Octavian Cotescu Povestește Copiilor: A Timeless Romanian Tale for Little Ears
If you’ve ever wondered what it would sound like if your favorite childhood bedtime stories got a musical twist, then Octavian Cotescu Povestește Copiilor might just be the answer. Released in 1991 by Electrecord, this quirky little gem is less of an album and more of a warm hug wrapped in storytelling magic. It’s not exactly music—more like spoken word with a sprinkle of charm—but don’t let that fool you. This one’s got heart.
First off, can we talk about how cool it is that Octavian Cotescu himself steps into the role of narrator? Dude doesn’t just tell these tales; he brings them to life. His voice has this cozy, almost grandfatherly vibe, like he’s sitting right there next to you, leaning in close so you won’t miss a single detail. And trust me, you won’t want to miss out on tracks like Broscuța De Aur (The Golden Frog) or O Întîmplare Cu Nastratin Hogea. These aren’t just random stories—they stick with you.
Take Broscuța De Aur, for example. It’s got this whimsical energy that feels like chasing fireflies on a summer night. The story itself is simple but enchanting—a frog who isn’t quite what she seems, teaching kids that appearances can be deceiving. There’s something oddly satisfying about hearing Cotescu describe her golden glow while his voice dances between playful and serious. I swear, every time I hear this track, I’m transported back to being six years old, wide-eyed and completely hooked.
Then there’s O Întîmplare Cu Nastratin Hogea. Oh man, this one’s a riot. If you’re not familiar with Nastratin Hogea, think of him as Romania’s answer to a trickster folk hero. He’s always scheming, always getting into trouble, and yet somehow, he comes out on top. The way Cotescu tells this particular adventure? Pure gold. You can practically picture Nastratin winking at you from behind his mustache as he pulls off some ridiculous stunt. It’s funny, clever, and honestly kinda inspiring—who wouldn’t wanna channel their inner Nastratin now and then?
Now, let’s give credit where it’s due. Zorina Bâldescu’s graphics are adorable, adding a visual layer to the whole experience, even though most people probably didn’t see much beyond the cassette cover back in the day. And hats off to Dorina Grosaru for mastering this thing—it’s crisp without feeling overly polished, which fits perfectly with the homemade vibe of the project. Plus, props to producer Ștefan Bonea for pulling all the pieces together. Clearly, they knew what they were doing.
But here’s the thing: listening to this album as an adult feels kinda strange. On one hand, it’s nostalgic and sweet. On the other, it makes you realize how rare this kind of storytelling is nowadays. We’re so used to flashy animations and high-tech distractions that we forget the power of a good old-fashioned tale told with nothing but words and imagination.
So yeah, Octavian Cotescu Povestește Copiilor may not win any Grammys, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things leave the biggest mark. Also, fun fact—if you listen closely during Pădurea (The Forest), you can hear what sounds suspiciously like someone sneezing in the background. Was that part of the recording session? Who knows. But hey, imperfections make it real, right?
