Vassily Savenko's 2008 album is a captivating journey through the world of Russian vocal music, showcasing his extraordinary bass voice and versatility. This album is a collection of songs and romances by prominent Russian composers, all set to texts by the beloved Scottish poet Robert Burns. The album features works by Georgy Sviridov, Edison Denisov, Dmitri Shostakovich, Yuri Levitin, and Tikhon Khrennikov, offering a rich tapestry of musical styles and interpretations.
The album opens with a series of Burns Songs by Georgy Sviridov, followed by a selection from Shostakovich's Romances on Verses by English Poets, Op. 62. Vassily Savenko's powerful and nuanced performances bring these pieces to life, highlighting the depth and range of his vocal abilities. The album also includes works by Edison Denisov, Yuri Levitin, and Tikhon Khrennikov, each offering a unique perspective on the poetry of Robert Burns.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 21 minutes, this album is a testament to Savenko's artistry and the enduring appeal of these musical settings of Burns' poetry. Whether you're a fan of classical vocal music, a lover of poetry, or simply seeking to explore new musical territories, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. The combination of Savenko's remarkable voice with the evocative texts of Robert Burns and the masterful compositions of these Russian composers creates a truly memorable listening experience.
6 Romances, Op. 62 (text by R. Burns): No. 2, V polyakh, pod snegom i dozhdyom [Oh Wert Thou in the Cauld Blast]Dmitri Shostakovich, Vassily Savenko, Alexander Blok
6 Romances, Op. 62 (text by R. Burns): No. 3, McPherson pered kazn'yu [Macpherson's Farewell]Dmitri Shostakovich, Vassily Savenko, Alexander Blok
6 Romances, Op. 62 (text by R. Burns): No. 4, JennyDmitri Shostakovich, Vassily Savenko, Alexander Blok
Song-Cycle to Verses by Robert Burns, Op. 51: No. 1, Lyubov (Love)Yuri Levitin, Vassily Savenko, Alexander Blok
Song-Cycle to Verses by Robert Burns, Op. 51: No. 2, John AndersonYuri Levitin, Vassily Savenko, Alexander Blok
Song-Cycle to Verses by Robert Burns, Op. 51: No. 3, Shelagh O'NeilYuri Levitin, Vassily Savenko, Alexander Blok
Song-Cycle to Verses by Robert Burns, Op. 51: No. 4, Gde-to v peshchere (Some in a cave)Yuri Levitin, Vassily Savenko, Alexander Blok
Song-Cycle to Verses by Robert Burns, Op. 51: No. 5, Iz vsekh vetrov (of all the winds)Yuri Levitin, Vassily Savenko, Alexander Blok
5 Songs to Verses by Robert Burns: No. 1, Zastol'naya (a Toast)Tikhon Khrennikov, Vassily Savenko, Alexander Blok
5 Songs to Verses by Robert Burns: No. 2, Luchshy paren (the Bonniest Lad)Tikhon Khrennikov, Vassily Savenko, Alexander Blok
5 Songs to Verses by Robert Burns: No. 5, V polyakh, pod snegom i dozhdyom (In Snow-girl Fields)Tikhon Khrennikov, Vassily Savenko, Alexander Blok