In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Russian Choral Music Arrangements

There is a long history of vocal harmony singing in Russia with Russian liturgical music being a part of the culture for centuries. There is also the tradition of folk choirs who sings the songs of old Russia and of life on the Steppes. Modern composers create new songs that keep the tradition alive and well.

Arrangements from Russian - Russia

Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media

Displaying 1-6 of 6 items.

Igor Stravinsky : Four Russian Peasant Songs

The Four Russian peasant songs display in microcosm Stravinsky's adoption of the folk idiom while transforming it into something unmistakably his own. His fingerprints are even clearer in his later arrangement of 1954 where he adds four horns. The only vocal differences in the two versions are occasional re-barring, a few minor changes of word-stress, plus one song's straight transposition, but the effect places what was close to authentic folk music firmly into the context of twentieth-century sonorities and language. According to Simon Karlinsky, Stravinsky's mistranslation of the title Podblyudnye as 'saucers' has for a long time given a false association to the activity with which the songs are connected. They are now thought to have been sung during the method of fortune-telling by pulling small possessions from a covered dish of water. 'Ovsen', the second song is also now thought to have more to do with the name of the first day of spring in the pre-Christian Russian calendar than any mythological figure. For either SSAA Choir or TTBB Choir. French, Russian and English texts provided.

Songlist: In our Saviour's parish in Chigisakh, Ovsen, The Pike, Master Portly

Imant Raminsh : Slavic Folks Songs

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.

Songlist: Of Home and the Great Wide World, Two Slavic Folk Songs, In a Pine Forest, The Black Raven, Along the Peterskaya, America's Like a Sister, Canada's Like a Mother

Noelle Mann : Russian Sacred Music for Choirs

This collection of 27 Russian sacred choral works was compiled and edited by Russian music scholar and choral director Noelle Mann, who was curator of the Prokofiev Archive at the Centre for Russian Music, Goldsmiths College.

Songlist: A Mercy of Peace, Bless the Lord, O My Soul, Blessed is the Man, Cherubic Hymn, Do Not Reject Me in My Old Age, Gentle Light, I Cry Aloud With My Voice Unto The Lord, It Is Truly Meet, Let My Prayer Arise, Lord, Save the Faithful, Many Year, Our Father, Praise the Name of the Lord, Rejoice, O Nicholas, Great Wonderworker, Rejoice, O Virgin Mother of God, Sacred Love, The ever-vigilant Mother of God, The Great Doxology

Ralph Allwood : Russian Choral Masterpieces

An original and exciting collection of anthems and other choral pieces written for the Orthodox Church and inspired by the Church in Russia, selected by Ralph Allwood. Partly because of the re-emergence of the Church in the former Soviet Union, interest in Christian musical sources alternative to the great body of the Anglican and other Western Christian traditions has grown sharply in recent years. Though the works presented here may be unfamiliar, they are all masterly. Designed to appeal to choirs of various levels, the collection includes a Kontakion and Ikos for the funeral service, anthems by Great Russian Romantics: Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Grechaninov; and composers from our age: Stravinsky, Schnittke, or Arvo Part speaking for a tradition outside the Orthodox Church, as well as settings of the Lord's Prayer in both Russian and English by John Tavener.

Songlist: Let My Prayer Arise, The Cherubic Hymn, We sing to Thee, Mother of God and Virgen, Blessed is the Man, The Cherubic Hymn, Come, Let Us Worship, Concerto for Mixed Chorus, Movement IV, Pater Noster, The Lord's Prayer, a. and b., The Cherubic Hymn, How Blessed Are They That Are Chosen by Thee, The Lord's Prayer, O Praise Him, We Sing to Thee, When Jesus Christ Was Yet a Child, Kontakion and Ikos for the Funeral Service

Various Arrangers : Those Evening Bells

Popular Russian romances and folk songs for chorus a cappella, with solos.

Various Arrangers : Russian Folk Songs

"Kalinka" is about a young man sitting under a red berry bush (Kalinka), singing of his feelings for his sweetheart. The expressiveness of the song is achieved through the contrast between a lively and rhythmic chorus and the more legato and subdued verses. The Russian folk song "One Day By The River A Young Cossack Roamed" is transcribed and arranged here based on a version sung by Olga and Kristina Bashirin in Irkutsk, Russia, in July of 1993. Includes both English and Russian text with pronunciation guide for the Russian. "The Birch Tree" Arranged by Stanislav Gribkov, the artistic director and chief conductor of the St. Petersburg TV and Radio Choir, this intricate setting sounds harder than it is.

Songlist: Kalinka, One Day By The River A Young Cossack Roamed, Birch Tree

Individual Folios

Displaying 1-22 of 22 items.

Dave and Jean Perry : Bayushki Bayu (A Russian Lullaby)

Based on a short Russian phrase commonly spoken by a mother to a child, this delicate lullaby delights with its lilting triple meter and haunting melodic theme.

Arranger: Dave and Jean Perry | Composer: Jean Perry | Country: Russia

Stanislav Gribkov : Birch Tree

Arranged by Stanislav Gribkov, the artistic director and chief conductor of the St. Petersburg TV and Radio Choir, this intricate setting sounds harder than it is. The ChoirTrax CD has a full performance track as well as a recorded pronunciation guide by a native speaker.Available separately: 4-Part Treble and ChoirTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:25.

Arranger: Stanislav Gribkov | Country: Russia

Audrey Snyder : Carol of the Russian Children

This folk carol captures the stark beauty of the Russian landscape in winter. Rich vocal lines and an instrumental obbligato (oboe preferred) float above the full harmonies. Available separately: SATB, SAB and 2-Part. Performance Time: Approx. 2:40

Arranger: Audrey Snyder | Country: Russia

Valeria Crescenz : Christmas in Saint Petersburg

for SSAATTBB unaccompanied

Composer: Valeria Crescenz | Country: Russia

Gary E. Parks : Cossacks of the Steppe

Cossacks (from the Turkish word for "adventurers") are military horsemen hailing from historic Russia, and this piece accurately captures their bravado with strong vocal phrases, proud two-part harmonies, and boisterous cries. Optional woodblock and tambourine parts mimic the sound of galloping hooves. Rugged and robust!

Composer: Gary E. Parks | Country: Russia

Audrey Snyder : Frosty Winter Snow

You'll thrill to the wintry sights and sounds that this sparkling Russian folksong evokes as it celebrates the first snowfall of winter! Perform it in English or with the very short and easily-learned Russian text, this will be a delightful choice for holiday and winter programs. Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part, VoiceTrax CD.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder | Country: Russia

Doreen Rao : Good Night (A Russian Song)

During the ISME World Conference helf at Interlochen National Music Camp in 1966, Russian composer Dmitri Kabalevsky taught this song to Doreen Rao as a symbol of their friendship.

Arranger: Doreen Rao | Composer: Dmitri Kabalevsky | Country: Russia

Jay Rouse : I Loved You

The Russian poet Aleksandr Sergeyevich Pushkin's text infuses emotion into this new SSAA voicing of the best-selling SATB choral setting. Combining contemporary harmonies, a sweeping romantic melody, traditional Russian poetry, and the universal message of love and loss, this arrangement allows for lessons on many levels.

Arranger: Jay Rouse | Country: Russia

Joan Gregoryk : Kalinka

Kalinka is about a young man sitting under a red berry bush (Kalinka), singing of his feelings for his sweetheart. The expressiveness of the song is achieved through the contrast between a lively and rhythmic chorus and the more legato and subdued verses.

Arranger: Joan Gregoryk | Country: Russia

Audrey Snyder : Kalinka

Audiences and singers will thrill to this famous Russian folk favorite in an accessible setting for younger and developing choirs. Exciting tempo changes and dynamic contrasts will be tremendously fun to rehearse and perform! Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:30.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder | Country: Russia

Emily Crocker : Korobushka

This famous Russian folk song tells the story of a peddler and a girl in a spirited setting that your developing singers will love to sing! The two banter back and forth alternating with a dance-like vocal interlude. After a grand pause, the music gradually accelerates to the final breathless Hey! Includes Russian and English lyrics, with a pronunciation guide. Availible separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:15.

Arranger: Emily Crocker | Country: Russia

Greg Gilpin : Minka

Greg Gilpin's partner-song arrangement makes this Russian folk song a sure-fire success for winter concerts. Kids will enjoy the "Deck the Hall" and "Jingle Bells" texts, not to mention the accelerando to the end! Accompaniment included on PianoTrax 2 CD (00-33042).

Arranger: Greg Gilpin | Country: Russia

Lana Walter : One Day By The River A Young Cossack Roamed

This Russian folk song is transcribed and arranged here based on a version sung by Olga and Kristina Bashirin in Irkutsk, Russia, in July of 1993. Includes both English and Russian text with pronunciation guide for the Russian.

Arranger: Lana Walter | Country: Russia

Steven Sametz : Pai Duli Vwihdui Ja

Russian folk song

Arranger: Steven Sametz | Country: Russia

Sara Glick : Rushing Troika

From the Songs of the World collection by the Judith Herrington and Sara Glick team, this selection describes the thrill of riding swiftly over the snow-covered countryside in a troika; a sleigh pulled by three horses.

Arranger: Sara Glick | Country: Russia

Donald Moore : Russian Alleluia

This a cappella edition is based on Tchaikovskyis arrangement of a song composed by 18th century Russian composer, Dmitry Bortnyansky. Bortnyanskyis polyphonic style (developed during an extended stay in Italy) is evident throughout, as are the uniquely Russian harmonic progressions. A great masterwork sound and a solid study of cultural influences on composition.

Composer: Donald Moore | Country: Russia

Jeff Funk : Russian Dance

Sung entirely on "fa-la-la" and "plum," this novelty piece successfully transforms Tchaikovsky's orchestration into a light and lively a cappella choral. A jovial choice for holiday performances, Jeff Funk's arrangement dances along from its recognizable opening flourish to the accelerating, jolly end. Guaranteed to make you smile!

Arranger: Jeff Funk | Composer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky | Country: Russia | Musical: The Nutcracker

Andrea Klouse : Song for a Russian Child

I will reach my hands across the sea, for children there are just like you and me. This timely contemporary ballad places the universal wish for peace in the hands of our children. Beautiful melody with expressive accompaniment. Available: SATB, SAB, 2-Part. Performance Time: Approx. 3:45.

Composer: Andrea Klouse | Country: Russia

Shirley McRae : The Birch Tree

The birch tree is deeply rooted in the soil and this Russian folksong setting captures the essence of the imagery: graceful, tenderly sad, lost, but ultimately recovered and remembered. Well-crafted, this work will provide an expressive showcase for your young voices.

Arranger: Shirley McRae | Country: Russia

Sarah Glick : The Lonely Ash Tree

This Russian folk song setting provides the metaphor of the mountain ash and oaktrees, separated by a river, poignantly portraying the sadness of ill-fated love. As always the craftsmanship is first rate, with a descriptive keyboard and well-written vocal lines. Excellent for young voices, school or concert.

Arranger: Sarah Glick | Country: Russia

Wallingford Riegger : The Sleigh (A La Russe)

Newly engraved and with a sparkling new orchestration, this Schirmer classic is a delightful choice for holiday and winter programs. Easily learned, impressive-sounding and ideal for choirs of all levels. Available for SATB, SAB, SSA, TTBB, SA, Orchestral Pak and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 1:00.

Arranger: Wallingford Riegger | Composer: Richard Kountz | Country: Russia