A Russian Songbook

By Rose N. Rubin

I'm a singer. It's hard to find good collections of Russian music, and especially more folk-style pieces. This book has a broad range of songs, many of which are familiar and others are gems to be discovered as you sing through it. The keys chosen place the...

songs in a doable medium range. Words are given in English (translations are singable), then Cyrillic, then in transliteration. Piano accompaniments are nothing fancy but are well-written, not too difficult (I'm not much of a pianist!) and suitable to the song. Guitar chords are indicated but not diagrammed, which suits me just fine. It's a thoughtful, useful and representative collection of a genre Americans don't know much about and is worthy of more exposure. I sing a fair amount in Russian and this book has broadened my repertoire with some lovely pieces.

A wonderful introduction to the history of Russian folk music. 44 songs divided into two groups (Folk songs and "Popular" songs from the Soviet era). Full piano arrangements, Russian texts in Cyrillic and Latin-Alphabet transliteration. English singing translations. Basic arrangements that nicely capture the true character of the pieces...

, with room for "spicing up" if the player desires. Nice intro with a complete history of the Russian folk song. Cyrillic pronunciation guide. Highlights: Dubinushka, Little Bell, The Cliff on the Volga ,Snow Flurries, Stenka Razin, Troika Rushing, Moscow Nights, Lonely Accordion, Wait for Me, Silently, Dark is the Night The Light, My Heart! Wonderful, very complete book, excellent for early intermediate players!