Koutev Bulgarian Ensemble Koutev Bulgarian National Ensemble CD

Created in 1951 by Philip Koutev, the Bulgarian National Ensemble performs distinctive Balkans music, featuring strong female voices and traditional instruments such as the gadulka (a bowed fiddle), kaval (end-blown flute), and gaida (bagpipes). The music is characterized by complex rhythms and harmonies, as seen on Track 4, "Dumai, Zlato (Speak Up, Zlata)," a beautiful and haunting example of a cappella choral singing, and Track 5, an instrumental medley. Liner notes include descriptions of the performers, instruments, and dances, with a translation of each song title.

1. Sluntze Gree V Nebeto (The Sun Is Shining in the Sky) 2. Yana Tzvete Brala (Yana Picked a Flower) 3. Dilmano, Dilbero 4. Dumai, Zlato (Speak Up, Zlata) 5. Bulgarska Suita (Bulgarian Suite): Kopanitza (Round Dance) / Rodopska Pesen (Rhodope Song) / Paidushko Horo- Haiduk Round Dance (Medley) 6. Trugnala E Vakla Jelka (Black-Eyed Zhelka Set Out) 7. Subrali Sa Se, Subrali (They Gathered, They Gathered) 8. Angelina 9. Trite Puti (Horo)(Three Times) 10. Sunyo, Ti Moi Sunyo (Oh Dream, Oh Thou My Daydream) 11. Aide, Sluntze Zaide (Come, the Sun Has Set) 12. Bre, Petrunko (Ho! Dear Petroona) 13. Kermensko Horo (Kermen Round Dance) 14. Vido, Vido, Byala Vido (Vida, Vida, You White-Skinned Vida!) 15. Mama Todorka Dumashe (Mamma Was Talking to Theodora) 16. Dimka Za Voda Hodeshe (Dimka Went to Draw Water) 17. Chereshko Le, Vishnichko Le (Cherry, My Nice Cherry!)