Ukrainian classical music is not even two centuries old, and for most of that time has had to contend with active attempts at suppression by a hostile neighbour. But Ukrainian composers have stood their ground, not least by taking inspiration from the folk-music that has long thrived in Ukraine’s mountains and fields. In this first of a series of Postcards from Ukraine the Ukrainian-Australian violinist Markiyan Melnychenko presents a programme of largely unknown miniatures for violin and piano, all based on, or inspired by, that folk-culture. Alternately sparkling and soulful, these violin showpieces make the case for a more thorough examination of the riches still to be discovered in Ukraine’s musical heritage.
Works:
•Mykola Lysenko: Ukrainian Rhapsody op. 34
•Boris Lyatoshinsky: Two Pieces
•Boris Lyatoshinsky: 3 Pieces on Tajik Folk Themes; Melody
•Vasyl Barvinsky: Chanson Triste; Humoresque on Ukrainian Folk Themes
•Anatoliy Kos-Anatolskyi: 2 Pieces from the ballet "The Shawl of Dovbush"
•Ivan Karabyts: Musician
•Boris Lyatoshinsky: Lamentations
•Boris Lyatoshinsky: Chabarashka
•Mykola Kolessa: 3 Kolomyiky