Search - Obraztsova, Nekrasov :: Sings 24 Russian Folk Songs & Romances

RUSSIAN VOCAL SCHOOL -- SHINES!

F. Barton | Newport, WA USA | 04/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first saw Elena in a video that was made during the late '70s, while the iron curtain was still down. She sang a SCALDING "O Don Fatale", making every other's version seem mediocre. That vision has never left me, and is continued here in an original recording from the Soviet Union.The songs are folk, with many "folk" orchestra songs as well. Together, Elena and the period orchestra combine forces to produce wonderful, exciting, dramatic and certainly magical sounds! "Dark-Browed, Dark-Eyed" is one of my personal favorites here. The tempo, along with Elena's tremendous vocals, add up to a spectacular feeling of energy. ALL of the songs show off her incredible chest register, and many can bring you close to tears. The sound is in real stereo, with better remastering that I had thought. There are SO few recordings of just ELENA, so this is a treasure to own. She must certainly be pleased as well."

Beautiful, and surprisingly decent recording quality

M. Tietjen | Syracuse, NY, USA | 01/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My favorite songs on this album are the folk songs, although all the songs are beautiful and wonderfully performed. They could do with a little less orchestral numbers, but they are also very nice. Elena Obraztsova is an exceptional singer."