Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

"Where art thou, faithful love of the people"

The story of this song goes back to Bulgaria’s struggle for independence of the Ottoman Empire. It was created by Dobri Chintulov, teacher, poet and composer of the Bulgarian Revival period, who worked for the enlightenment and national self-awareness of his compatriots. Graduate of the Theological Seminary in Odessa, he was an advocate for national and church freedom.

Dobri Chintulov wrote the lyrics of the song "Kude si, vyarna ti lyubov narodna" ("Where art thou, faithful love of the people") while he was in Odessa. The tune, however, was probably the melody of another song, popular at the time, but whose title is now forgotten. Forgotten is the last word one can say about "Kude si vyarna ti lyubov narodna". The song became a symbol of the awakening of a nation. An awakening that started from a "spark of love" and turned into a "raging flame".


Together with “Stani, stani yunak balkanski” ("Wake up, wake up, Balkan hero"), “Viatar echi, Balkan stene” ("Wind is howling, Balkan is moaning") and several other revolutionary songs by Dobri Chintulov, it raised the spirit of the Bulgarian patriots during the April Uprising (1876) and the Russo-Turkish War that brought the Liberation of Bulgaria (1878-1879).

Photos: archive



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

"Anise Days" with B.T.R.

The "30 Years of B.T.R." tour, which one of the most significant rock bands in Bulgaria celebrates its anniversary with, will end with two concerts in Hall 1 of the National Palace of Culture. Due to the great interest in the concert..

published on 11/19/24 11:34 AM

Kanela, the scent of childhood and the beauty of poetry

The band Kanela (Cinnamon) has been known for years, but in 2022 they started recording new songs with a new line-up. First came "Fairy", followed by "Always", "Flowers" and "A Ring", the latter staying in the BNR TOP 20 charts for more than a month...

published on 11/15/24 12:30 PM

"Never stop searching" – the message in Zhivko Vasilev’s music

An extraordinary journey between musical genres and geographical locations awaits us on November 14 in Sofia. The soft sound of Bulgarian folk instrument kaval will meet the classical sound of the Sofia Soloists Chamber..

published on 11/14/24 8:44 AM