The records of this disk get the listener immersed into the realm of the vocal masterpieces created by one of the most realistic Russian composers – Modest Mussorgsky. He was
an immediate successor to Dargomuzhsky and denouncer of Russian despotic autocracy
who fought for the rights of common people.
In spite of the common tragic trend the contents of the cycles is different. “Sunless” is
the composer’s reflection on his own destiny, his personal loneliness and suffering. The
musical language is notable for its little variety of expressive means and reticence of
pronouncement.
The cycle “Songs and Dances of Death” was intended as a serial of sketches showing
death of people of different social status.
Mussorgsky’s vocal cycles have occupied a fitting place in Eugene Nesterenko’s repertoire whose name does not need any further reference. The colourful, witty and truthful
realm of the outstanding Russian classic is displayed in front of us performed by Nesterenko.
