Track Listing

1. Pomnyu Ya (I Remember)
2. Yamshchik Gani-Ka K Yaru (Coachman, Away to the Fair)
3. Noch Tikha (Quiet Night)
4. Polso Bylo Lyublyatse (I Never Meant to Love)
5. Gari Gari Maya Zvyezada (Twinkle, Twinkle, My Star)
6. Chupchik (Curly Forelock)
7. Vyecherny Zvon (Evening Bells)
8. At Volgi da Dona (From the Volga to the Don)
9. Talyanochka (The Concertina)
10. Padmaskovniye Vyechera (Moscow Evenings)
11. Padrushka Milaya (My Old Pal)
12. Katiusha
13. Pravazhanye (Parting)
14. Tyomnaya Noch (Dark Night)
15. Beryuzoviye Kalyechke
16. Yekhali Tsigane
17. Dve Gitari
18. Kagda Ya Pyann
19. Svyetit Myesats
20. Kak Stranno
21. Nichevo, Nichevo, Nichevo [From Fräulein]
22. Chto Mnye Gorye
23. Dyen I Noch
24. Metyelitsa
25. Snilsya Mnye Sad
26. Karobushka
27. Karabli
28. Sudarinya

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #68109 in Music
• Released on: 2006-02-21
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .20 pounds

Album Description
Theodore Bikel had already recorded several albums for Elektra when he made Songs of a Russian Gypsy, but were those records anywhere as successful as this one? Nyet! In fact, not only did Songs far outsell any previous Elektra release by any artist, but it was also such a hit that the label rushed to record a sequel, Songs of Russia Old & New, that weve combined with its predecessor to form a great, Russian-themed twofer! Bikel himself in the notes says that to this day he gets mail about these two albums, so were expecting a big response to this Collectors Choice Music exclusive.

Customer Reviews

A Great Double Album From Theodore Bikel
I have owned the LP of "Songs of a Russian Gypsy" since the early 60's, and it has always been a favorite. This record was a "breakthrough hit" for Elektra records in the early days (See "Follow The Music" by Jac Holzman and Gavan Daws).
"Songs of a Russian Gypsy" was re-issued as a CD by Bainbridge Records, in the 90's, but in limited numbers. When the supply dried up, only an uncertain "used" market remained, with prices quite variable. (see my review of the used CD).
This re-issue also includes another Bikel favorite, "Songs of Russia Old and New". Hopefully, more early Electra Albums will surface through the efforts of Collectors Choice Music!

Introduction to Russian 101
Growing up post-WWII, and in college and the military during the Cold War, I wanted to understand my "enemy", a the military demands. This album was part of my learning, and is just good music. Many pop and rockers will not be interested: their loss. Bikel took folk singing a step further, and even not understanding all the words (I took Russian in college), it has a good intro to the Russian "soul", from Ivan the Terrible to Putin.

The Essential Russian Folk Songs
Ever since I was a little kid, I thought there was something magical in the sound of ethnic folk songs. This CD only reaffirms my idea. If you have any interest at all in ethnic folk music, these songs will really take you to another place. My imagination runs wild with this music; some songs are so joyful you can't help but to imagine dancing, and others so sorrowful you want to weep. The bottom-line is anyone with an interest in world music NEEDS this album. I don't think any CD of ethnic folk music had lived up to my expectations, until I got this one. It is a true treasure; especially if you'd like some help with your Russian!