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Tania Lukic-Marx now gives the CD reviews a rating
system. This system includes a number of stars at the completion
of the review, for example 5 stars (*****) means the CD was "brilliant"
or "excellent", 4 stars = impressive, 3 stars = good,
2 stars = satisfactory and 1 star = didn't impress.
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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! *** |
