Osipov State Russian Folk Orchestra – Balalaika Favorites (1963) [Reissue 2005] [SACD / Mercury – 475 6610]

Title: Osipov State Russian Folk Orchestra – Balalaika Favorites (1963) [Reissue 2005]
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO

This SACD features the first recordings made in the Soviet Union by American musical and technical staff, captured in Moscow. The Osipov State Russian Folk Orchestra’s legendary performances are presented in their original 3-channel (left, right, center) format. Using 35mm film masters, the disc includes a DSD 3-channel stereo and a new DSD stereo transfer. The orchestra, with domras, gooslis, Vladimir Shepherd’s Horns, and balalaikas, delivers Russian folk music with astonishing artistry. Its sound, distinct from Western ensembles, resembles guitars, mandolins, pan pipes, and harps. The music, rich in melody and rhythm but light on harmony and form, is charming and unique. Originally released in the early ’60s on Mercury Living Presence, the LP was a classical bestseller. Its realistic 3-channel, 35mm film recording made it a stereophile favorite. Restored in super-audio, the disc places instruments like the lead balalaika and goosli vividly in the soundstage. Ideal for lovers of exotic, well-recorded music, this release remains a captivating listen.

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Tracklist:

01. Fantasy on Two Folk Songs (Budashkin)
02. At Sunrise (arr. Gorodovskaya)
03. The Linden Tree (Kulikov)
04. Kamarinskaya (Osipov)
05. Fantasy on Volga Melodies (Mikhailov-Shalayev)
06. In the Moonlight (Andreyev)
07. Midnight in Moscow (Soloviev-Sedoy)
08. Under the Apple Tree (Andreyev)
09. Dance of the Comedians (Tchaikovsky)
10. The Living Room (Shishakov)
11. Evening Bells (arr. Mossolov)
12. My Dear Old Friend, Please Visit Me (arr. Poponov)
13. Waltz of the Faun (Andreyev)
14. Flight of the Bumble-Bee (Rimsky-Korsakov)

Personnel:

OSIPOV STATE RUSSIAN FOLK ORCHESTRA.
Rudolf Belov – domra soloist. Conducted by Vitaly Gnutov.

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