Bandura Player, a photo from Kyyivska, West

Photographer's Note

The bandurist at the Sofiisky Sobor (Sofia Cathedral) was playing and singing in that extremely bad weather even for an empty monastery yard, with full commitment, I would say professionally. His old Ukrainian songs sounded really beautifully, tragically and desperately, accordingly to their genuine spirit. Almost nobody passed by and I didnt see anybody paying him. I asked his permission to take some pictures, he just waved me in sign of agreement, not interrupting his song. Then I gave him some money, he expressed his gratitude with aristocratic dignity and continued playing despite wind and snow going on, and I heard his sound voice long time after I left him.

bip-bip, lcask, Zanni, roconnell, berkut, danbachmann, shirgold, odemira, petrudamsa oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

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bip-bip (1837) 2005-04-16 17:57

A very touching composition with this man performing in these hard conditions.
The contrast between the colorful parasol and the snow is astonishing.
Véro

lcask (591) 2005-04-17 1:44 [Comment]

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PHILIPPEV (930) 2005-04-17 3:03

thanks for this regard !

Zanni (6108) 2005-04-17 3:19

Among all street musicians of my homonymus musician group theme he is surely that one who was in the worse conditions of weather. I'd have liked a close-up but it doesn't matter. Probably I'd crop the right part. Anyway a touching note for a touching imagine

roconnell (327) 2005-04-19 18:21

There is poignancy to this portrait, explain not only by your note full of admiration, but also in the composition itself. The redness of his face speaks to both cold and exertion and is a contrast to the snow white of his hair. His commitment to the music is evident by the fact the his strumming hand is un-gloved, while the other is protected against the elements.

berkut (0) 2005-05-11 10:12 [Comment]

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danbachmann (1746) 2005-05-25 13:32

Fantastic capture of a feeling here. Old Ukrainian tragic melodies in stormy weather if front of a cathedral just works well together. The noble character, his unique instrument and his hard expression are the perfect icing on the cake for this one

shirgold (2485) 2005-06-13 5:15

Peter,
Thanks for this beautiful post, both picture and note are excelent and tell a good story.
TFS - Shir.

petrudamsa (57) 2006-01-13 1:08