Discover the Ancient Bulgarian Music Tradition with Dora Christa and L'Bulata

🎵The Bulgarian music tradition is characterized by ancient songs that have been preserved over time. The vocal technique used in this tradition is called open throat singing, which produces a unique sound.

🗺️The music of L'Bulata is rooted in Bulgaria's history, particularly during the five centuries of Ottoman rule. The preservation of traditional art, including singing, played a crucial role in maintaining Bulgarian culture during this time.

🎶The choir formed by Philip Koutev in the 1950s introduced a contemporary form of singing in Bulgaria. This marked the beginning of choirs performing multivoice singing, beyond the traditional solo or two-voice dionic singing.

📻The Bulgarian State Radio and Television Women's Chorus gained international recognition for their performances of Bulgarian folk songs. After political changes in Bulgaria, the chorus continued to thrive despite the lack of state support.

🌍Since being dismissed from the radio and television in 1997, L'Bulata has continued to work independently, organizing concerts and tours to showcase the beauty of Bulgarian music and culture.

What is open throat singing?

—Open throat singing is a vocal technique used in the Bulgarian music tradition. Singers produce sound by singing in the glottis, resulting in a unique sound. The technique has been passed down through generations and is considered a hallmark of Bulgarian singing.

How did the Bulgarian State Radio and Television Women's Chorus gain international recognition?

—The Bulgarian State Radio and Television Women's Chorus gained international recognition through their performances of Bulgarian folk songs. They captivated audiences with their enchanting voices and unique singing style, showcasing the cultural richness of Bulgaria.

What is the significance of Philip Koutev's choir?

—Philip Koutev formed the first contemporary choir in Bulgaria in the 1950s. This marked a shift from traditional solo or two-voice singing to multivoice singing. The choir revitalized Bulgarian music by introducing new compositions and arrangements, contributing to the preservation and development of Bulgarian musical culture.

What happened to L'Bulata after the political changes in Bulgaria?

—After the political changes in Bulgaria, L'Bulata was dismissed from the state-sponsored radio and television. However, they persevered and continued their musical journey independently. Despite facing challenges, they have thrived and continue to share the beauty of Bulgarian music with audiences worldwide.

Where can I experience Bulgarian music in person?

—You can experience Bulgarian music by attending concerts and tours organized by L'Bulata. Keep an eye on their upcoming events to witness the enchanting voices and unique singing style that make Bulgarian music so special.

00:35Dora Christa and L'Bulata perform ancient Bulgarian songs composed by Bulgarian composers.

00:38Bulgarian music tradition features open throat singing, a unique vocal technique.

00:40During the Ottoman rule, traditional art, including singing, played a crucial role in preserving Bulgarian culture.

00:41Philip Koutev formed the first contemporary choir in Bulgaria, introducing multivoice singing.

00:47The Bulgarian State Radio and Television Women's Chorus gained international recognition for performing Bulgarian folk songs.

00:52L'Bulata continues to thrive independently after being dismissed from the radio and television.