Old Believers: Songs of the Nekrasov Cossacks

Various Artists SFW40462

The first recording to appear outside Russia of the a capella singing of the Nekrasov Cossacks, called Old Believers because of their religious beliefs. Like the famous Bulgarian Women's Choir, Old Believers' music has a multi-voiced texture, with intense and rich women's voices. Based on centuries-old Russian church traditions, the Old Believers' singing reveals traces of Balkan, Greek, and Turkish influences. Includes lyric songs, ballads, wedding songs, sacred music, and laments. Digitally recorded in 1989 and 1990 in Russia. Extensive notes explain the history of the group and their music. 26 tracks. "The music is highly expressive and moving." — Yearbook for Traditional Music
Country(s) Russia
Culture Group(s) Nekrasovtsy
Keyword(s) Religious; World music
Instrument(s) Chorus; Clapping, hand; Harmonica; Vocals; Vocals, group; Zapevala
Language(s) Russian; Turkish
Year of Recording 1989
Record Label Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
Source Archive Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
Credits Produced in collaboration with All-Russian Research Center for Studies on Russian Folklore ; Produced in collaboration with Folklore Commission of the Soviet Composers Union ; Photography by Yuri Lunkov ; Photography by Margarita Mazo ; Mastered by David Glasser, Airshow, Springfield, VA ; Design by Visual Dialogue, Boston, MA ; Compiled by Margarita Mazo ; Compiled by Olga Velichkina ; Notes Edited by Margarita Mazo ; Notes Edited by Olga Velichkina ; Liner Notes by Margarita Mazo ; Liner Notes by Olga Velichkina ; Recorded by Margarita Mazo ; Recorded by Olga Velichkina ; Recorded by Margarita Mazo ; Produced by Margarita Mazo