Based in my beloved West Philadelphia neighborhood, the Philadelphia Women’s Slavic Ensemble does wonderful work honoring Slavic vocal traditions, especially those from Bulgaria.In this video the Philadelphia Women’s Slavic Ensemble sings “Svatba,” which means “Wedding.” The English translation of the song offered by LyricsTranslate.com is riveting: “The mountain is my mother and my father was the violent wind, The dark sea is my brother and my sisters are the wild grasses, That’s who I am – I am telling you myself….I’ll hold a weighty wedding and I’ll bring 300 musicians, The sun will wed us and it will give you a star for a ring, I’ll cover you with gifts so you wouldn’t grieve over your mother and your father wouldn’t ask in anger Who has taken his greatest treasure from his house. Who lies to you and with what he lures you? Join in the dance with me and never let go of my hand.”
