Songs and Dances of Ukraine presents instrumental and choral Ukrainian folk music. The bandura, a Ukrainian stringed instrument similar to a lute, provides accompaniment along with the resheto (tambourine), accordion, cimbalom, and violin. The Ukrainian Bandura Players, along with various guest orchestras, choirs, and soloists, perform in an operatic style heard on romantic songs such as "Evening Song" and "Oh, Maiden, the Frost Rustles."
A**.
Best greatest hits so far!
I have about 8 "Greatest Hits" of Ukrainian music in folk, opera, bandura and romantic and others. I think, I have not gone back to check. I am a Ukrainian American and I have been to Ua 4 times now. All that I can say is this album is my favorite by far! The Smithsonian got it right!!! The performances are amazing! Especially the child opera singer. This collection is far and away above all my other ones, some of which have been remastered and put together as "reference grade" classics from Ukraine. This one is the best for sure.Regards,-Endy
S**Y
A classic
Mast westerners are not familiar with the amazing depth and breadth of Slavic music, and the music of the Ukraine is as rich as any. Free from the stifling dictats of Pope Gregory, the Slavs were free to explore polyphonic harmonies in the odd numbered intervals forbidden to Catholic musicians. Also, the turbulent hisory of the Ukraine has left an incredible wealth of influences, tempered and assimilated by the resiliance and integrity of the Cossacks and other ethnic peoples of the area. Words can only hint at the bittersweet beauty of songs like "The Enamoured Bandura Player", or the doomed exultation of "The Cossacks Are Whistling". Buy this by all means and expand your musical horizons until they are are boundless as the steppes...
J**N
Not being of Ukrainian heritage, I have no way ...
Not being of Ukrainian heritage, I have no way of evaluating the "traditional" aspect of this collection. I believe a Ukrainian friend once included a rendition of "Oi! Divchina shumit hai" on a mix he made for me, but I can't find the tape to confirm that. Still, other reviewers have assured us that this album does indeed include beloved songs, and it is certainly entertaining.
S**N
Enjoyable and interesting
I'm very much enjoying this CD. Ukrainian music has some very interesting harmonies and the reproduction is clear, unlike the last CD of similar music I purchased. Good choral singing by the choirs.
D**E
Love it!
Had the vinyl of this once and am so happy that I have the CD now. Grew up on this music. Great traditional Ukrainian music.
E**O
Energetic!
Great folk music from past ages. A wonderful recording full of joy and electricity. If you love music from different countries, you will be in for a treat. ENJOY!
C**.
Five Stars
very good. thank you
M**F
Five Stars
wonderful music and execution of the music with the bandura
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