From Russia with Love

Soundcheck | May 3, 2010
On this edition of Soundcheck, host John Schaefer speaks with renowned Russian composer Rodion Shchedrin about the world premiere of his opera for the concert stage, The Enchanted Wanderer. The work is based on a 19th-century novella, and incorporates layers of traditional Russian musical culture including church Slavonic choral singing, folk women's songs, "drunken Russian songs," and gypsy songs. We hear some of Shchedrin's previously recorded works as well. We also speak with the Ukrainian-American composer Virko Baley about the his latest CD, Treny ("Laments"), part of a trilogy of works that deal with questions of death, grief, and the legacy we leave behind. And we're joined by music writer Danny Felsenfeld, who reviews some of the holiday season's newest CD offerings, including a release featuring 20th century American choral music.
Biographical and works information on Rodion Shchedrin

Biographical and works information on Virko Baley

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