Kobra is the debut DSD EP by the Kobra Ensemble on NativeDSD’s in house Just Listen label. It follows their debut on the Just Listen DSD 256 Sampler 8 Ensembles In One Bit where the Kobra Ensemble performs two songs.

Kobra is a cross-section of the Kobra Ensemble’s broad repertoire, in which harmonies and timbres are central. Music with character, full of love and emotion, but never sugary.

Kobra begins with two folk songs about love. The first song, Kaval Sviri, is a popular Bulgarian folk song about a flute player. A powerful song with addictive harmonies that you will want to keep diving into.

From the extroverted final chord, Kobra moves on to the intimate beginning of Ezili, a song from Haiti. In the alternation of hushed chords and exuberant rhythms, intense sadness and the celebration of love may coexist.

The Ludions form a light-hearted interlude: five small poems about striking animals, romantic pain, and exotic love. Léon-Paul Fargue’s Dadaist texts are full of children’s and gibberish, which mainly have meaning in sound. Erik Satie’s original was arranged by Gustavo Trujillo for the Kobra Ensemble.

Kobra ends with two lullabies, in very different forms. Until the Sleep is a particularly precious piece for Kobra. Hayo Boerema’s modern classical composition has never been recorded before. The beautiful text by Ida Gerhardt is a call to surrender to the night.

Finally, the fairytale-like Hushabye Mountain reassures the listener. In the flowing arrangement by Kobra’s own Nina Rompa, you don’t have to do anything but sail along to a place where you can be without worries.

In short, Kobra is a patchwork of music, brought together by Kobra’s versatile musicianship.

Kobra Ensemble
Ingrid Doude van Troostwijk
Karlijn Hamer
Lonneke Kegels
Lea Klarenbeek
Sterre Konijn
Nina Rompa
Saskia Voorbach

Making of Video