A Platform for Ethnically and Culturally Inspired Music
About "On Bierli"
On Bierli is a typical Bulgarian folk dance in ‘Kopanitsa’ rhythm. It is usually called ‘On Birli’ (‘Elevener’) in Turkish since it follows a 11/8 (2+2+3+2+2) rhythmic structure. The Kapiko version follows a more complex structure, beginning with 13/8 changing to 10/8 and 11/8 rhythms. To the Kapiko members, this rhythmic structure shows a close similarity to the rhythmic feel while being drunk. Hence the name: ‘On’ is the Turkish word for the number 10 and ‘Bierli’ means ‘Small/Little Beer’ in the dialect of Vienna. Prost!