The pieces of the first set are arrangements of folk-songs from the Russian and Doukhobor traditions and were prepared for the Vancouver Chamber Choir's 1989 tour of the former Soviet Union. Of the three, "All Throughout the Great Wide World" and "Along the Peterskaya" are well-known Russian tunes, highly rhythmic and vigorous; and employ quasi-instrumental accompaniment effects, whistling, and optional sleigh-bells and slap-stick (whip). The second (The Black Raven) comes from the Doukhobor community of British Columbia, Canada, and is a poignant lament of great lyricism and power. It uses a contralto soloist to introduce and carry melody through a piece. |
