Lorna Irvine is entranced by the recent Celtic Connections appearance at Kelvingrove.
Everything in the main hall of the gallery melts away, as the Bulgarian choir of over twenty two women and two men take to the raised stage, appropriately lit in jewel colours of amathyst, ruby and emerald. Clad in traditional costumes of head dresses, gowns, aprons and flowers, with the men in smock shirts, the atavistic nature of the choir is set- they are goddesses and two gods.
Having formed in 1952, the largest public awareness of their output in Britain came in 1990 when compilations of their ethereal music were released on indie label Fontana. Such is their impact, that they have influenced artists like Kate Bush, Cocteau Twins and more recently Bat For Lashes.
Within three minutes of the soaring voices, the crowd hold their breath as one. It was so all-encompassing, so intensely beautiful, I had to bite my lip to stop from crying.
The songs, which are not introduced due to the obvious language barrier, are performed by the entire choir, or in trio, quartet or duet. Soloists lead the way on occasion and are backed by the rest, depending on vocal range.
Cyclical rhythms with open-throated a capella singing, in a voice half-yodel, half-cry, are what the choir are renowned for. The singers' emotions range from beatific, to amused, to sorrowful and they are always punctuated by siren hums; low drones, the chatter of the gossip in the market place, or delighted yelps...all made by human voice alone. Sometimes, it doesn't even sound human- there is a moment in which the room buzzes like a beehive.
This stunning, profoundly moving performance deservedly receives a standing ovation- the lyrics may be in Bulgarian, but I understand every single word.
Worth my twenty three year wait to see them; tonight is a celebration of the divine.
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