The album is a beautiful mix of small and large ensembles, old and new melodies, recounting the history of Russia in music. The album like the film, RUSSIA LAND OF THE TSARS, has the task of representing over 1000 years ... more »of Russia?s rich history. If you listen to the album from beginning to end you will feel yourself experiencing The Vikings, then the Mongols, then Ivan the Terrible, then Catherine the Great, then Peter the Great, then the revolutions, then Lenin and then Stalin, and then even the hope of what Russia will now become. The music will remind you of the great Russian Masters Glinka, Tchaikovsky, Moussorgsky and Prokofiev. Included in the album is a Russian History Outline showing where the music fits in with the historic events. When we asked the composer, Gary Pozner, why he thought this soundtrack CD was so special he said it was how vast the music variety is on it, and how special the performances of the musicians are. We, just like the filmmakers, had to reenact the history of Russia. It wasn?t an easy task, but it was truly a labor of love. We also asked Gary were the Russian influences came from, because when you look at his biography and see it mostly consists of working with fridge elements of the music scene--Lou Reed, Taking Heads, Debbie Harry,Tom Tom Club, David Byrne, Bernie Worrel, Nona Hendryx, UTFO, Mimi Goese, Peter Gabriel, he explained that all he grand parents were from Eastern Europe, and he just thought of them and channeled their spirits. While the album is a soundtrack it definitely stands on its own. It?s Tchaikovsky meets Peter Gabriel. (for a shot of vodka, of course)« less
The album is a beautiful mix of small and large ensembles, old and new melodies, recounting the history of Russia in music. The album like the film, RUSSIA LAND OF THE TSARS, has the task of representing over 1000 years of Russia?s rich history. If you listen to the album from beginning to end you will feel yourself experiencing The Vikings, then the Mongols, then Ivan the Terrible, then Catherine the Great, then Peter the Great, then the revolutions, then Lenin and then Stalin, and then even the hope of what Russia will now become. The music will remind you of the great Russian Masters Glinka, Tchaikovsky, Moussorgsky and Prokofiev. Included in the album is a Russian History Outline showing where the music fits in with the historic events. When we asked the composer, Gary Pozner, why he thought this soundtrack CD was so special he said it was how vast the music variety is on it, and how special the performances of the musicians are. We, just like the filmmakers, had to reenact the history of Russia. It wasn?t an easy task, but it was truly a labor of love. We also asked Gary were the Russian influences came from, because when you look at his biography and see it mostly consists of working with fridge elements of the music scene--Lou Reed, Taking Heads, Debbie Harry,Tom Tom Club, David Byrne, Bernie Worrel, Nona Hendryx, UTFO, Mimi Goese, Peter Gabriel, he explained that all he grand parents were from Eastern Europe, and he just thought of them and channeled their spirits. While the album is a soundtrack it definitely stands on its own. It?s Tchaikovsky meets Peter Gabriel. (for a shot of vodka, of course)
Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 06/25/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Though this score significantly enhances the documentary "Russia: Land of the Tsars", it also stands alone as a terrific sound journey, brilliantly conceived, with imaginitive melodies, instrumentation, and fascinating rhythmic patterns. The varied use of string instruments is marvelous, as in the exciting "The Feast" and "Ivan Claims the Crown" (tracks 14 and 15), and the spectacular "Start the Revolution" (track 59).
There is an occasional musical reference to Moussorgsky and Tchaikovsky, as well as a piano concerto by Lev Abeliovich (played by Alexander Tutunov), but this is a very unique work, and one I will enjoy for many years to come.
The CD comes with a fold-out that includes the track listings, and an exquisite cover painting of a horse and rider. Mr. Pozner conducts the OSU Symphony Orchestra, and co-produced this CD with Alex Carlson, who is Concert Master. Marian Carlson is listed as Musical Director. "Russia Land of the Tsars" received an Emmy nomination for Best Score, and total playing time is 63: 46.
The film and its music cover a lot of ground, from the Kievan Rus period (862-1242), to the Soviet Era, and there is a thrilling pace to this CD which I am sure will get the attention of the major Hollywood producers. Remember Gary Pozner's name ! Chances are, you will be hearing a lot of his film scores in the near future."
How the East was Won
Joanna Daneman | Middletown, DE USA | 08/11/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Russia Land of the Tsars was a production on cable, telling the story (as certain scholars see it) of Russian history through the lives of six tsars.The score is interesting, not only for the blend of Russian traditional and classical themes, but for the way the composer designed the score for the miniseries. If you are interested in scoring films, this is very instructive in the economical use of material and the structure of a set of music for a visual production.And it's very nice just to put on the player and listen to for background music."
From Russia With Love
Dick Barnett | Los Angeles, California USA | 05/29/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I recently saw the Documentary Russia Land of the Tsars and thought the score was perfect. There were times when I thought there were too many things going on and they should stop the narration or stop the sound effects or even stop the music. As far as the soundtrack goes I particularly like the way the music seemed to change as the history changed. What I mean is, the music was fairly simple for early Russian History and seemed to get more complex both harmonically and melodically as
we movied to a more complex modern era.
I loved the references to pieces by Tchaikovsky and Mussorsgsky. It was just enought for me to think Russian and not I have heard all of this before. SPeaking as a pure music lover, it is fun to play the cd from beginning to end and have your eyes closed, you really feel like you are going on a journey."
Russian Experience
Joanna Daneman | 06/04/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Was so impressed with the music as watching the Russian TV program on the History Channel. Should you wish to experience the romantic and dynamic Russian world, this fabulous soundtrack would take you there. Great job! Highly recommended!"
I love it!
Joanna Daneman | 05/29/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought the CD after being awed with the music that I heard on the recent TV series on russian history. The cd is encaptivating, mixing classical with newer sounds. The best way to describe it is just listen for yourself, I for one, would really recommend it."