Le Mystere Des Voix Bulgares

Country of origin:

Bulgaria

Type of music generally:

Bulgarian world music based on their traditional vocal style

Status:

Most recent release, BooCheeMish (featuring Lisa Gerrard, 2018)

Covers/own material:

Traditional and modern pieces

See also:

Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares' site

Wikpedia's entry for The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices

Wikipedia's entry for the group's first album

Solo singers from this group also appear as the Trio Bulgarka

Comparisons:

Muzsikas and Marta Sebestyen

General comments:

The style of Les Mystere Des Voix Bulgares is somewhat dissonant to Western ears, so you may not like it. Take a listen to the Trio Bulgarka (part of Les Mystere Des Voix Bulgares)'s participation on Kate Bush's The Sensual World to get an impression of the style. (jbr@casetech.dk)

This group was the first of this style of music to become well known in the U.S. and there have since been many more examples of the style available. This is a strong, almost harsh, but beautiful way of singing. Once you get past the immediate barrier of its difference, you'll find it stunningly compelling and evocative. One recording, unless you're an aficionado, is probably enough though. (Neile)

Recommended first album:

Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares (the first). (Neile)

Recordings include:

• Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares Vol. 1 (1987)
• Vol. 2 (1988)
• A Cathedral Concert (1988)
• Voix Bulgares (1995 )
• From Bulgaria With Love: The Pop Album (1993)
• Melody Rhythm & Harmony: Mystere Live (1993)
• Ritual
• Box Set: Includes Vols. 1 & 2 and Ritual
• Pora Sotunda (single featuring Lisa Gerrard, 2017)
• BooCheeMish (featuring Lisa Gerrard, 2018)

Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares Vol. 1

Release info:

1987—Elektra Nonesuch Explorer Series (U.S. & Canada)—9 79165-2

Availability:

Wide in U.S. & Canada

Ecto priority:

Must have—you need at least one of these

Group members:

The Bulgarian State Radio and Television Female Vocal Choir under the direction of Phili Koutev and Krasimir Kyurkchiyski

Comments:

The power of their vocals will knock you over. (Neile)

A Cathedral Concert

Release info:

1988—Sonet (Europe)—SLPCD-3147 [CD]; 1988—JARO, Bismarckstr. 83, 28203 Bremen, Germany—JARO 4138

Availability:

Available in Europe

Ecto priority:

Very high

Group members:

The Bulgarian State Radio and Television Female Vocal Choir

Guest artists:

Atanas Valtshev—fiddle
Gospodin Stanev—flute
Ljubomir Vladimirov—tambur
Nikola Atanassov—bagpipe

Comments:

Impressive vocal performances (mostly a cappella), both solo performances and the entire choir (28 members). This is a live recording from Bremen in Germany, 1987. (jbr@casetech.dk)

Highly recommended if you like Bulgarian a cappella music. (Dirk.Kastens@rz.Uni-Osnabrueck.DE)

Thanks to Dirk Kastens and Jens P. Tagore Brage for work on this entry.