Hristo Todorov
composer
15.09.1890 – 21.04.1976Sliven – Bulgaria
Hristo Todorov graduated from the State Academy of Music in 1950 majoring in Composition under Professor Vesselin Stoyanov. While still a student, he cooperated with Radio Sofia. He worked as a composer-arranger at the Song and Dance Ensemble at the Ministry of Interior (since 1951) and also at the Song and Dance Ensemble at the Ministry of Defence (since 1966). He contributed to the Folk Music Section of the Bulgarian National Radio. He is an eminent traditional music arranger. He wrote over 2,000 folksong arrangements and songs in traditional style as well as over 1,000 instrumental traditional dances (horo) and suites, which are still very popular and are performed by almost all traditional music ensembles. He also wrote political songs, theatre and film music.
Creativity
Songs in traditional style:
Summer Nights, lyrics by M. Shopkin;
Harvest Song, lyrics by I. Genov;
June Song, lyrics by I. Vasilev;
Biliana, lyrics by I. Genov;
Otpuskar (Soldier on Leave), lyrics by M. Spasov;
Evening Song, lyrics by Ivan Radoev;
Shepherd’s Song, lyrics by Haralampi Haralampiev, etc.
Folksong arrangements:
Done le;
Za tebe, mome (For You, Girl);
Ya slushay, Yano (Listen, Yano);
Yordano, Yordanchitze (Sweet Yordana);
Zaspalo e chelebiyche (Young Man Fell Asleep);
Otdolu ide moyto parvo libe (My First Love Is Coming), etc.
Social songs:
You, Party, You Have a Lot of Sons;
Youth Song for Peace;
May Day March;
Fanfares.
Music for documentary movies:
Miners;
Bulgarian Embroidery;
For Freedom;
Brazaya.