"I have always been deeply interested in the problem of developing a Bulgarian musical style", wrote the great Bulgarian classical composer Lyubomir Pipkov. His achievements not only as a musician, but also as a writer and poet, pedagogue, publicist and public figure—a person with a strong social stance and progressive convictions—place him among the leading figures of Bulgaria’s intellectual elite.

He composed four symphonies, concertos, an oratorio, orchestral and chamber works, choral and solo songs and film music. His three operas are unique masterpieces— musical and dramatic concepts unified by his distinctive style, which blends elements of tradition and modernity.

''Yana’s Nine Brothers'', ''Momchil'' and ''Antigone 43'' are considered pinnacles of Bulgarian musical and stage art.

According to the composer himself, the idea for ''Momchil'' was provoked by Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939. Lyubomir Pipkov was always part of a circle of the most interesting and progressive Bulgarian intellectuals. Among them were young and prominent talents such as artists Iliya Beshkov and Boris Angelushev, poet Hristo Radevski, writers Konstantin Petkanov and Stoyan Zagorchinov and director Boyan Danovski.

One of the composer’s closest friends was the critic Georgi Tsanev, editor of the monthly magazine ''Art and Criticism'', which ran from 1938 to 1943. Lyubomir Pipkov was a key figure in the magazine from its founding, and it was within this intellectual environment that the idea for ''Momchil '' was born.

Lyubomir Pipkov recalled that Georgi Tsanev had encouraged him to reread Stoyan Zagorchinov’s trilogy Last Day, God’s Day, in order to recognize its potential as the basis for an opera libretto. It was written by the poet Hristo Radevski with the active participation of the composer. The opera focuses primarily on the heroic episodes from Zagorchinov’s books, rather than on those concerning the Bulgarian cleric Theodosius of Tarnovo. This is why the opera is titled Momchil. The original image of the hero from the 14^th century is remarkable – he is a leader, a defender, a warrior for the people’s interests.

The world premiere of Momchil took place at the Sofia National Opera in 1948 under the baton of conductor Assen Naydenov and the direction of Mihail Hadzhimishev, with set design by Nenko Balkanski and choreography by Margarita Dikova.

The stirring and incredibly beautiful music of "Momchil" deserves attention. The score is vivid, lavish and powerful, blending the composer’s vision with the grand operatic traditions. The choral scenes are particularly moving — the chorus acts both as commentator and participant in the events. The mystery of the forest, the heroic climaxes, the wild energy of the dances — the music is truly captivating. One of the most memorable scenes is the royal wedding, which concludes with the famous ''Dances'' from the second scene. Together with the opera’s ''Introduction'', it has been frequently performed by all Bulgarian symphony orchestras for decades.

The best way to experience these magnificent native sounds is through the 1974 studio recording by the Sofia Opera ensembles, conducted by the renowned Bulgarian conductor and composer Ivan Marinov.