The album explores less-trodden paths in Russian art song, primarily inspired by the theme of distant lands, including motifs of travel, romantic landscapes, love, loss, and ruminations on life and death.
Historical Context
Russia's tradition of art song began in the drawing-room and salon culture of the early 19th century, evolving to embrace dramatic and philosophical themes.
Performer Biography
Hamish McLaren, the countertenor on this album, developed a passion for Russian culture as a teenager and studied Russian at school.
Composer Biography
Sergei Taneyev, another composer on this album, was a formidable Moscow professor of composition.
Recording & Production
Many of the songs on this CD, including two previously unrecorded film songs by Shostakovich, were discovered by Hamish McLaren during a trip to Russia.
Composer Biography
Alexander Borodin, featured on this album, was a celebrated chemistry professor and part-time composer from St Petersburg.
Composer Biography
Boris Tchaikovsky, a student of Shostakovich and featured on this album, was a prodigy widely known for his film music.
