Search - et al Andrey Slavny (Performer) :: Borodin: Complete Songs and Romances

Try Listening to Borodin's Songs!

Paul Rossi | Walla Walla, WA | 09/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As an admirer of the music of Alexander Borodin, I borrowed this wonderful CD from a friend and listened to it several times completely. It is a wonderful compilation.An amateur cellist in his time, Borodin included that instrumental accompaniment, along with the piano, in several of his songs. The cellist plays very beautifully and tenderly, adding a gorgeous, haunting touch to these songs. The piano also does a very fine job of bringing out Borodin's rich, exotic harmonies, unlike those of anyone else and influential on later composers, notably Maurice Ravel.The CD features three different Russian vocalists (a tenor, baritone, and soprano, I believe). They all sing wonderful characterizations, whether they are singing playfully, mournfully, angrily, or flirtatiously. The diction is very good, and the thick, dark, Russian sound is always evident.Admittedly, the lyrics of many of these songs are cheesy and corny, especially Borodin's own for several of his songs, but they all come of nicely in a musical fashion. The recorded sound is excellent.I recommend this CD to the dedicated vocalist and/or music listener. It is full of beautiful, rare Russian songs that will provide much listening enjoyment. Also, it helps give us a more complete picture of Borodin, other than his orchestral works, "Prince Igor," and the two string quartets. If you can ever get a hand on Borodin's lesser-known chamber music (string trios, string sextet, piano trio), I recommend them, also!"