Konoplenko-Zaporozetz,Paul The Kobza CD

Recorded in 1961, this album features 12 Ukrainian folk songs and epics played on the kobza (a member of the lute family) and sung by Paul Konoplenko-Zaporozetz. Konoplenko, who focused on the violin and guitar during his early musical studies, switched to the kobza when the renowned player Danylo Potapenko presented him with a 150-year-old instrument. Konoplenko modernized the kobza, adding frets, and forged a successful career as a soloist. He also wrote several books on the instrument. The liner notes feature a brief history of the kobza and it's importance in Ukrainian culture. The notes also include background on each tune as well as song lyrics in Ukrainian and English.

1. A Cossack Was Leaving for War 2. The Black Cloud 3. O, Betrothed Maiden 4. Oh My Mother Told Me 5. For Your Cherry Lips 6. Ukranian Folk Dances: Highlander's Kolomeyka; Carpathian Dance; Choomak; Doodochka 7. Bayda 8. O, Green Oak Tree 9. Our Ukraine 10. Blow, Wind, Unto Ukraine 11. There Stands a Mountain 12. A Bundle of Jocund Folk Songs: If I But the Magic Knew; Be Gone, Death!; John Was Sowing Millet