Marin Goleminov
(1908-2000)

The Fire Dancer: Suite from the Ballet

Composed 1938-40

Marin Goleminov occupies a distinguished place in the annals of Bulgarian music history as a trailblazing composer, pedagogue, conductor, and scholar. Belonging to the second generation of Bulgarian artists, Goleminov's enduring legacy encompasses his multifaceted contributions to the nation's cultural landscape.

Goleminov's musical journey began under the tutelage of his father, an amateur musician who initiated him into the world of the violin. His early forays into composition were nurtured by his music theory lessons with Professor Nikola Atanassov in Sofia. In 1927, he embarked on a transformative educational path at the Bulgarian Academy of Music, studying violin under the esteemed Professor Todor Torchanov and delving deeper into music theory with Professor Dobri Hristov.

The pursuit of knowledge and artistic growth led Goleminov to the vibrant cultural epicenter of Paris, where he further honed his craft at the Schola Cantorum. Under the guidance of luminaries such as Vincent d’Indy, Paul le Flemm, and Albert Bertlain, Goleminov immersed himself in the rich tapestry of musical composition. His insatiable thirst for learning extended to the Ecole Normale de Musique, where he enrolled in a composition class taught by Paul Dukas, and to the Sorbonne, where he delved into music history, aesthetics, and literature.

Returning to Bulgaria in 1934, Goleminov wasted no time in making his mark on the country's musical landscape. He became an active member of the Union of Bulgarian Composers and played a pivotal role in founding the Bulgarian National Radio Chamber Orchestra, which he conducted with aplomb for three years.

In 1938, Goleminov journeyed to Munich, Germany where he studied composition under Joseph Haas and conducting under Carl Ehrenberg at the Akademie der Tonkust. His return to Bulgaria in 1939 marked the beginning of his illustrious tenure as a professor of orchestration and conducting at the Bulgarian Academy of Music, where he eventually assumed the role of Dean in 1956.

Goleminov's impact transcended the academic realm. From 1965 to 1967, he assumed the directorship of the Sofia National Opera, leaving an indelible mark on the institution. In recognition of his outstanding compositional prowess, he was honored with the prestigious Herder Prize in 1976.

Marin Goleminov's prolific and diverse oeuvre encompasses five symphonies, four symphonic poems, three operas, two ballets, and eight string quartets, among other vocal, instrumental, and chamber works. His compositions span various creative periods, reflecting his evolving artistic vision and exploration of themes that resonate deeply with Bulgarian culture.

One of his seminal early works, the ballet Nestinarka (The Fire Dancer, 1938-40), stands as a testament to Goleminov's artistic prowess. This masterpiece intriguingly explores the interplay between pagan ceremonies and national folklore, embodying his commitment to forging a distinctive, Bulgarian musical identity.

Marin Goleminov's impact on Bulgarian music endures, with a substantial portion of his compositions firmly entrenched in the repertoire of Bulgarian performers. His dedication to nurturing future generations of musicians and his tireless contributions to music theory, scholarship, and literature further cement his place as a towering figure in Bulgaria's musical heritage.

Instrumentation – three flutes and piccolo, two oboes and English horn, two clarinets and bass clarinet, two bassoons and contrabassoon, four horns, three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion, harp, celeste, and strings

Duration – 25 minutes

~ Kenneth Bean
Georg and Joyce Albers-Schonberg Assistant Conductor
Princeton Symphony Orchestra