North Bulgaria has a fascinating folk music, which has been influenced by the neighbouring folk regions and the local culture. Pure folk elements from neighbouring regions often "cross" the provisory boundaries and create curious interrelations with the local traditional culture. The recordings of accordionist Yanko Zhelyazkov included in this release serve as an eloquent illustration of these interrelations. Born in 1945, he comes from the village of Brest, Pleven District, situated by the Danube River. His interest for the accordion was inherited from his father and his uncle, who were both famous accordionists. The greater part of his professional experience (of over 40 years) is connected with the Severnyashki (Northern) Ensemble for Folk Songs and Dances - Pleven. Along with his work in the ensemble, he dedicates a great part of his time and efforts to working with amateur choirs and orchestras. This helps him enrich his own repertoire with interesting songs and instrumental melodies from his native region. The release includes his most remarkable recordings of horo dances and rachenitsa, characteristic of North Bulgaria.
FOLK DANCES FROM NORTH BULGARIA
[1] Kailashko Horo - аrranged by Hristofor Radanov 3'06''
[2] Vitsko Horo - аrranged by Anastas Naumov 3'05''
[3] Plevensko Gankino Horo - аrranged by Hristofor Radanov 2'52''
[4] Sborensko Horo - аrranged by Dimitar Karagyozov 3'18''
[5] Zavrashchanka - аrranged by Hristofor Radanov 3'21''
[6] Cherkezko Horo - аrranged by Bentzion Eliezer 2'54''
[7] Anastassovska Rachenitsa - аrranged by Angel Shopov 3'12''
[8] Zornishko Horo - аrranged by Anastas Naumov 1'39''
[9] Plevenska Rachenitsa - аrranged by Anastas Naumov 3'01''
[10] Somovitsko Horo - аrranged by Hristofor Radanov 3'31''
[11] Duimashka Rachenitsa - аrranged by Dimitar Karagyozov 3'39''
[12] Dabovansko Horo - аrranged by Dimitar Karagyozov 2'38''
[13] Topolarska Ruchenitsa - аrranged by Hristofor Radanov 2'39''
[14] Gigensko Horo - аrranged by Angel Shopov 3'07''
[15] Paidushko Horo - аrranged by Anastas Naumov 3'18''
[16] Ribenska Rachenitsa - аrranged by Anastas Naumov 2'56''
[17] Bachvanka - аrranged by Bentzion Eliezer 2'48''
[18] Brestenska Rachenitsa - аrranged by Bentzion Eliezer 2'11''
[19] Plevensko Horo - аrranged by Anastas Naumov 3'47''
[20] Brestenska Tropanka - аrranged by Ivan Valev 2'36''
[21] Buchimish - аrranged by Angel Shopov 3'04''
[22] Horo "Milkovchanka" - аrranged by Bentzion Eliezer 3'31''
Total: 66'13''
YANKO ZHELYAZKOV, accordion
Accompanied by an orchestra
Conductors: Hristofor Radanov, Angel Shopov,
Stefan Mutafchiev, Emil Kolev, Dobrin Panayotov