VA - Slovakia: Folk to Global CD

EAN: 4251329500894

Slovakia is often described as the “crossroads of Europe”, a place where trade routes once intersected and where diverse cultures and ethnic groups met. This historical development has resulted in a cultural patchwork that is also reflected in musical traditions – in the variety of styles, musical instruments and vocal techniques. Some of these traditions are inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, including the fujara (a unique oversized overtone shepherd’s flute) and its music, the string music of the village of Terchová, bagpipe culture, and the multipart singing of the Horehronie region, famous for its distinctive polyphonic vocal style.

These and many other traditions have survived to this day and are preserved by hundreds of amateur and professional folklore ensembles and soloists, who also perform at popular folklore festivals. However, some musicians go further, continuing to enrich “traditional music” with new elements from other musical genres and cultures.

On this compilation, you will hear a more global side of the Slovak music scene in recent years – one that, however, remains connected to the past. You will find new interpretations of Slovak, as well as Ruthenian, Ukrainian, Hungarian, Jewish, German and Roma songs, intertwined with original compositions by selected artists.

Enjoy the richness, diversity and creativity of contemporary Slovak music rooted in tradition – music that sounds excellent on record, but even better live on stage.

Vladimír “Potkan_FM” Potančok