SOUND
and
LIGHT
<noframes>Sound and Light ShowThe "Tsarevgrad Turnov – Sound and Light " audio-visual show is an unique attraction. You can only find similar shows at few other around the world. The programme was created by a team of Bulgarian and Czech specialists managed by Vulo Radev and Jaromir Hnick. The first ever release of the programme was in 1985, to commemorate 800 years since the rebellion of the brothers Asen and Peter. The show is organized by request and needs a group of 30 people,at minimum, in order to be run. The best place to watch it is the ”Tsar Ivan-Asen II” square in front of the Tsarevets Fortress. For reservations you can call (062) 63-68-28. Through the power of music and spectacular illumination, this programme aims to create an unforgettable and emotional image of the Tsarevets Hill and Castle treasuring up the history, grandeur and glory of the ancient capital city of Turnovgrad which has become synonymous with the Bulgarian spirit and national pride. The music, which has been composed specially for the occasion, is a leading element helping to follow the historical events and describe their invisible images. The very first sounds will take you to an unreal world, far back into the centuries when these lands were inhabited by Thracians, Slavs and proto-Bulgarians. The music theme evokes thoughts about the creation of the Bulgarian State in 681, the struggles for its consolidation and the peaceful constructive labour of the freedom-loving Bulgarian people. Gradually, the rhythm intensifies and new themes are introduced which symbolize the invasions of one enemy or another, the most painful one being the Byzantine invasion in 1018. The burdensome mantle of slavery covers the land of the Bulgarians and the wails of the suffering people seem to raise the melody of the rebellion. The uprising in 1185 brings about the freedom and glory of Turnovgrad which later becomes the capital of the restored state. The peaceful and constructive labour create the magnificence and brilliance of Tsarevgrad but in 1393 a black cloud veils the Balkans and the Ottoman hordes rage around the walls of Tsarevets. Heroism and determination stream from the melody of King Shishman's song which was composed spontaneously. "One horse beside the other, one hero beside the other" march round the Bulgarian ruler Ivan Shishman for the last battle. The battle is lost but what remains is faith. The motherland falls under the oppressive five-century slavery but the national spirit and self-awareness are preserved. All of a sudden you hear the sweet voice of the wooden flute bursting through the chaotic sounds of slavery and people's hardship and expressing the innermost dreams of freedom. A call to arms arises and the people revolt but liberty is not easy to achieve. It comes with the bayonets of the Russian armies and Bulgarian volunteers. Bathed in sunshine and delight Turnovgrad meets the liberators. Festive bells toll in praise of the liberated city. This is the beginning of a new future of Turnovgrad which will witness other battles and victories but it will advance with confidence to reach today's progress. The song "Many Happy Returns" performed by a choir seems to come from the hill burning in red flames and it praises the glory of the Bulgarian people. This spectacle is not a reconstruction of the past but it is its interpretation and bridge to the present and the future. </noframes>
