Balalaika Favorites

Nikolai Pavlovich Budashkin (Composer), Russian Traditional (Composer), Pavel Kulikov (Composer), Nikolay Osipov (Composer), Mikhailov-Shalayev (Composer), Vasily Andreyev (Composer), Vasily Pavlovich Solovyov-Sedoy (Composer), Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky (Composer), Yuri Shishakov (Composer), Anonymous (Composer), Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (Composer), Harold Lawrence (Conductor), Vitaly Gnutov (Conductor), Ossipov Russian Folk Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Ossipov Russian Folk Orchestra
• Conductor: Harold Lawrence, Vitaly Gnutov
• Composer: Nikolai Pavlovich Budashkin, Russian Traditional, Pavel Kulikov, Nikolay Osipov, Mikhailov-Shalayev, et al.
• Audio CD (September 12, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Philips
• ASIN: B0000057KI
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,961 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #7 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Vocal Non-Opera > Songs & Lieder > Folk Songs
  • #26 in Music > World Music > Europe > Eastern Europe

Editorial Reviews

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From Russia, with Strings, August 8, 2004

By 

G. Newby "Alphonso Kelley" (Memphis, TN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Balalaika Favorites (Audio CD)

The Osipov Russian Folk Orchestra made this fine recording some four decades ago, when the U.S. and the Soviet Union were barely on speaking terms. I imagine that some of the people who bought this record found themselves on FBI or CIA observation lists. Still, it would have been worth it, for the sheer exuberance of the music alone. The performances are bold and exciting, tinged with a hint of danger, and the listener is carried away on a crest of winter sleigh rides through places like Moscow and Vladivostock. Sure, the orchestra was capitalizing on the popularity of Dr. Zhivago, but at least they were able to find an audience. There's a little bit of hiss, given the antiquated recording instruments of the time, but it isn't enough to distract from the music. In fact, it's barely audible. I understand that they have since released a remastered version of the disc, but I'm always suspicious of perfection. One other thing: the cover leads you to believe that this is solely a balalaika show, but that isn't quite the case. There is, in fact, a whole orchestra here, but it is used quite smartly. Those other instruments give the music the air of authenticity, and create a kind of old world mood, but it's the balalaikas that carry the day.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nothing beats this for exuberance, February 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Balalaika Favorites (Audio CD)

The sound of massed balalaikas is a real treat, especially when recorded with as much vividness and realism as on this disc. The Osipov Folk Orchestra also consists of bass balalaikas, accordions, flutes, Vladimir Shepherd's Horns, and percussion and they produce quite a kaleidoscope of sound! I particularly enjoy the comedic Vladimir Shepherd's Horns, heard to their most humorous effect in the Tchaikovsky piece, which is guaranteed to make you smile. This recording uncannily conveys the impression of a live event. Of course, the performers deserve most of the credit for this. Their unanimity of attack and sheer exuberance are heartstopping. Even if you think you don't like Russian folk music, give this a try!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spectacular, July 15, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Balalaika Favorites (Audio CD)

This album is not only one of the finest technically, but also musically. It was recorded back in the early sixties with the finest equipment and the finest audio technique ever devised. This has to be one of the most enjoyable listening experiences the listener will ever experience, as is all of the Mercury Living Presence series. We are privilaged to have these great recordings re-made on CD, and this particular one has to be at the top of the list. It will challenge any other recording technique, and it will lift your spirits every time you listen to it!