) ..... would love to come again! Croatia is a gem!

[@gc6497]

we would have a better society if only people would listen to good stuff like this. MashAllah. thank you KEXP

[@jobracci4583]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@reneharde3459]

Truth to power!

[@vogelvogeltje]

I disagree strongly. I listen to this, oud music, Turkish microtonal, jazz, pop, rap, Electronic music. As do my friends. We don’t cause trouble.

[@stevenrevan3028]

Man... I find it extremely difficult to express feelings lately but life somehow bought me to this music and I'm sitting just in awe and have tears coming... This is amazing

[@reneharde3459]

You are speaking my language - Peace my friend

[@jimfisher7324]

My daughter was trained in western choral music. When I first played Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares for her, she said, "They do everything wrong, and it sounds wonderful!" It was wonderful for me to have introduced her to a different fine musical tradition.

[@veselgana]

Jim Fisher How it´s wrong, if it sounds beautifully? 😉

[@fff5081]

​@@veselgana It's only "wrong" by western choral music standards, that's what he means. Bulgarian folk music preserved an older style of singing. It goes against what his daughter was taught as a western choir singer.

[@nijagm]

You were lied and you learned it wrong.

[@bee4590]

@@nijagm no, its just different music theory styles lol

[@ThatsWhenItkickedin]

This is wonderful. Thank you Bulgaria, love and peace from Texas.

[@user-zs3re6fh4n]

Try. DJ89. ABAGAR QUARTET. TRIO BULGARKA. MARIA DIMITROVA. NUSHA CHOIR. Choir ANGELITE. NELI ANDREEVA. PHILIP KOUTEV CHOIR. ISIHIA. DIA. COSMIC VOICES FROM Bulgaria

[@veselinmilkov3529]

Thanks Texas. ❤❤ Greetings from Bulgaria 👋👋👋👋👋👋

[@canadey97]

Mind bogglingly beautiful, Hypnotic, and somehow so familiar, literally like ancient voices calling out to you. UNREAL.

[@jobracci4583]

Amazing🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹

[@Sonybo100]

because they are ancient voices ❤️ (bulgarian here)

[@randarizkamberlin8029]

It is out of this world... Big thank you from Lebanon the land of faithful but tired souls 🌸

[@aloneinthepark1628]

Thank you for this. As a musician this is pure gold, one of the best things I have listened to in my entire life.

[@juttaduncan33]

Can’t believe no one mentioned that insane section of the four singers from 22:03 to 23:06. Absolutely incredible!

[@enkiitu]

need to see the score for that piece ASAP!!!!

[@Sad_King_Billy]

Yeah I keep rewinding this part

[@harrisonsnatt901]

i keep coming back to this video for this specific part thank you x

[@pappin1961]

I am married to a Bulgarian and used to play this for my daughters to find them crying full of emotion. Bulgaria is a very interesting country with wonderful people and history, with difficult times. People in EU should visit!

[@moisiewe]

And food 😂

[@alrey1437]

As a professional musician and composer.. Gorgeously exquisite. Beyond words... universal..inspiration....

[@rVnsunshine]

I love Bulgarian women’s choirs. It heals something deep inside my soul.

[@graemeatkinson8411]

Crying with Joy, thank you for your touring your amazing talent

[@adrianalvarez8119]

IT IS ANTISEMITIC

[@graemeatkinson8411]

Source?

[@adrianalvarez8119]

@@graemeatkinson8411 YOU ARE A COMMUNIST NAZI

[@PetrolAudio]

Thanks, Adam Neely for reminding me that this exists! My first encounter with this music was when I watched the original 1995 Anime "Ghost In The Shell" a few years back. I was so impressed by the choirs used by composer Kenji Kawai that I looked up what this was, thinking it was some kind of traditional Japanese choir or so. Turns out he was heavily influenced by Bulgarian choral music and even used some traditional songs for this soundtrack. If I remember correctly, the choir in the intro theme "Making of Cyborg" is from a Bulgarian wedding song with the lyrics rewritten in Japanese. I love this choral music as it has a very miraculous and divine feel to it. Truly amazing!

[@nycReaching]

100%

[@burpie3258]

I'm here because of Adam as well!

[@christopherszuba1555]

@burpie Meeeee too :-)

[@ArelyZamoraRuiz]

Yep, the choir used in "Making of cyborg" is from a song called "Kaval Sviri", both wonderful musical pieces :)

[@burkhardstackelberg1203]

This music is far from typical Japanese, but it is absolutely Japanese to adapt culture from all over the world

[@ridgoro]

now this is something I've never heard before. sounds like voices from another world

[@user-zs3re6fh4n]

Try. DJ89. ABAGAR QUARTET. TRIO BULGARKA. MARIA DIMITROVA. NUSHA CHOIR. Choir ANGELITE. NELI ANDREEVA. PHILIP KOUTEV CHOIR. ISIHIA. DIA. IRFAN. Bulgara. ORATNITZA. COSMIC VOICES FROM Bulgaria. KAYNO yesno solnce

[@nenogenov3826]

They are from another world

[@UncleJora]

Who needs cathedral reverberation when you can harmonize group of voices so perfectly

[@Christina-eh4kt]

Everytime I hear this beautiful recording my I get really irritated by the terrible interview afterwards. Both men didn't listen to a word the conductor was saying and instead literally congratulated themselves on bringing them to Seattle. She was giving so much amazing cultural historical information and they basically ignored her. I wish they hadn't been so self absorbed and appreciating what a profound privilege it would be to speak to these musicians about their art.

[@bagsbugs3024]

YES! Idk they seemed like they didn't care, either they both were tired or something but they just didn't focus on the cultural lecture and information that is being given.

[@67leighton]

Yeah... at least they let her talk. I loved what she had to say. Their pronunciation of the group's name was a little off, too...

[@Esstan1]

I'm not surprised. It's very sad, KEXP always has great bands from different genres and cultures but I often feel like it's only for show and not for the love/passion for music. It's extra sad to see them bring the spotlight on music from smaller countries but not giving them the proper attention and respect that they deserve. I have learned to not expect too much from Americans on that front, to be honest.

[@tearex-ee7fz]

You're so right. The two men congratulating each other was quite pathetic and laughable, not to mention their lazy "ok, ok..." . They had the great chance of having such an amazing ensemble on their platform, and to be interviewing the conductor who is willing to educate the audience on the music and the history behind it, and they waste time talking about useless stuff... Could they take their jobs a bit more seriously, and learn to listen? Kudos to the conductor for sticking to her guns

[@nanananana1572]

my dear god these 2 are so full of themselves I cant handle it!!

[@marcolastra9285]

Mehmetyo is the best choral music ever written or performed in the history of music!!!!! Please God let me get through this minutes without bursting into tears!!!!!!!! I have to listen to this live once in my life!!!!!!! PLEASE COME TO ARGENTINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@GlarusGaming]

Here are the lyrics for you. Very dark, but times were dark in Bulgaria at the time: Delyo has become hayduk, the hayduk, the rebel with the Dumbovi and the Karadjovi clans. Delyo gave the following orders to the ayans (local notables) of Zlatograd, to the brazen-faced governors: - There are two aunts of mine in the village. Do not make them Turks (= convert them to Islam), do not besmirch them, because when I come back a lot of mothers will cry, a lot of young brides. Gyulsume told Delyo: - Beware, Delyo, beware, you are being threatened, Delyo the Zlatograd rulers, the brazen-faced governors, they cast a silver bullet for you, Delyo, to kill you. - Gyulsume, my love Gyulsume, not yet is born a man who could kill me.

[@StasiSLG]

I hope you get a chance to listen to them live, I'm happy that people are enjoying Bulgarian culture.

[@gopalnarasinghadas8]

My soul is crying from happiness. Greetings from Rila mountain. Thank you KEXP.

[@milenamalcheva7659]

I`m Bulgarian , I`ve been listen this music all my life and still everytime I`m amazed with tears in my eyes

[@davidepino1]

Honestly, I never experienced music or movies making me cry, in 40 years. It just happened.

[@user-zs3re6fh4n]

Try. DJ89. ABAGAR QUARTET. TRIO BULGARKA. MARIA DIMITROVA. NUSHA CHOIR. Choir ANGELITE. NELI ANDREEVA. PHILIP KOUTEV CHOIR. ISIHIA. DIA. IRFAN. Bulgara. ORATNITZA. COSMIC VOICES FROM Bulgaria. KAYNO yesno solnce

[@jji3507]

I’m so proud of my country just for that

[@veselliq]

Same for me , crying like a baby🙂

[@BsBigSpinToTheShin]

Geez, my eyes started watering at this song. 26:22 My family is Bulgarian and I was first born in Australia, it made me think of all of my family back in Bulgaria, I love them all so much.

[@Tomogeny]

Oof, I'm born and raised Dutch but the second that melody started the tears started rolling down my cheeks. This music is something else

[@denisdenchev413]

Much love from Bulgaria!

[@dinkopavlov1826]

we also love you man !! we wait you

[@JoeFelice]

TIMESTAMPS Moma Houbava 0:25 Full choir. Rhythmic part counts 7 beats Sama Li Si Den Zhanala 2:49 One woman with choir. Horo 6:29 Full choir. Shopski Napevi 8:50 Two men. Izlel E Delyo Haidutin 11:01 Solo woman. Mehmetyo 13:14 Full choir. Extra chaotic. Dai Mi Bozhe 17:48 Two women, Two men. Yova 20:24 Four women. Five beats per measure. Vito Horo 23:28 Two women with choir. My favorite. Douda E Bolna 26:29 One man with choir. Dilmano Dilbero 30:00 Full choir. Ergen Deda 32:29 Full choir. Rhythmic part counts 7 beats. Interview with Dora Hristova 35:41

[@user-ye3dk4yz8g]

up

[@user-ye3dk4yz8g]

thank you so much fot the timestamps!!!

[@Yonekochan1123]

you, kind sir, deserve way more likes. thank you!

[@eduardorios9409]

Thanks a lot! If you want to know, my favorite is Ergen Deda (for some reason it was "Diado" in the original recording). And it seems to be the favorite of the singers and listeners alike, as it closes their presentation. Dum takatakata Dum. Fabulous!

[@stanislav898]

Your favourite is actually 23:28 Douda e bolna. Vito horo is 17:48. Dai mi Bozhe is 26:29. They got it wrong in the studio I guess.

[@itsjudystube7439]

In 1977 I was at a music festival in Vienna. The Bulgarian radio choir was performing. I remember being fascinated having never heard anything similar before. I am glad to find this on here now. It reminds me of music from Georgia in some respects. I love that too.

[@Kipp274]

I don't know why but this touches me in such a profound way, I simply start to tear up hearing those harmonies.

[@arlindobrito4731]

I have no words, just tears! What an amazing experience!

[@user-zs3re6fh4n]

Try. DJ89. ABAGAR QUARTET. TRIO BULGARKA. MARIA DIMITROVA. NUSHA CHOIR. Choir ANGELITE. NELI ANDREEVA. PHILIP KOUTEV CHOIR. ISIHIA. DIA. IRFAN. Bulgara. ORATNITZA. COSMIC VOICES FROM Bulgaria. KAYNO yesno solnce. Avigeya. Teodosi Spasov. Ivo papazov. AEGONIA. Smallman. Balcandji

[@LeMortso]

When their first album came out way back in the 90’s? I was in Tower Records Store NYC. A two block two story behemoth of a record shop, and they played the album, and the whole place became utterly silent, people, me included just staring into space and listening. Of course I bought the album (Tape?) and have treasured it since. LOVE this music! 😍

[@abs0lutezer0]

This makes me feel like there is just enough spectacular magic and beauty in humanity, that is worth saving. We all need a shot in the arm. A needle of hope.

[@user-zs3re6fh4n]

Try. DJ89. ABAGAR QUARTET. TRIO BULGARKA. MARIA DIMITROVA. NUSHA CHOIR. Choir ANGELITE. NELI ANDREEVA. PHILIP KOUTEV CHOIR. ISIHIA. DIA. IRFAN. Bulgara. ORATNITZA. COSMIC VOICES FROM Bulgaria. KAYNO yesno solnce

[@abs0lutezer0]

@@user-zs3re6fh4n thank you 🙏

[@tybowesformerlygoat-x7760]

Feeling the same.

[@CEDARRISE]

I LOVE the way Bulgarian musicians perform. Such passion, energy and utter beauty.

[@chequeplease]

I love when they look at each other and give a smile. And always smiling with their eyes too.

[@drfdwf392]

Holy shit. Goosebumps within the first minute. What a beautiful music and piece of culture. Thank you for keeping it alive and for sharing this epic wonder. Let it be heard for generations and hopefully into the distant planets in the distant future. Saying; We were here. We were alive. This was us. We are the human race from planet earth.

[@antoanetagalabov5979]

And, yes, one of the songs was sent to space in a capsule containing different object representing our Earth civilization

[@5cyndi]

The first two piano notes of “Sama li Si Den Zhanala” followed by the choir picking up the beautiful chord, brought a tear of joy to my eyes.

[@JochenVogel]

I cried a few times through this wonderful performance. I was deeply touched, when I heard "Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares" for the first time around 1985 and had the privilege to listen to one of their incarnations live around 1990. Now I understand more about how music works, but this profound, elementary effect on my soul remains a mystery to me.

[@ninJ0N38]

Bulgarian Choir is visceral and reaches the soul quickly. It's my favorite above all others.

[@mada_2]

This is the best thing I've heard in a very very long time

[@jobracci4583]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🥲🥲🥲 it's true

[@designthinkingwithgian]

now this is CULTURE!

[@sarak6514]

I have Werner Herzog to thank for introducing me to this magnificent music. I hear the songs of the mountains and tales of strife, life, death and love. I love it so much!

[@deathspasm9]

me: what shall we listen to today? also me: bulgarian folk music? me again: yes

[@truthterrain3484]

This has to be the most incredible and miraculous musical phenomenon in the History of the world. This is folk music of such sophistication and originality, it´s unbelievable.

[@xandercorp6175]

Respect and honour go to the women who create and nourish this miracle of music, the men who support them and the culture that exalts them.

[@razrv3lc]

I love that they don’t shy away from a very forward and nasal sound and instead lean into it. It makes it cut through so clearly.

[@dyonight]

The skill level is unreal, I had to remind myself to breathe while watching this

[@orphicaalbum]

WOW! Just wow. The song "Mehmetyo" is as avant-garde as Balkan folk gets. Simply staggering. Yova is incredible too. Thank you.

[@emax333]

this music is extremely fascinating to me. i am a person who has sung a lot of the "western" choir canon, both ancient and modern (what is in it and not is very nebulous, so i dont think western is a very good word for it, but still) and i do not think i could sing this, at least not even a smidge close to as good as they do it. the approach to harmony and tone and the human voicebox is so different from a traditional "western" system that the sharpness of the notes would probably be impossible for me to replicate, the rythmic structure is hard for me to even conceptualize. i think this type of music being broadcast on a channel such as kexp is very refreshing, especially with a music world that is so adamant on lifting western classical composition systems up as the correct way to compose and play music

[@Prosto_Yura]

Для мене,як українця,українці,грузини та болгари-найкращі співаки світу)

[@nevenasekularac60]

Pozdrav iz Beograda!

[@svilenkondakov4997]

Thank you, as a Bulgarian I appreciate all the positive comments. My country has a lot of traditions and beauty, especially in Nature and in its customs; unfortunately I, as having grown abroad, don't know many of them.

[@atemyafim1857]

The second song broke me into tears almost immediately. Beautiful

[@WhoKilledBambiAgain]

Me too, but I know the lyrics 😉

[@rijntje73]

The lead singer's voice cut right through my soul!

[@cidfurtado9380]

The world is too big but this music brings the bulgarians close to me. Thank you.

[@masskraideofficial9989]

Their voices are other worldly...love from India..

[@ankahl2962]

Wow...never heard something like this...voices full of space...the longer you hear the deeper it goes in places of your soul you never wanted to feel...where you are out of control...archaistically...like fire & wind, like the moon & the sun, like a bird in a tree and a bear, his mouth full of sweet honey, drops to the herbs in the wood. Strange & mystical.

[@mr.z9609]

This kind of choral music is the only thing I know about Bulgarian musical culture and I want to know more.

[@user-zs3re6fh4n]

Try. DJ89. ABAGAR QUARTET. TRIO BULGARKA. MARIA DIMITROVA. NUSHA CHOIR. Choir ANGELITE. NELI ANDREEVA. PHILIP KOUTEV CHOIR. ISIHIA. DIA. IRFAN. Bulgara. ORATNITZA. COSMIC VOICES FROM Bulgaria. KAYNO yesno solnce. Avigeya. Teodosi Spasov. Ivo papazov. AEGONIA. Smallman. Balcandji. Nevena Tzoneva. Krisia. Khanъ. ТДК. Poli Genova. Lili ivanova.

[@smzig]

I've heard music like this in video games sometime and now I know what it was inspired from. Absolutely amazing.

[@dollynina8992]

8:49 These dudes blew me away, control was so impressive.

[@yidhrak3800]

I don't understand anything but it stirs my heart and my soul so deeply.

[@savachankov9993]

You’re not alone - I get half of it at best, and Bulgarian is my native tongue. Not only singing makes it difficult to understand the lyrics but they also sing in different dialects and most of the songs are rather old featuring archaic words/grammar.

[@plewlonehitknown4812]

Ich heul immer dabei. Zu doll... Und immer wieder am Abspielen. ❤ Compositions here

[@gavinperry8433]

Came here from the metal version of this song .....absolutely hypnotic

[@rickryan6271]

i lost my hearing on my left ear during my military service, i've always been a musician ever since i was a child, i get goosebumps easily when listening to good music, my musical prowess is even close category to being perfect pitch, i never get the formal education that's why i enlisted in the military to save up enough money to study music later. I never get the chance to study because of my health, now i'm 25, i still have good hearing on my right ear, but God i wish i had my full hearing to fully enjoy this wonderful performance. It made me tear up, it's just so beautiful, almost like it's from somewhere inside my heart.. It's hard to explain.

[@vasil.kamdzhalov]

Sorry for your story. Hope there is a next life that you could to what you wanted but even if there is hope you could still do it. Im not sure if you have to stop yourself.

[@weasley2o13]

You know pure art when the blood in your vains changes its direction to follow the music. I'm a quarter Hungarian quarter Moroccan Jewish girl and I can truly feel that part of my history that I couldn't experience myself because I wasn't born yet. Thank you. And thank you Esti Haim for introducing me to this wonder.

[@alexmansell8385]

This music sounds like someone made a stew of 2000 years of history and trans-continental cultures and then turned it into sheet music. It sounds like the search for life's meaning. It's just so out of this world brilliant.

[@nenogenov3826]

Xaxa look our bulgarian history from old great bulgaria

[@alex0589]

Bulgaria being where it is and with its complex history, youre not that far off. Well said. There are so many colors in there that it's hard not to see so much

[@Sonybo100]

well we have officially formed as a country in 681 A.D And as much as we have christian influence we were at first a pagan society.

[@ubiozmiec]

It's actually waaaaay out of this world right now... "Izlel e Delyu Haydutin" is travelling on the Voyagers 1 and 2. Deemed worthy space music. Thank you and you're welcome.

[@bellapayne]

Pin this comment. You nailed it!

[@dare2dareFE5]

This is amazing... Made me cry. Watching it before going to sleep, I'll probably have great dreams. Must buy this!

[@doris4469]

This music is at the ultimate level of excellency. One of the best things I've heard in my life. By the way, I love the moments when they look at each other smiling.