The 'Six ancient Russian songs with variations' by Khandoshkin, recorded here, are believed to date from 1783 and were among the first published sets of his native Russian song settings.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Khandoshkin's compositions uniquely blend European musical training with Russian sensibility, often incorporating folk themes and national music.
Historical Context
Russian aristocracy during Khandoshkin's time showed a strong 'Francomania,' but both rural peasants and urban dwellers shared a love for national songs and dances, which often told stories of war, oppression, and romance.
Performer Biography
Anastasia Khitruk, the violinist on this album, is known for performing works that have not had wide exposure and has been actively reviving interest in Ivan Khandoshkin's music.
Compositional Technique
Khandoshkin's violin idiom is characterized by demanding double-stops, ornamentation, bariolage (alternating open-string and stopped notes), wide leaps (brisures), arpeggiation patterns (batteries), and varied bow strokes.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded at the Melodiya Studios in St Catherine's Church, St Petersburg, Russia, in May 2005.
Composer Biography
Ivan Yevstafyevich Khandoshkin, a Russian violinist-composer, was apprenticed in Tsar Peter III's court orchestra at age thirteen and later became first violinist, court soloist, and Kapellmeister for Catherine the Great.
