The interest in opera in Bulgaria dates only from the end of the 19th century. This was most likely due to the country being under the control of the Ottoman Turks until the liberation of 1878. The four volumes of the Audio Encyclopedia of Opera from Bulgaria attempt to show this development from this beginning to present days.
The Audio Encyclopedia project is an attempt to capture our audio heritage so it will be accessible to individuals, schools and libraries. The volumes on Bulgarian opera are the most extensive coverage so far of a single culture's involvement and serve as a model for the goal the Encyclopedia seeks.
Our purpose in the project is to present an overview of the singers and operatic life in Bulgaria rather than an in-depth study. Anyone interested in more detailed information on a particular singer or subject presented here is encouraged to research more thoroughly. Meanwhile, we hope that these volumes of the Audio Encyclopedia will both convey insight into the rich development of opera in Bulgaria and incentive to research the artists and music of the country. This entire project could not have been possible without the enthusiastic partnership of Bulgarian National Radio.
Opera from Bulgaria (AE 205) An introduction containing histories of opera development, opera houses, Bulgarian opera composers, over 100 singers with photos, biographies and recordings, complete performances of early Bulgarian operas and popular international operas either complete or in selected scenes.
Italian, French and German Opera from Bulgarian National Opera (AE 210) Complete broadcast performances of 10 internationally popular operas featuring performers introduced in Opera from Bulgaria (AE 205).
Russian Opera from Bulgaria (AE 215) Complete broadcast performances from Bulgarian National Radio of 13 important Russian Operas performed in Bulgaria featuring Bulgarian artists considered by many superior to those in Russia during this period.
Bulgarian Operas (AE 220) Eleven complete operas by the Bulgarian composers Georgi Atanassov, Parashkev Hadjiev, Marin Goleminov, Konstantin Iliev, Lubomir Pipkov, Vesselin Stoyanov and Pancho Vladigerov. Each opera is presented with synopsis and historical background.
Conceived and assembled by Frank Fischer operfrank@aol.com
Produced by Mike Richter mrichter@cpl.net