[This week, music for our service will be provided by Nevenka,  a Los Angeles-based women's folk chorus performing songs from Eastern Europe.  These are paraphrased translations of their songs.]

Nevenka: The Meaning Behind the Songs

Aqvavebula: Georgian (traditional instruments)

Flowers are blooming on the banks of the Aragui River and fog is     flowing from mountain to mountain. A young man professes his love to his honey-eyed sweetheart. He is coming to her village in the Caucasus to see her, even if her brother will not   welcome him. He says, “Come, I will be part of you and together we will conquer the mountains.”

Dragana I Slaveya: Bulgarian (choral)

It tells the story of a young woman who has a singing contest with a nightingale. The terms of competition are that if Dragana wins, she can clip the bird’s wings and keep it for a pet. If the bird wins, Dragana will have to cut off her beautiful braid. Dragana wins the contest, but she lets the bird have its freedom.

Pecen Za Angel: Bulgarian (choral)

A mother says to her son, “Don’t go off to war – instead take a wife and have children.” He replies that he must go to protect his country.

Dushko Moja: Ukrainian, Romany (guitar, mandolin, violin & drum)

The man singing this song is ending his affair with his lover. Much to her surprise, he tells her that their relationship is over because he can no longer split his love between two women!

Rasodi Se Tenka Neda: Bulgarian (choral)

Young Neda goes to the well for water and there she has a flirtatious encounter with a young man who has found the red belt that she has lost. She says to the young man, (whom we assume she already knows), “Give me the red belt.” The young man says, “Oh, it’s yours. Come on, young girl, become my bride.”