Kasarova/Kyurkchiyski - Bulgarian Soul (Dig) (CD)

All Music Guide

It's not uncommon for artists to go back to their roots, and that's exactly what acclaimed mezzosoprano Vesselina Kasarova does on Bulgarian Soul. Taking traditional folksongs from her homeland, she looks back. It's not Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares, although Kasarova does employ the folkloric ensemble Cosmic Voices and the Sofia Soloists with her to capture the nuances of the songs. Some pieces, like the opening “Dilmano, Dilbero" are fairly well known. Others, such as “Fair Tudora Is Dozing" come from more regional traditions. The arrangements, by Krassimir Kyurkchiyski, frame the voice elegantly, although Kasarova faced problems with the singing style, which is from the neck (to accommodate the quarter tones and harmonics) instead of the more usual diaphragm. Well annotated, the booklet places the songs in a greater historical context. It's a labor of love, rather than any brazen attempt at crossover success, and as such works wonderfully.

- Chris Nickson, All Music Guide