Russian

And this time Trail Records continue with an interesting song collection recorded by bands coming from the Russian Federation exclusively. Some of the tracks were previously unreleased…

Russian Circles are an American instrumental rock trio from Chicago, IL. Their sound consists of expansive guitar sounds created by guitarist Mike Sullivan's extensive looping and layering (a sound which he accurately reproduces at live shows), as well as heavily rhythmic drums and crushing basslines. They feature the cinematic soundscapes common to post-rock, but are not afraid to keep some sections heavy with a capital H, and have plenty of rhythm changes. They formed in 2005, and self-released an eponymous EP, followed shortly thereafter by their full-length debut, ''Enter''. Russian Circles provide a sonic adventure that should be enjoyable for any fan of the genre.

Anna Netrebko - Russian Album
Orchestra Of The Mariinsky Theatre / Valery Gergiev
EAC+LOG+CUE | FLAC: 241 MB | Full Artwork | 5% Recovery Info
Label/Cat#: Deutsche Grammophon # 00289 477 6151 | Country/Year: Germany 2006
Genre: Classical | Style: Vocal

What makes Anna Netrebko more than just the next Russian soprano? Is it her as direct but not as quite so refined technique, her less restrained but much more effective interpretations, and her intensely expressive but always under control tone? Or is it her distinctively non-Russian vibrato – leaner, cleaner, and with a much tighter focus but just as much power? One has to listen to Netrebko's Russian Album and judge for one's self…

Grechaninov was one of the many composers who did not like the takeover of power by the Bolsheviks in Russia. He seized the first opportunity to leave with both hands and took refuge in Paris. Just before the Second World War, in 1939, he chose New York as his permanent residence. Grechaninov wrote his first opera "Dobrinya Nikitich", in which the famous Shalyapin played the title role, under the inspiring leadership of his teacher Rimsky-Korsakov. As a convinced Russian Orthodox believer, he also wrote many religious works. "Liturgia domestica" from 1917 is based on the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.

Chandos’s previous Prokofiev series, recorded in the 80s with Neëme Järvi and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, is still probably the most recommendable complete cycle available. Chandos now seem to feel the need to start again, the reason possibly being that they are now using ‘authentically’ all-Russian forces. Whatever the company’s motivation (or if indeed it is to be a complete cycle), the results are impressively powerful, and the coupling stimulating and generous.