Monday, January 18, 2021

Classical corner

Sergei Prokofiev wrote the music for the soundtrack of Sergei Eisenstein's 1938 film, Alexander Nevsky, and subsequently reworked the music into a cantata. Here is the background music for the climactic scene in which Prince Alexander Nevsky and his army defeat the Teutonic Knights in a great battle on a frozen lake.

Bonus video! This doesn't fall under the umbrella of classical music - it's actually a Russian folk song - but it is a good introduction to bass singer Leonid Kharitinov, who possessed a truly magnificent set of pipes. Here he is with the Red Army Chorus singing Song of the Volga Boatmen (sorry, couldn't embed the video for some reason, so I've provided the link).

2 comments:

RebeccaH said...

I liked this piece, partly because I tend to make little movies in my head to accompany the music. Also, it triggered a memory of when we were stationed in Munich back in the 70s. The Red Army Chorus were invited to perform in Munich, and we got tickets through the PX. It was a beautiful performance of Russian folk songs and dances (yes, they did that whole squat and kick thing). Also, you had to ignore the KGB types standing in every doorway to the auditorium, making sure, no doubt, that no singer or dancer tried to run for the exits.

Paco said...

Oh, no, I'm sure the KGB was just there to prevent you and your friends from mobbing the performers, seeking autographs :)

I do admire Russian music and literature; Russian politics, not so much (there's an understatement for you!)