Vassily Savenko, the acclaimed Russian bass-baritone, presents a captivating collection of vocal masterpieces on "Russian Vocal Masterpieces." Released on January 1, 1999, under Meridian Records, this album is a testament to Savenko's suave and accomplished vocal prowess, beautifully shaping each phrase with remarkable artistry.
The album spans a rich tapestry of romantic and operatic works, featuring compositions by some of Russia's most esteemed composers. From the tender melodies of "4 Romances, Op. 42: No. 3, The Banks Of Clouds Begin To Scatter" to the dramatic intensity of "Songs and Dances Of Death," Savenko's performance is both nuanced and powerful. The tracklist includes a diverse range of pieces, such as "By the Sea, Op. 46," which showcases the ebb and flow of the sea through music, and "Mephistopheles’s Song in Auerbach’s Cellar," which highlights Savenko's ability to convey the darker, more dramatic aspects of the human experience.
Accompanied by the Dussek Piano Trio, Savenko's renditions are finely conceived and executed with precision. The album's duration of 1 hour and 5 minutes offers a comprehensive journey through Russian vocal traditions, making it a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Savenko's work or a newcomer to Russian vocal music, this album promises a deeply engaging and enriching listening experience.
(C) 1999 Meridian Records
Tracks
4 Romances, Op. 42: No. 3, The Banks Of Clouds Begin To ScatterNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Vassily Savenko, Michael Dussek
5 Romances, Op. 51: No. 5, The Rainy Day Has WanedNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Vassily Savenko, Michael Dussek
4 Romances, Op. 3: No. 4, On the Hills of GeorgiaNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Vassily Savenko, Michael Dussek
4 Romances, Op. 4: No. 2, The MessengerNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Vassily Savenko, Michael Dussek
4 Romances, Op. 40: No. 1, When the Golden Cornfield WavesNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Vassily Savenko, Michael Dussek
By the Sea, Op. 46: No. 1, The Waves PartNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Vassily Savenko, Michael Dussek
By the Sea, Op. 46: No. 2, The Waveless Sea Is CalmNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Vassily Savenko, Michael Dussek
By the Sea, Op. 46: No. 3, The Sea HeavesNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Vassily Savenko, Michael Dussek
By the Sea, Op. 46: No. 4, Do Not Believe Me, My FriendNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Vassily Savenko, Michael Dussek
By the Sea, Op. 46: No. 5, The Waves Rise Up Like MountainsNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Vassily Savenko, Michael Dussek
2 Romances, Op. 49: No. 1, The Upas TreeNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Vassily Savenko, Michael Dussek
2 Romances, Op. 49: No. 2, The ProphetNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Vassily Savenko, Michael Dussek
Mephistopheles’s Song in Auerbach’s CellarModest Mussorgsky, Vassily Savenko, Michael Dussek
The Leaves Rustled Sadly in B-Flat MinorModest Mussorgsky, Vassily Savenko, Michael Dussek
Songs and Dances Of Death: No.1, LullabyModest Mussorgsky, Vassily Savenko, Michael Dussek
Songs and Dances Of Death: No. 2, SerenadeModest Mussorgsky, Vassily Savenko, Michael Dussek
Songs and Dances Of Death: No. 3, TrepakModest Mussorgsky, Vassily Savenko, Michael Dussek
Songs and Dances Of Death: No. 4, The Field-MarshalModest Mussorgsky, Vassily Savenko, Michael Dussek