Bandura releases bound to be classics (11/21/99)

Bandura releases bound to be classics

Shortly after Maestro Oleh Mahlay ascended to the position of music director, his own approach to the repertoire of the Ukrainian Bandura Chorus became apparent in what is the "Kapelia's" latest digital CD, "Ukrainian Steppe," issued in 1997. (The disc was recorded in the historic St. Albertus Church in Detroit on Panasonic SV 3700 D.R. with Neumann KM 100 MP microphones. The selections were edited and mastered by Andrij Birko. The issue was made possible in part by the Chrysler Fund.)

The ancient Kyivan chant "In Thy Kingdom," as arranged by Maestro Mahlay, brings out the characteristic deep basso quality. His other arrangements are equally engaging, at times tastefully understated, at other times exploring the full sound spectrum.

The disc includes such rare entries as the solemn "Prayer of Mercy" by master composer Stanyslav Liudkevych and "Amazing Grace," written by J. Newton, a former slave trader turned preacher, with the bandura part set by Maestro Mahlay. Such unusual fare lends added interest, shows Maestro Mahlay's idiomatic treatment of the vocal/instrumental components of his art, and his willingness to break new ground.

The piece "The Chumaks," by Ukraine's most noted contemporary female-composer Lesia Dychko was written for the chorus and premieres on this disc. The piece depicts a despairing mother bidding good-bye to her son, a "chumak," or salt trader, leaving for the difficult road ahead of him. In this piece, the centuries-old chumaks are presented by Dychko in a stark and powerful score reflecting the present century, in the language of our time. (The featured is tenor O. Helbig).

Former chorus directors are recalled in the humorous piece "Oy Hop Ty Ny Ny" by D. Pika (1930s) and in two selections by Hryhoriy Kytasty, his exuberant instrumental masterpiece "Song of Tiutiunnyk" instrumental masterpiece as well as the disc's centerpiece, the "Echo of the Steppes."

The latter piece brings to life both the Kozak past and Ukraine's national heroes throughout the centuries. The banduras reverberate en masse in this "seance" conjured up by Ukrainian American descendants of the Zaporozhians. Here the sound effects and eerie strains evoke ghostly images of yore. It is a truly a marvelous piece in its conception and execution.

The traditional epic "Duma about Ukraine" (masterfully sung by M. Farion) ends with a call to arms and a proclamation that freedom is near. This is followed by the lighthearted work "Grandfather Yarema," whose pleasant task it is to keep track of the courtships of his 20 sons of a neighbor's 20 daughters. This full-time job is delightfully "narrated" by soloist Petro Kytasty, nephew of Maestro Kytasty. When the chorus arrived in the United States in 1949, Petro was then the youngest bandurist in the group; today he is one of the original members of the chorus.

The poignant piece, "Song about Mazepa," (lyrics M. Stepanenko; arrangement, V. Mishalow), depicts the illustrious hetman bidding a sad farewell to Ukraine.

The final selections conclude the disc on an upbeat note; they include a Kozak drinking song and the famous "Kolomyika" by A. Hnatyshyn which is creatively crafted, producing an exciting energy not attained in previous recordings by this or any other ensemble. (The soloists in the final selections include M. Newmerzyckyj, T. Pryshliak, R. Kassaraba, J. Cisaruk, A. Soroka, M. Farion - all competent and often impressive.)

All-in-all this is an excellent disc, a fitting addition to the Ukrainian Bandura Chorus tradition of high standards, enhanced by the youthful vigor and sophisticated direction of Maestro Mahlay. With this issue the chorus seems in full control of all vocal registers and technical matters. Without sacrificing harmonic brilliance, the bandurists project much intimacy coupled with clarity of expression. The ensemble seems on the threshold of something truly big as it enters the 21st century.

The bandurist chorus has a long record of successes: 22 long-playing records, six cassettes and the most recent CDs. In April the ensemble recorded a forthcoming Christmas CD, featuring Ukrainian as well as other carols.

Given the ensemble's output, an annotated list, in addition to a guide to the all its releases, some of which have been re-issued on tape, is needed. Perhaps its possible that the circa 1952 recording of Christmas carols directed by Wolodymyr Bozhyk, or the ensemble's historic 1958 European tour can be made available in improved sound.

After 600 concerts and over 4 million listeners - an estimate based on the Chotus's archives - these cherished icons of sound should reach listeners beyond the Ukrainian audience. Reissued in state-of-the-art editions, the original recordings could well be of international significance as cultural landmarks in the next century.

The Ukrainian Bandura Chorus is not only a highlight in Ukrainian musical life; it was and will remain a force for the preservation of Ukraine's culture.

The chorus's 50th anniversary is being celebrated with a series of performances in the United States. Concerts were and will be held in the following cities: Hamilton, Ontario (November 13), Rochester, N.Y. (November 14), Cleveland (November 20), Detroit (November 21); additional concerts will take place in South Bound Brook, N.J. (December 3), Philadelphia (December 4) and Pittsburgh (December 5).

For information on ordering the "Ukrainian Steppe" CD, write to: Ukrainian Bandura Chorus, P.O. Box 12129, Detroit, MI 48212; or visit http://brama.com/bandura, or the ensemble's website, http://www.bandura.org.

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