Songs: Nesterenko(B)Krainev(P)

Modest Mussorgsky (1839-1881)

1 Darling Savishna (text by M.Mussorgsky) 1.02
2 The Garden by the Don (text by A.Koltsov) 2.45
3 A Lullaby for Eremushka (text by N.Nekrasov) 4.10
4 Mephistopheles' Song of the Flea 3.02
(text by I.Goethe, translation by A.Strugovschikov)

Song Cycle “Songs and Dances of Death” (text by A.Golenischev-Kutuzov):
5 Lullaby 5.43
6 Serenade 4.18
7 Trepak 4.52
8 The Field Marshal 5.36

Song Cycle “Sunless” (text by A.Golenischev- Kutuzov):
9 Within Four Walls 1.37
10 Thou didst not Know Me in the Crowd 0.44
11 The Idle, Noisy Day is Ended 3.25
12 Boredom 1.58
13 Elegy 3.56
14 On the river 5.00
15 Musical Pamphlet “Gallery” (text by M.Mussorgsky) 11.47

Eugene Nesterenko, bass
Vladimir Krainev, piano

Records of 1979 (1-8), 1974 (9-15)

The records of this disk get the listener immersed into the realm of the vocal masterpieces created by one of the most realistic Russian composers - Modest Mussorgsky. He was an immediate successor to Dargomuzhsky and denouncer of Russian despotic autocracy who fought for the rights of common people.
In spite of the common tragic trend the contents of the cycles is different. “Sunless” is the composer’s reflection on his own destiny, his personal loneliness and suffering. The musical language is notable for its little variety of expressive means and reticence of pronouncement.
The cycle “Songs and Dances of Death” was intended as a serial of sketches showing death of people of different social status.
Mussorgsky’s vocal cycles have occupied a fitting place in Eugene Nesterenko’s repertoire whose name does not need any further reference. The colourful, witty and truthful realm of the outstanding Russian classic is displayed in front of us performed by Nesterenko. ( Melodiya )