Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Russian folk music through the masterful interpretations of pianist Joseph Banowetz. Released on January 1, 2007, under the Toccata Classics label, this album is a captivating journey through the works of Mily Balakirev, one of Russia's most influential composers.
The centerpiece of the album is Balakirev's expansive "Grande Fantaisie on Russian Folksongs," a composition that showcases the young Balakirev's genius, written when he was just seventeen. This piece, along with the "30 Russian Folksongs," offers a profound exploration of traditional Russian melodies, reimagined for the piano with exquisite artistry and technical brilliance.
Joseph Banowetz, a renowned pianist and scholar, brings these pieces to life with a deep understanding of the cultural and historical context of the music. His performance is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant, capturing the essence of each folk song and the grandeur of the fantasia.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes, this album is a comprehensive collection that highlights the beauty and complexity of Russian folk music. Whether you are a classical music enthusiast or simply curious about the rich traditions of Russian culture, this album is a treasure trove of musical delights.
2007 Toccata Classics2007 Toccata Classics
Tracks
Grande fantaisie on Russian folksongs, Op. 4Mily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Russian Philharmonic Orchestra, Konstantin Krimetz
Dormition of the Mother of GodTraditional, Svetlana Nikolayeva
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 1, Dormition of the Mother of GodMily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
Egority the BraveTraditional, Svetlana Nikolayeva
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 2, Egority the BraveMily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
LazarTraditional, Svetlana Nikolayeva
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 3, LazarMily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
The Last JudgementTraditional, Pavel Kolgatin
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 4, The Last JudgementMily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
The Book of the DoveTraditional, Olga Kalugina
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 5, The Book of the DoveMily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
The King's Sons from KrakowTraditional, Pavel Kolgatin
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 6, The King's Sons from KrakowMily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
KostrukTraditional, Svetlana Nikolayeva
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 7, KostrukMily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
Nikita RomanovichTraditional, Olga Kalugina, Svetlana Nikolayeva
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 8, Nikita RomanovichMily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
Grisha OtrepyevTraditional, Pavel Kolgatin
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 9, Grisha OtrepyevMily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
Vasiliy OkulyevicTraditional, Svetlana Nikolayeva
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 10, Vasiliy OkulyevicMily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
The Razvoinik Brothers and their SisterTraditional, Svetlana Nikolayeva
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 11, The Razvoinik Brothers and their SisterMily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
Birds and AnimalsTraditional, Svetlana Nikolayeva
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 12, Birds and AnimalsMily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
They said: Fedot-ot doesn't drink beer…Traditional, Pavel Kolgatin
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 13, They said: Fedot-ot doesn't drink beer…Mily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
There were no winds…Traditional, Olga Kalugina
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 14, There were no winds…Mily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
Are you, my river, little river…Traditional, Olga Kalugina
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 15, Are you, my river, little river…Mily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
Oh, drinking berry…Traditional, Pavel Kolgatin
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 16, Oh, drinking berry…Mily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
Many, many by a damp oak tree…Traditional, Olga Kalugina
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 17, Many, many by a damp oak tree…Mily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
Mummy wasn't hopingTraditional, Olga Kalugina
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 18, Mummy wasn't hopingMily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
My girlfriends, dear girlfriends…Traditional, Svetlana Nikolayeva
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 19, My girlfriends, dear girlfriends…Mily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
Oh you geese, you geese…Traditional, Olga Kalugina
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 20, Oh you geese, you geese…Mily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
Grape-harvestTraditional, Svetlana Nikolayeva
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 21, Grape-harvestMily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
There Is a tree on a hillTraditional, Pavel Kolgatin
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 22, There Is a tree on a hillMily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
I went into the gardenTraditional, Olga Kalugina, Svetlana Nikolayeva
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 23, I went into the gardenMily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
Our wide streetTraditional, Olga Kalugina
30 Russian Folksongs: No. 24, Our wide streetMily Balakirev, Joseph Banowetz, Alton Chung Ming Chan
Vinylscout