Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Russian romance with Dmitri Hvorostovsky's "Pushkin Romances," a captivating collection of vocal masterpieces that showcase the rich tapestry of Russian music and poetry. Released in 2010, this album features the operatic superstar's velvety baritone, accompanied by the virtuoso piano playing of Ivari Ilja, creating an atmosphere of elegance and warmth that is quintessential to the Russian romance genre.
The album is a celebration of the works of Alexander Pushkin, Russia's most revered poet, with each of the seventeen tracks composed to his timeless texts. Comprising pieces by renowned composers such as César Cui and Nikolai Medtner, "Pushkin Romances" offers a diverse yet cohesive exploration of the Russian romantic tradition. From the hauntingly beautiful "Ya pomnu chudnoye mgnovenye" to the evocative "Bakhchisaraysky fontan," each song is a testament to Hvorostovsky's supreme interpretive skills and his ability to bring out the best in these lyrical gems.
With a duration of just under an hour, this album is a perfect introduction to the world of Russian vocal music, offering a blend of familiar and lesser-known works that highlight the depth and breadth of the genre. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of Russian romance, "Pushkin Romances" is sure to captivate and inspire. The sheer beauty of Hvorostovsky's voice, combined with the exquisite piano accompaniment, makes this album a standout in the genre, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience.
2010 Delos2010 (P) Delos
Tracks
Ya pomnu chudnoye mgnovenye (I recall a wonderful moment)Mikhail Glinka, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Ivari Ilja
Priznaniye (Declaration)Mikhail Glinka, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Ivari Ilja
V krovi gorit ogon zhelanya (the fire of longing burns in my heart)Mikhail Glinka, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Ivari Ilja
Nochnoy zefir (the night zephyr)Mikhail Glinka, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Ivari Ilja
Yunosha i deva (the Girl and the Youth): Yunosha i deva [the Youth and the Maiden]Aleksandr Sergeyevich Dargomyzhsky, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Ivari Ilja
Dlya beregov otchizni dal'noy (for the Shores of thy Far Native Land)Alexander Borodin, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Ivari Ilja
4 Songs, Op. 42 (text by a. Pushkin): 4 Songs, Op. 42: No. 3, Redeyet oblakov letuchaya gryada [the clouds begin to scatter]Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Ivari Ilja
4 Songs, Op. 3 (text by a. Pushkin): 4 Songs, Op. 3: No. 4, Na kholmakh Gruzii [On the hills of Georgia]Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Ivari Ilja
25 Poems, Op. 57: No. 17, Tsarsokel'skaja statuja (the Statue of Tsarskoye Selo)César Cui, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Ivari Ilja
7 Poems, Op. 33 (text by a. Pushkin): 7 Poems, Op. 33: No. 3, Ya vas ljubil [I Loved You]César Cui, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Ivari Ilja
3 Romansa, Op. 3: No. 2, Ya perezhil svoi zhelan'ya (Gone Are my heart's desires)Nikolai Medtner, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Ivari Ilja
6 Songs, Op. 4 (text by a. Pushkin): 6 Songs, Op. 4: No. 4, Ne poy, krasavitsa, pri mne [Sing not to me, beautiful maiden]Sergei Rachmaninoff, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Ivari Ilja
6 Romances: No. 1, Ronyaet les bagyyanyi svoi ubor (the crimson forest sheds its attire)Georgy Sviridov, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Ivari Ilja
Dmitri Hvorostovsky, the beloved Russian operatic baritone, was born on 16 October 1962 in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia. His journey to operatic stardom began after studying with Yekaterina Yofel in his hometown, leading to his triumphant victory at the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition in 1989. Before his operatic success, Hvorostovsky even sang in a heavy metal band, showcasing his versatile vocal range. Known for his powerful and emotive performances, Hvorostovsky's repertoire spanned a wide array of classical and operatic genres. Despite battling a brain tumour, he continued to captivate audiences with his incredible talent until his passing on 22 November 2017, at the age of 55. His legacy as a husband, father, son, and friend endures, as does his remarkable contribution to the world of opera.
Vinylscout
Dmitri Hvorostovsky
