Russkaya Cappella Online Festival of Music

Our next piece has been suggested by Brian, one of our second basses, and this recording includes a reading by an oktavist. It comes from a recording made by the Don Cossack chorus, which was founded in 1921 by Serge Jaroff. In the aftermath of the First World War and period of revolution and civil war in Russia the choir migrated around Europe, eventually finding a permanent home in the United States of America. Vechnaya pamyat', literally 'memory eternal' is sung at the end of a Russian Orthodox memorial service, or panikhida. This recording was dedicated by Serge Jaroff to the fallen soldiers of the White army.

Think of Shostokovich and there's a good chance his symphonies and string quartets will come to mind first of all. But he composed music in many genres, including today's selection.  Moscow, Cheryomushki (1959) is a lot of fun, full of social satire, and slapstick comedy. 'A Spin Through Moscow' is probably the best known orchestral number. The plot revolves around a group of friends in their attempt to secure social housing in the newly built Cheryomushki estate. However the corrupt property developer has other ideas. Naturally, good prevails, evil is vanquished and there are plenty of song and dance numbers, plus a touch of magic realism in between. Lenfilm turned the stage production into a film in the early 60s; the entire film is too long to include in a blog post, however the link below should take you to YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1mjkdjf2rg&t=2356s

Evening all! Our next selection for our Online Festival of Russian Music is dedicated to Russkaya Cappella's Choir Secretary, Natalia. She told me she likes Borodin (as well as many other composers - more to follow! She has good taste.) We owe our Office Bearers, Musical Director and Voice Reps a huge debt of gratitude as they do so much work for the choir, often unnoticed, but totally essential. Thank you to everyone who makes the music happen.

Today we're bringing you just one piece - but what a piece! Our friend, supporter and occasional singer Caz has chosen Shostokovich's 5th Symphony, op.47. The version presented here is performed by the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra, and conducted by Evgeny Mravinsky, recorded in 1983 in Minsk. Mravinsky conducted the world premiere, in November 1937, so this recording is a direct link to Shostokovich.

Selected by Derek, our Bass Rep, who discovered it by accident on Apple Tunes when he downloaded something else, and became hooked.  This version, with orchestral score, is conducted by Kirill Kondrashin, with the Moscow Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra with the RSFSR Academic Russian Chorus.

This was suggested by Brian, one of our Second Basses. This recording is from a service in January 2019 in memory of Dr. Stuart Campbell, our late musical co-director. Russkaya Cappella's singers were joined by our friends from Glasgow University Chapel Choir, which Stuart had directed before he retired and is now led by Dr. Katy Cooper. It seems appropriate to include a piece to remember Stuart here.  Memory eternal. Вечная память.

This lovely piece was suggested by one of our Second Altos, Moira, who also happens to be a Founder Member of the choir. This version performed by Evgeny Kissin and the London Symphony Orchestra.