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With this recording you are in for
a diverse ensemble, consisting of accordion (as its fundament)
and including domra, balalaika, mandolin, violin, tambourine,
triangle, woodblocks, all used in different combinations throughout
the recording (although the combination of accordion, domra and
balalaika is used on most tracks). These are traditional Russian
folk instruments and are immediately associated with Russian folk
music, in a style of which all the tunes on this recording are
composed by John W. Helton.
The accordion in combination with
the domra and balalaika is a typical representative and inevitable
part of Russian music culture with very long tradition. They are
"peoples" instruments and are used for celebrations of all kinds
as well as on a high academic level. This combination of instruments
creates a beautiful warm tone, which amply expresses the playful
as well as melancholic and nostalgic character of the wide Slavic
soul.
So, all the tunes on this recording
are written in that style - very "Russian like". Light, easy listening,
very pleasant, mild and enjoyable. They are performed with a lot
of style and natural feeling by Russian artists (obviously residing
in the USA). I thought the arrangements were great too. Although
John W. Helton composed all the extraordinary and beautiful little
tunes on this recording, I didn't quite like his violin playing
- it leaves an impression of instability in terms of intonation.
Overall - great entertainment! ***
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