Koutev Bulgarian Ensemble - Koutev Bulgarian National Ensemble - Music & Performance - 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.