In a strangely enchanting album, the compositions of noted Russian multi-media artist SERGEY KURYOKHIN are presented by Vyacheslav Guyvoronsky on JUST OPERA . Although the compositions are played by a full ensemble featuring excellent freeform piano interpretations of Kuryokhin's works, no musicians are identified within the liner notes consisting mainly of Russian text. The collection of tunes in Just Opera was a last, unfinished work by Kuryokhin, who died in 1996 at the age of 40. They represent his contribution to theatre and cinema over an extended period, and the names of the collective musicians have been lost over time. What we are left with is a compelling series of songs played with vigor and intensity. Twelve selections are included, and their titles are documented in English (Overture/ Not Everything/The Situation of the Asian Proletariat in America/ Village Dance/ Romance/ Cabinet/ Opera/ Marcheillaise/ I Shall Not Be - We Shall Not Be/The Three Sisters/The Last Waltz/Viva Napoli. 56:30). The music is vibrant, alive, and full of wonder. Kuryokhin used his ethnic base as the rod of the tunes, and the group gets very involved in freely expressing their interpretation of his pieces. Electronics are employed, but it is the solo playing of a trumpeter, a violinist, and numerous other musicians along with the dominant pianist who bring the music to life. There are swirling tones, boisterous outbursts, intricate improvisations, and a firm dedication to the social framework of the compositions. While the discographer will be disturbed at the lack of information included on the recording, the music speaks for itself. Naturally, there are structured segments, but the Jazz element is never neglected. This is music that transcends media barriers and has much to offer the inquisitive listener.
In a strangely enchanting album, the compositions of noted Russian multi-media artist SERGEY KURYOKHIN are presented by Vyacheslav Guyvoronsky on JUST OPERA . Although the compositions are played by a full ensemble featuring excellent freeform piano interpretations of Kuryokhin's works, no musicians are identified within the liner notes consisting mainly of Russian text. The collection of tunes in Just Opera was a last, unfinished work by Kuryokhin, who died in 1996 at the age of 40. They represent his contribution to theatre and cinema over an extended period, and the names of the collective musicians have been lost over time. What we are left with is a compelling series of songs played with vigor and intensity. Twelve selections are included, and their titles are documented in English (Overture/ Not Everything/The Situation of the Asian Proletariat in America/ Village Dance/ Romance/ Cabinet/ Opera/ Marcheillaise/ I Shall Not Be - We Shall Not Be/The Three Sisters/The Last Waltz/Viva Napoli. 56:30). The music is vibrant, alive, and full of wonder. Kuryokhin used his ethnic base as the rod of the tunes, and the group gets very involved in freely expressing their interpretation of his pieces. Electronics are employed, but it is the solo playing of a trumpeter, a violinist, and numerous other musicians along with the dominant pianist who bring the music to life. There are swirling tones, boisterous outbursts, intricate improvisations, and a firm dedication to the social framework of the compositions. While the discographer will be disturbed at the lack of information included on the recording, the music speaks for itself. Naturally, there are structured segments, but the Jazz element is never neglected. This is music that transcends media barriers and has much to offer the inquisitive listener.