Planino Pirin

A slow, soulful folksong from the Bulgarian part of Macedonia called Pirin learned at our Village Harmony Macedonia camp in 2011. Easy, rich harmonies with a repeating refrain, making the song accessible. Can be sung a cappella or with instruments. Comes with pronunciation guide.

O Pirin Mountain, how beautiful you are! In winter, full of snow.
In summer, many heros near every water, the leaders with rifles.
(A song from the time of the long Ottoman occupation)

Dosta dosta

A beautiful Macedonian love song in a7/8 rhythm arranged for three part harmony. Easily sung either a cappella or with the accompaniment of instruments. Comes with pronunciation guide.

Enough, beautiful Stojne. You work as a servant pleasing everyone.
But, come away with me
and marry me. I care so much for you.
I cannot do that, silly boy.
I am poor and grew up an orphan with no mother or father.

Belo lice

A fun love song from Macedonia. Can be sung a cappella or with the accompaniment of accordion, or chordal instruments. It’s a sort of “zipper song” where only a couple of words change in each verse making it easy and accessible to learn. Comes with pronunciation guide.

I love the fair face, dark eyes, and honey lips of my sweetheart. I look and I love, but it’s no use.
You dark-haired unfaithful one!