MORE IZNIKNALO BOŽE MI DŬRVO (GOD’S TREE GREW TALL)
Two Winter Carols from Bulgaria
MORE IZNIKNALO BOŽE MI DŬRVO (GOD’S TREE GREW TALL)
Pirin region, Bulgaria, traditional, from the repertoire of the Bisserov Sisters via Village Harmony
“God’s tree grew tall; its top held the blue sky. Under the tree was the Virgin Mary, holding the baby Jesus in her arms. She spoke up, ‘Hey, you twelve priests! Light twelve candles, ring twelve church bells, so we can baptize the baby Jesus Christ!’”
NAZDRAVE TI, ČORBADŽIJO (CHEERS TO YOU, MASTER OF THE HOUSE)
Bulgaria, from repertoire of Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares, arranged by Kosta Kolev
The Bulgarian word for Christmas, Koleda, has origins in the ancient Roman Kalendae festival, dedicated to the beginning of the solar year. Koljada was also the name of the old Slavic winter god.
“Cheers to you, master of the house! Oh Koleda! We sing to you, we praise God. As much sand as there is by the sea, may you have as much grain in this house. As much water as there is in the ocean, may you have as much wine in your barrels. As many leaves as there are in the forest, may you have as many sheep in your pens.”
Performed by Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble: Kelly Atkins, Briget Boyle, Shira Cion, Erin Lashnits Herman, Hannah Levy, Janet Kutulas, Maclovia Quintana, Katya Schoenberg, and Lily Storm
Video direction and editing by Kelly Atkins
Videography by Velvy Appleton
Costumes by Melissa Wortman
Live audio recording by Greg Kuhn
Audio mixing & mastering by eO
Produced by Kelly Atkins
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