Dive into the enchanting world of Russian romance with Dmitri Hvorostovsky's "Pushkin Romances," a captivating collection of songs composed to the evocative texts of Alexander Pushkin. Released on May 25, 2010, this album is a testament to Hvorostovsky's renowned baritone and his deep connection to the romantic spirit of Pushkin's poetry. Accompanied by the skilled pianist Ivari Ilja, Hvorostovsky breathes life into seventeen exquisite romances, each one a masterclass in vocal artistry and musical storytelling.
The album spans a variety of moods and themes, from the fiery passion of "V krovi gorit ogon zhelanya" to the serene beauty of "Nochnoy zefir." Hvorostovsky's rich, expressive voice navigates the complexities of Pushkin's verses with ease, offering a profound interpretation of each piece. Whether it's the heart-wrenching "Ya vas ljubil" or the whimsical "Bakhchisaraysky fontan," every track is a journey into the heart of Russian romanticism.
"Pushkin Romances" is not just a collection of songs; it's an exploration of the human condition, a celebration of love, loss, and longing. With a duration of just under an hour, this album is a perfect introduction to the world of Russian classical music for newcomers and a delightful addition to the collection of seasoned enthusiasts. The collaboration between Hvorostovsky and Ilja is a harmonious blend of talent and passion, resulting in a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply moving. So, if you're a fan of opera or classical music, or simply appreciate the beauty of the human voice, "Pushkin Romances" is an album you won't want to miss.
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
