Hello friends! I’ve started an experiment, which is so far a secret, but over the course of this month the work would be finished, and you’re going to hear a new recording. At the very minimum I can guarantee you unexpected emotions, so heads up for the announcement. Have a great September!
My favourite character from Russian operas is Lyubasha from the Tsar’s Bride by Rimsky-Korsakov. Such a tragic image of a strong, forsaken woman.
When I was 15 years old, my first singing teacher gifted me a volume of arias, one of which was the Lyubasha’s aria (and that album’s still with me).
This aria was also a part of my graduation work, and it’s still a part of my concert life. I enjoy performing that music, and now I’m offering you a new recording of one of the arias.
Dear friends, I’ve just posted a new recording, “Old husband, terrible husband” by Alexey Verstovsky on my YouTube channel. Next video is in production!
Dear friends, new recordings are in production, so stay tuned for an update here, on my website! And keep an eye on my YouTube channel, where you will be able to find not only the new pieces, but other recordings as well.
Today I’d like to remember the glorious Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (06(18) March 1844 – 08(21) June 1908).
Rimsky-Korsakov has left us an enormous musical heritage and has founded a composers school in Saint Petersburg. Over two hundred of his students became famous composers, among them were Glazunov, Grechaninov, Prokofiev, Stravinsky… The author of 15 operas, magnificent both from the musical and dramaturgical point of view. I’d love to perform a part in each of those, but sadly, not all of them include a part for mezzo-soprano. However, there is an indisputable favorite of mine among those: The Tsar’s Bride, which has been being performed across the globe for over 120 years. I’ve been introduced to Lyubasha’s part long before being admitted into the conservatory; and have fallen in love for life with the image full of sorrow and dramatics, with dark music even during lyrical scenes. During my conservatory studies, my professors and I have broken down and analyzed this whole part. Thus, Lyubasha became my diploma work.
Friends, I promise you a new recording of Lyubasha’s aria very soon, but for now, have a look at this photo!
P.S. Speaking of which, the embroidery of the headwear (kokoshnik), is the result of my own work. Looks really nice, eh?
