The Rhodopes are the biggest mountain in Bulgaria - covering one seventh of the country's territory. Its name is of Thracian origin and was mentioned by Herodotus as early as the fifth century BC. This abulously beautiful homeland of Orpheus, Rhodopes have given the name to a folklore region where one can hear bewitching songs - one of them was selected to fly onboard the Voyager space shuttle to unknown worlds - Izlel e Delyu Haidutin.

The people in this mountain who are carriers of the authentic Rhodope folklore are characterized by their rare poetical and musical gift which is clearly reflected in their songs. They touch listeners with their strong emotions. 

Huddled in the embrace of the mountain, in the past many towns and villages there were untouched by outside influences in their songs. They shaped the old-time Rhodopean style which is characteristic of the middle section of this mountain range - or the region of Smolyan. It is distinguished by its five-degree whole tone sound order (pentatonic) as an old song from the repertoire of Elena Kanevska from the village of Momchilovtsi shows.

The most important feature of the Rhodope folk songs is its lyrical nature. The melody moves softly and gently, the ornaments are interwoven into the fabric of the melody without interrupting the slow, languid rhythm of the song. Her texts contain gentle words and addresses, poetic comparisons, subdued  emotions of the once secluded population.

During the five centuries of Ottoman rule, the Rhodopean villages were first subjected to the pressure of the oppressor. Many of them, after much suffering, were forced to convert to Islam. Within its limits, women were forbidden to sing in public, so their songs were heard only behind the house walls. This was the singing of Bulgarian women in these region became gentler and quieter.

A typical accompaniment to Rhodope songs is the bagpipe and in the songs of the Bulgarians who converted to Islam – the tamboura, or baylama. Rhodopean songs are performed solo or in groups - women have naturally gifted voices with a wide diapason and men have low baritone timbres. 

The melody of the Rhodope song spills with smooth and slow ornaments woven into it without disturbing the peaceful rhythm. Slow songs predominate but there are also moderately paced chain dance melodies. 

Regarding the content and lyrics, the highest share in the repertoire of singers take Rhodopean songs performed at sedyanka working bees. This was a working gathering and a custom that has now become obsolete. The main livelihood of people in the mountain was animal breeding, and in particular sheep raising, and hence the rich cycle of songs of shepherds. Also popular are wedding songs and those of people having to go to work abroad.

There are many magnificent singers who grew up in the natural rural environment in the Rhodopes where the songs resound in every home, in the meadows filled with the sound of bagpipes. This picture is typical for today's lifestyle of the mountain people, as well. On Rozhen peak since the 1960s, everyone gathers for a great folk singing fair every year. Known abroad, this musical festival welcomes visitors from all over the world in August every year.

English version: Rossitsa Petcova