These may indeed be the most beautiful folk songs of Russia, but anyone expecting gentle, quiet renditions would do well to look at the artist. Yes, it’s the Red Army Choir, and while they’re glorious in full voice, gentle and quiet isn’t really in their repertoire. Listeners with even a fragment of knowledge of Russian music will know pieces like “Kalinka” and “Hey, Ukhem!,” even if they think they don’t. When it’s the choir with orchestra, Most Beautiful Folk Songs of Russia is definitely over the top (as it is on a couple of pieces), although there is one instrumental, “Russian Mosaic,” featuring the gusli. That said, there are some moments of real beauty here, with some wonderful soloists fronting the massed voices. In essence, it’s pretty much what you’d expect from the Red Army Choir singing Russian folk songs. – Chris Nickson
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