Watch Balkan Melodie

Balkan Melodie is a documentary that takes the viewer on a journey through the music of the Balkan region, exploring the rich cultural history of the area through its traditional melodies. The film is directed by Stefan Schwietert, and features interviews with legendary Swiss ethnomusicologist Marcel Cellier, who spent much of his life recording and preserving traditional Balkan music.

The film begins with Marcel Cellier explaining his fascination with the Balkan region and its music, which he first discovered in the 1950s while living in Paris. He quickly fell in love with the complex rhythms, haunting melodies, and distinctive instrumentation of Balkan music, and began travelling to the region to record local musicians on his trusty reel-to-reel tape recorder.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the stunning visual imagery of the Balkan landscape, captured in sweeping aerial shots and intimate portraits of local people and their customs. We see shepherds tending their flocks on rolling hillsides, women spinning wool on traditional looms, and families gathering in small villages to celebrate weddings and other festive occasions.

As the film progresses, we are introduced to a number of musicians from across the Balkan region, each with their own unique style and approach to music-making. From the soulful vocals of Bulgarian singer Elisaveta Bagryana, to the complex rhythms of Macedonian percussionist Nikola Atanasov, the film offers a diverse and fascinating look at the rich tradition of Balkan music.

One of the highlights of the film is the footage of Marcel Cellier recording a group of Romanian musicians in a small village. As the musicians play, Cellier can be seen listening intently, nodding his head in time with the music and adjusting the microphone to capture the sound just right. It's clear from the footage that Cellier has a deep respect and appreciation for the musicians he works with, and that he sees his role as a facilitator, helping to bring their music to a wider audience.

Throughout the film, we also hear from other musicians and scholars who have been influenced by Balkan music, including Serbian accordion player Predrag Jovanovic and ethnomusicologist Timothy Rice. Their insights and observations help to contextualize the music within the broader history of the region, while also highlighting its enduring appeal to listeners around the world.

Balkan Melodie is a beautifully crafted film that offers a rare glimpse into the world of Balkan music and culture. Through its stunning visuals, evocative soundscape, and insightful interviews, the film captures the essence of this vibrant and often overlooked corner of the world. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of music, the power of cultural traditions, and the enduring beauty of melody.

Balkan Melodie is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3.