Smirnov D. I Was Born in the Ninety-Fourth, I Was Born in the Ninety-Second… Concerto for mixed choir a cappella

Dmitri Valentinovich Smirnov (born in 1952) is the Petersburgian composer, whose passion is choral and pedagogical activity. The “Compozitor Publishing House • St Petersburg” has already edited his collection of ecclesiastic and secular works to the verses by A. Pushkin, A. Fet, A. Tyutchev, M. Tsvetayeva, I. Annensky, B. Pasternak, A. Tarkovsky, Yu. Morits, so as his cycles “Cypress Casket” to the verses by Innokentiy Annensky and “Birth of Wing” to Yunna Morits, Small Cantata to the verses of the German poets living in the 17th century translated to Russian by Lev Ginsburg, choral triptych to Avetik Isaakyan, three choruses to the Latin American poets translated to Russian by Viktor Viktorov.

The compositions by Dmitri Smirnov have already entered the stock of different choirs in Russia and all over the world.

Poetry is akin to vocal. Their natures are alike. Pronounced word strives for being poured to the sung word. 

However, the special miracle of choral singing is in the mostly sacred chamber pitch, illusory tuning fork of the lyrical poetry making everyone follow the common breath. Chamber choral genre is distinct for the really fantastic singularity attracting every listener, simultaneously cherishing frail misterious atmosphere.

Such dubious aspect opens the outlook of the individual single soul, meanwhile surrounded by the same common destiny. This is the main feature of Osip Mandelstam’s creation. How very resplendent is the amalgamated ambiences of the great unique intricate poet and the genius of choral art.

The Concerto refers to the 1990. The same time it was firstly performed by the St. Petersburg Chamber choir conducted by Nicolai Kornev. The premi?re took place in Switzerland. Since that the Concerto has been on roll all over the world. In 1993 it was recorded to the CD by the chamber choir joyful Company Singers conducted by Peter Broadbent.

Contents:

1. As Aortas of Mine are Bloodshot... (Music text example)
2. Fragile Mould’s Getting Thinner...
3. This Must Be the Apex of Insanity...
4. Your Frail Shoulders Are to Be Stained in Red...
5. My Silent Dream...
6. I’m so as the Others... (Music text example)
7. The Tiny Body Like a Wing...
8. Oh, How Much I Crave, Being but not Recognized by Anyone...
9. My Age