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Epos Group: "Ilia", (CD, 33:34) CDBMR 009171
Boheme Music
128, Mosfilmovskaya Str.,
Moscow, 117330
RUSSIA
CYBERHOME: http://www.bohememusic.com

Mixing traditional Russian folk tales with modern musical structures, Boheme
Music's release "Ilia" by the Epos Group is an excellent presentation
on how properly composed music and vocals can transcend languages, and
deliver interesting and emotional content to even those who can't understand
a word the singer is singing.  "Ilia" is the musical re-telling of an
old Russian folk tale, combining classic Russian song structures with today'
s technology to create a truly wonderful experience.

This version of the "bylina" "Ilia" was created by St. Petersburg
composer Alexander Sledin, who also contributes vocals and some very
well-played synthesizer to the recording. A "bylina" is a traditional form
of Old Russian and Russian heroic narrative poetry dealing with the age of
Kievan Rus in the 10th-12th century. They often center on the deeds of
Prince Vladimir I (thus the track "Vladimir the Prince") and his court. One
of the favorite heroes, and the one represented in this recording, is the
independent Cossack Ilya of Murom, who defended Kievan Rus from the Mongols.
Despite the "foreigness" of the story and the setting in which it takes
place, the music is composed so that an understanding of the original tale -
or even the language - is not required for enjoyment.  The chord changes and
sonic textures used throughout "Ilia" are more than sufficient to
convey the story to the listener.

One track where musical storytelling is especially apparent is in the final
track "The Battle".  Through the use of driving percussion, intense violin
passages, and vocals sung with reckless abandon, Sledin manages to convey a
true sense of conflict and chaos through his music.  The opening track
"Idolischche" (YOU try and pronounce that!)* features some fantastic vocals
by Irina Nikolaichuk and very effective keyboard work from Sledin resulting
in a very emotional and spine-tingling effect.

All in all, "Ilia" manages to present a traditional Russian
storytelling using a very effective and modern medium, that should please
adventurous music lovers everywhere.  Folks having any interest in
discovering more about Russian folk music and its structures and textures
would be well advised to pick up a copy of Epos Group's "Ilia".

For more information on Epos group and Boheme's catalog, surf on over to
http://www.bohememusic.com.

- Michael Askounes (michael@gscyclone.com)

TRACKLIST:
1. Idolishche (5:26)
2. Vladimir the Prince (8:04)
3. Ilia of Morum (10:56)
4. The Battle (9:18)

CREDITS:
Irina Nikolaichuk: Vox
Anna Dudanova: Vox
Anatoly Molotov: Vox
Aleksander Sledin: Vox, Synth
Nikolay Ryzhov: Percussion
Aleksander Tsyganov: Bass Guitar
Petr Akimov: Cello
Tatiana Frenkel: Violin
Glina Klokar: Violin




*EER EDITOR's attempt: Eee - dohl - eesh - key with accent on eesh? I dunno . . .
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