This is another album bought in a charity shop, on the strength of it being on Peter Gabriel's Real World label, and probably only played once or twice. It's an album I'd forgotten I had, so it's due a listen.
Apparently, The Terem Quartet (consisting of two domras, an accordion and a balalaika) are an eccentric virtuoso ensemble - St Petersburg's most brilliant stars.
I'm not sure if that's the case (if anyone's reading in St Petersburg, perhaps they could let me know), but it's an interesting listen. There's a mixture of traditional Russian tunes (Lyrical Dance, Cossack's Farewell, Barnynia), some original pieces, composed by domra player Igor Ponomarenko (Fantasy, Simfonia Lubona, Country Improvisation) and many other pieces, some based on classical themes.
While the accordion does tend to dominate, there seems to be space for the other instruments to come through and it's an interesting mix of slower, moody pieces, and lighter dances.
I'm not sure how often this will get an outing, but I've warmed to this on a second listen, and it's become a bit more than the background I felt on first listening. It's certainly worth exploring if you think you might have an untapped longing for traditional Russian music.
3* - surprisingly enjoyable, especially on second listening.
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