 |  | The Original and still best |  |
Most of the people who like this collection remember it from when the Cold War was eternal, and the album was a little subversive. My uncle brought our copy back from the Soviet Union in the 60s, and it's obviously got a Soviet Propaganda agenda, but oh, the Russians can (& always could) sing. The arrangements are better on this older album than on subsequent recordings by the same group, even if it is recorded in an old way. (Well, Soviet Technology, whaddaya expect?) I think you will enjoy the collection more if you remember those days, listening to The Enemy sing, and surprising yourself by thinking, their government stinks, but I can't hate them! If you are a stereo-only purist, though, you may want to look elsewhere.
December 23, 2008 | | SOVIET ARMY CHORUS ELECTRIFIES | |
The Soviet Army Chorus and Band not only reflects a remarkable group dedication to musical excellence but communicates a verve and excitement rarely heard in choral ensembles of this kind. The range of its repertoire is astonishing. The chorus handles British wartime songs like "Tipperary" with the same exhilaration as Dunayevsky's robust, galvanic patriot "Song of Youth". It captures the very essence of lilting old folk songs with a gentleness and sensitivity conductor Boris Alexandrov imbues superbly into his choir and band. He is a worthy successor to the ensemble's founder, his father Alexander Alexandrov.
A most worthwhile addition to the music lover's sound library
March 31, 2008Wonderfully atmospheric choral singing in the distinctive style of these cultural ambassadors for the Soviet regime. In their day they had a worldwide and appreciative audience as the Soviet Authorities sought to attach an attractive "human" persona to their mighty military machine.The power, precision and technical proficiancy of these (and other) performers served, whether justifiably or not, to enhance the Soviet military image.Wonderful Russian bass and tenor voices gave western ears fresh insights into 'music of the people' from both sides of the Iron Curtain. The propaganda effect was priceless and we are left today with a nostalgic example of the effective political use of music.
April 11, 2007My parents bought the vinyl recording of the Album when it first came out and I used to listen to it a lot. It is wonderful to have it available on CD without the scratches that go along with records. They sound as brilliant and stirring as the first day I heard them. I especially love The Soldiers Chorus from the play The Decembrists.
February 13, 2007I first discovered this album as a LP in the late 1960s. Granted, the recording techniques then are not as sophisticated as they are now, but the quality of the voices on this CD is excellent, and the music will send chills down your spine.
There are subsequent albums of the "Red Army" (whom I've seen in person) -- while good, the original "Soviet" is still the best.
If you love great soloists, outstanding choral work, and stirring music, you will appreciate this album.
August 27, 2005More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(16 reviews)