Lyadov A. 3 Russian Songs for 8 horns. Score and parts

The “Three Russian Songs” by A. K. Lyadov (1855–1914) were arranged for eight horns by M. N. Buyanovsky. These pieces were selected from the A. K. Lyadov’s composition ”Eight Russian Folk Songs for Orchestra”. Lyadov’s passion to the Russian folk musical heritage is known, so as his contribution to this genre development. Mikhail Buyanovsky chose authentic tunes of different genres: the epic, lyrical, dancing, the ones of shrove-tide, round dances.

The three songs, selected by M. Buyanovsky out of eight movements, which the Lyadov’s suite consisting of, look mostly playful. Being the master of French-horn Buyanovsky used this instrument’s peculiarities, especially the colour of ensemble sounding.

Drawling song is the fine pattern of lyrical broad cantilena. The tune is realized by Lyadov so as to reveal the main idea of the songs. The song narrates about recruit’s destiny. As the song’s facture is divided into four voices, it resembles the kind of male choir.

The “Lullaby” is contrast to the previous movement. Measured lullabying of muted horns, where the touching lyrical melody appears, being based on the short motive of two bars with the gamut of one minor third. 

The “Round Dance” belongs to the most extensive large-scaled movements. The theme is distinct by its broad breath, disintegrating into two sentences. The first one is quiet and haughty, while the second one is vivacious and gay, akin to the “Kamarinskaya” by M. I. Glinka. This material is arranged so as to form the structure of three movements with the developing evolving middle one and the reprise.

A. K. Sukhorukov