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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
If the term "folk song" conjures up the image of somebody scraping away on a fiddle and nasally warbling in an authentic Mummerset accent, this recording from Naxos could be the antidote. Here, we have an astoundingly accomplished choir, ably directed by Ariadna Rybakova and featuring three soloists who would stand out - rather than merely fit in - on the stage of the most exalted opera house. Whether the soloists are stars of the Kirov or Bolshoi, earning a few extra roubles, or are members of the choir, we can't tell, because Naxos does not even name them. The other major omission on the part of Naxos is the fact that no texts, or even synopses, are included. If your Russian is fluent, don't hesitate, because the diction is excellent throughout. If your Russian starts and ends with "Da zvidanya, Mr Bond", don't hesitate, either, because this recording works so well as a purely musical experience. The opening piece, "Down the River Mother Volga", sets the standard; the performance is sublime. This reviewer would advise anyone to skip the sixth track, "Steppes, only steppes, all around", because it sounds like syrup in digitised form, but that is to the fault (or credit, according to taste) of the composer and does not reflect on the efforts of the performers. If you want sabre dancing, this recording is not for you. If you like beautiful music, passionately and idiomatically sung by excellent musicians, you will love this.
3 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Naxos CDs can now more or less offer music from every culture, country, century and composer. This CD is offered for those who need a digitally recorded selection from the rich and varied legacy of Russian folk songs.
Rich and varied as it is, and rich and varied as are the recordings of Russian folk songs in my own collection, I cannot say that this CD offers little more than adequate value for its budget price. The folk songs, as usual, are heard in arrangements for unaccompanied choir. The choir, which has a very modest performing and recording history and a lady director, sing earnestly and with good ensemble, but the effect is hindered by a recording procedure that is more appropriate for a heavy metal group than an a cappella choir. Soloists are "miked" too closely and the choir relegated to "backing group" status, with an artificial resonance further adding to the unnatural balance.
When I add that the accompanying notes contain some of the strangest statements I have ever read, you may well agree that quality productions are likely to cost much more than the cost of this unsatisfactory CD from the Naxos catalogue.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I really enjoyed listening to this CD. This is a very interesting approach to the Russian folk music. Contrary to what some reviewers tell you, both the chorus and the chorus director DO have a solid professional training, their performance is absolutely PROFESSIONAL and the sound quality is absolutely OK. Russian folk melodism, in its melancholic line, is very well represented on this CD.
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