Today, one of the greatest Bulgarian composers was born… in Zurich. Professor Pancho Vladigerov has his 110 anniversary on this very same day. I will not talk about this extraordinary talent in memoriam, because I believe, he is still living in his beautiful music.
Maestro Vladigerov is a milestone in the history of Bulgarian classical music, not only with his compositions, but also with his pedagogy and his dedication in building the culture of Bulgarian music. Even the famous piano player Alexis Weissenberg made his first acquaintance with the black and white keyboard under Maestro’s guidance. I will just put here the words about Vladigerov of another great Bulgarian (and one of my favourite national poets) Nikolay Liliev:
“Pancho Vladigerov is one of the most highly esteemed, lively and emotional representatives of Bulgarian musical culture. His reputation of a composer and performer has long since passed the boundaries of his own country. In the last thirty years, every symphony orchestra or prominent conductor has been tempted to add Pancho Vladigerov’s musical compositions to his repertoire.
Always inspired, always confident of what he writes, keeping both his feet on the ground – the land he loves and passionately praises in song, Vladigerov translates everything he touches into music. Born a musician, in his yearly childhood, he was foreordained to be a musician. He constantly creates new, surprising pieces of music, marvellous variations of themes and colours, which are among the greatest assets of our music. Every musical genre is covered by Pancho Vladigerov, whose capacity for work, combined with an incredible talent, is found only in great men.
Being our national pride and glory, his never fading works will always have the charm and freshness of a great and fevered imagination.”
/An excerpt from Liliev’s speech at the celebration of composer’s 50th anniversary, Sofia, 1949./
Among his works is the Vardar Rhapsody — an amazing piece, which you really should listen to – it will sound in your head long after the music is gone. One of the interesting things about Vardar Rhapsody is that it was initially composed for piano. Later, it has been orchestrated and nowadays it is probably No 1 example of Bulgarian symphonic music. If someone is interested to have the piano scores – please leave a comment here.