The Kobza: Songs and Tunes Played on the Kobza and Sung in Ukrainian

Recorded in 1961, this album features 12 Ukrainian folk songs and epics played on the kobza (a member of the lute family) and sung by Paul Konoplenko-Zaporozetz. Konoplenko, who focused on the violin and guitar during his early musical studies, switched to the kobza when the renowned player Danylo Potapenko presented him with a 150-year-old instrument. Konoplenko modernized the kobza, adding frets, and forged a successful career as a soloist. He also wrote several books on the instrument.

The liner notes feature a brief history of the kobza and its importance in Ukrainian culture. The notes also include background on each tune as well as song lyrics in Ukrainian and English.

Track Listing

101	A Cossack Was Leaving for War	Paul Konoplenko-Zaporozetz	02:50
102	The Black Cloud	Paul Konoplenko-Zaporozetz	02:21
103	O, Betrothed Maiden	Paul Konoplenko-Zaporozetz	03:38
104	Oh My Mother Told Me	Paul Konoplenko-Zaporozetz	02:34
105	For Your Cherry Lips	Paul Konoplenko-Zaporozetz	04:01
106	Ukrainian Folk Dances: Highlander's Kolomeyka / Carpathian Dance / Choomak / Doodochka	Paul Konoplenko-Zaporozetz	04:33
201	Bayda	Paul Konoplenko-Zaporozetz	04:03
202	O, Green Oak Tree	Paul Konoplenko-Zaporozetz	02:39
203	Our Ukraine	Paul Konoplenko-Zaporozetz	04:23
204	Blow, Wind, Unto Ukraine	Paul Konoplenko-Zaporozetz	03:06
205	There Stands a Mountain	Paul Konoplenko-Zaporozetz	02:36
206	A Bundle of Jocund Folk Songs: If I but the Magic Knew / Be Gone, Death / John Was Sowing Millet	Paul Konoplenko-Zaporozetz	04:23