Eight Russian Folk Songs, Op. 58

SKU: CF.BAS31

ISBN 9780825860874. UPC: 798408060879. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: C major.

One of the most recognizable folk songs of all-time is presented in a fine new Doris Gazda arrangment for beginning strings. Optional part for bells, tone blocks or chimes will give you the opportunity to involve other students in performing with the string orchestra.
The Volga River is the longest river in Europe (about 2,300 miles long) and the principal waterway of Russia. The Volga has played an important part in the life of the Russian people, and in Russian folklore is called Mother Volga. For centuries it has served as the chief thoroughfare of Russia and as the lifeline of Russian colonization to the east. It carries one-half of the total river freight of Russia and irrigates the vast steppes of the lower Volga region. Grain, building materials, salt, fish and caviar (from the Volga delta and the Caspian Sea) are shipped upstream; lumber is the main commodity shipped downstream.The folk song The Volga Boatman is supposed to represent the rhythmic rowing of the hard-working oarsmen who took their boats and rafts up and down this long waterway. The boats carried goods for trade, travelers and the armies and invaders who fought throughout the Russian lands.Close your eyes while you listen to the song. Imagine that you have a boat carrying grain and fish for a long distance. Then pretend you are rowing your boat in rhythm to the melody.