RUSSIAN FOLK SONGS - DMITRI HVOROSTOVSKY (2 CDS)

Russian folk culture is one the richest I know. In recent years, some of it lighter aspects have been commandeered by the entertainment and tourist industries: with this recording I wanted to go backwards and present songs I have so often heard – but never sung myself – in a direct and unvarnished, yet classical way. The songs I selected [for CD 1] I feel are truly Russian – many are melancholy, most are bittersweet, with the kind of mocking irony which counterbalances sentimentality. Two, I decided to sing alone, in honour of Chaliapin but in my own way. For the rest of this program I was privileged to work with the magnificent Ossipov Russian Folk Orchestra who live and breathe this music. They made me feel a welcome guest in repertoire far from my operatic home but very close to my heart.’ Dmitri Hvorostovsky

This double CD set returns two popular CDs to the catalogue – Hvorostovsky performing songs with orchestra (CD1) and with choir (CD2). Winner of the Cardiff Singer of the World, he has gone on to give great performances in operas by Verdi and is unequalled in the Russian baritone opera repertoire today. This repertoire is dear to his heart and in it he invests every ounce of artistry that marks his performances on the operatic stage and the concert platform.

CD1
Oh, the little box is full
A snowstorm blows
Masha has been told
Farewell, happiness
Kamarinskaya
Ah, little darling
At the time when the stars
I walk out onto the path alone
Dance
When, my soul, you wanted
Oh, if only words could convey
Dark eyes
The lime tree
Not just one path
Oh, sweet night
How dismal

Dmitri Hvorostovsky, baritone
Ossipov Russian Folk Orchestra
Nikolai Kalinin

CD2
Kalinka
Barinya
Ah! Do you hear my dearest friend
On the little mountain
Round dance
Why have you misted over, clear sunset?
I met you
The little widow
How was I, a tender young maiden
Rhyming song
Ah, you field
As never white birch tree
The noise of the town cannot be heard
In the dark forest
Already the fog has descended
Ah, shady spot
Birch-broom
I set off alone down the road

Dmitri Hvorostovsky, baritone
St. Petersburg Chamber Choir
Nikolai Korniev