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Simo Lazarov presents multimedia oratorio "The Divine Principle" at concert in BNR

БНР Новини
Photo: private archive




The electronic sound is undoubtedly one of the most revolutionary developments in the field of music in the 20th century. Sensing its potential, Simo Photo: private archiveLazarov focused his creativity in this area, turning himself into a pioneer of electronic music in Bulgaria. He is credited for creating four decades ago the first electronic music studio at the Bulgarian National Radio. This anniversary was marked on March 12, along with his colleagues and students from the New Bulgarian University /NBU/ where he gave a multimedia concert. Professor Simo Lazarov teaches there Computer music making and sound engineering. After this appearance there is yet another, much larger in its design.

On March 14, Simo Lazarov’s multimedia oratorio “The Divine Principle” will be performed in Studio 1 of the BNR. The work is an excellent example of how electronics is used in large musical forms, and the author describes it as "a mosaic of different historical events intertwined in time."

Photo: private archive The composer began work on the oratorio in 2003, and seven years later "The Divine Principle" had its premiere. We can judge about the scale of this project also by the performing cast required – a synthetic symphony orchestra, choir, soloists and electronic equipment.

"I want to convey the idea that the divine principle enshrined in each artist must evolve", the author says. “Thus everyone will leave a trail behind. I tried to give different points in history. On the other hand, I wanted to erect a pedestal to the indomitable spirit of man that, despite all historical vicissitudes, will last forever."

An interesting detail is that the work incorporates the sound of the ancient Jewish woodwind instrument called shofar, which plays an important role in the dramaturgy of the oratorio.

English version: Rossitsa Petcova


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