Anja & Zlatna preserves the beauty of traditional melodies from the beautiful Balkans and beyond, enhancing them with the structural architecture of baroque and modern languages. The ensemble has a unique sound, due in part to original approach to instrumentation; the use of harpsichord in a predominant role is a key factor – sometimes one hears multiple guitars, sometimes a cimbalom or the texture of an accordion. The various possibilities of the recorders are explored, the sounds ranging from baroque flute to Eastern wind instruments such as kaval or ney with their intriguing vibrato and intonations. The versatility of the double-bass is derived from folk instruments such as the Russian balalaika family and a guitarist’s sophisticated touch of jazz.
Listen back to Global Village for an exclusive Studio 5 Live performance and interview with Anja & Zlatna, originally airing on Sunday September 8 .
