Eight Russian Folksongs, Op. 58

Anatoly Lyadov (1855-1914), one of the Russian Five, wrestled with doubt in his own creative talent.  Exclusively writing small-scale works, he explored the folk music of his native country, much of which evoked a fairy-tale Russia.  His EIGHT RUSSIAN FOLKSONGS, Op. 58, display his deftness with colorful orchestration, an affinity he shared with his teacher Rimsky-Korsakov.  Dedicated to the stage designer and illustrator Ivan Bilibin, the song cycle received its first performance in St. Petersburg on March 3, 1905 by the Assembly Hall of the Nobility Orchestra under the baton of Felix Blumenfeld. Instrumentation: 2+Picc.2+EH.2.2: 4.2.0.0: Timp.Perc(2): Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set). Movements: I. Religious Chant; II. Christmas Carol; III. Plaintive Song; IV. Humorous Song; V. Legend of the Birds; VI. Cradle Song; VII. Round Dance; VIII. Village - Dance Song.