Nova Radast Stala

K'irialesa

K'irialesa Samegrelo province, Georgia from Tamar Buadze and TutarchelaK'irialesa Samegrelo prov

In Concert

Edited by Kathryn Golden, Directed by Ashley James at Searchlight Films for Forest Creatures Entertainment. Excerpt from the PBS documentary. Kitka is an Oakland, CA based acappella group that teamed with the musicians from Davka for an incredible concert at the historic Temple Sinai in Oakland, CA.

The remarkable women of Kitka-eight in number-perform Eastern European songs (occasionally accompanied by folk harp, lute and hand percussion) of unusual beauty. Though sung in their native languages (the subject matter is explained in the text) the fundamental essence of emotion is as immediate as the earth itself. The Russian "Na Gore, Na Gorinke" is placid and serene, the Bulgarian "Malo Selo," with it's plunging vocal descent, an alarm to the senses. Some, such as "Shto Mi E Milo," are derived from folk dances. A variety of textures and intervals (the use of drone notes on "Szerelem, Szerelem" for example) add distinction.

Songlist: Dumai, Zlato, Vdol Po Rechenke, Na Gore, Na Gorinke, Malo Selo, Shto Si, Goro, Povyakhnala?, Melai Doina, Lulay, Lulay, Tsintsharo, Ah Razpasledni Raz Devchonechka, Stoinole, Stokole, Hopp Ide Tisztan, Vchera Se Zheni Mlad Stoyan/ Godini, Godini, Shto Mi E Milo, Tuhkala Li Sim, Momina Male, Szerelem, Szerelem, Devoike, Mari, Khubava, Ogreyala Mesechina, Miskolc Felol Hidegen Fuj A Szel

In Slavic folklore, Rusalki are the restless spirits of women who have died unjust, untimely or unnatural deaths. They inhabit the waters, forests, and fields, luring people to them with their mesmerizing songs and wild laughter. Performed by the eight powerful vocalists of Kitka, The Rusalka Cycle is a riveting dream-like journey that weaves traditional Eastern European folk song together with original music by Mariana Sadovska. This CD features Kitka singing as you've never heard them sing before. With stirring accompaniment by cellists Moses Sedler and Elaine Kreston, and percussionist Kevin Mummey, this CD captures the highly dramatic and risk-taking performance piece that has wowed audiences and critics alike.

Songlist: Awakening, River Rose, Wave, Farewell, Transformation, Last Night, Sirens, Lamentation, To The Lake

1992 recording from this powerful, San Francisco Bay-Area based, ten-voice women's group. Founded in 1979, their material is derived from the Eastern European folk tradition, and is both aesthetically pure and emotionally wrenching. With exquisite control and flawless skill, Kitka imbues these frequently somber-sounding compositions with passion, realism and humanity. "Bratets Kosi," (Croatia) is a vital outburst, "Haydutin Stuyan," (Bulgaria) ascends to the tri-tone to establish its tragic theme. A solo period instrument minimally accompanies four tracks. With explanations in English of the native texts, these songs offer a unique glimpse into another world.

Songlist: The Eastern Wind, Tikho nad Richkoyu, Duynel Idi ut Oftcetya, Moma Bega Prez Livade, Bratets Kosi, Haydutin Stuyan, Predite Prelye, Dimyaninka, Son Mi Doyde, V Serykh Sumerkakh, Zaspala Li Si Yagodo, Na Pat Yodam, Pustono Ludo I Mlado, Ta Ti Postilam, Ay Mori Milke, Yofcharche Mlado, Vetar Vee

This recording showcases material ranging from rousing Slavic folk carols and lush, meditative Eastern Orthodox sacred choral works, to pre-Christian incantations for the longest nights of the year and Hebrew folk songs for Chanukah. Highlights include Tec Peleite Zernju Zogtu, an ancient Latgalian (Eastern Latvian) Winter Solstice song invoking the god of the heavens and the goddess of the Sun; Koledni Pesni, a medley of Bulgarian folk carols recalling the nativity sung in the traditional antiphonal village style; and Byla Cesta, a poignant 19th-century Moravian carol. Other pieces include the sublime 12th-century Georgian hymn to the Virgin Shen Khar Venakhi; and a collection of joyful Shchedrivki, songs sung for the traditional Ukrainian New Year festival of Malanka. Wintersongs was recorded in the world-famous acoustic environment of the Skywalker Studios in Marin County by Leslie Ann Jones, and was produced by Grammy-nominated Bay Area vocalist and band leader Linda Tillery.

Songlist: Tec, Peleite, Zernju Zogtu (Latvia), Byla Cesta (Moravia), Domnulet Si Domn Din Cer (Romania), Zamuchi Se Bozha Majka (Bulgaria), Alilo (Georgia), Otche Nash (Russia / Bulgaria), Sculati Gazde, Nu Dormiti (Romania), Betlehem, Betlehem (Hungary), Dostokno Jest (Bulgaria), Oj, Jak Priletaly Taj Dva Sokolonky (Ukraine), Nova Radost' Stala (Belarus), Oj, U Horodi (Ukraine), Bozha Zvezda (Bulgarian Macedonia), Ayios Vasilis (Greece), Hubuva Milka (Bulgaria), Tsarsko Momce Kon Sedlae (Bulgaria), Ma Navu (Israel), Shen Khar Venakhi (Georgia), Shchedrick (Ukraine), A v Jerusalime (South Russia / Ukraine)