Klavdiya Shulzhenko. Pesny o ljubvy. (Love songs)

Perhaps, for young generation of ‘consumers’ of our native national pop music it is not a peace of cake to imagine that 20 years ago singers not only differed from each other, but the best were recognized after having sang at least few sounds of a tune. Since the pre-war years and almost till late 80s of the 20^th century three of these singers were not only leaders, but indeed nation’s favourites. People even called them by name and patronymic what was really exceptional: Leonid Yosypovych Utesov , Lidiya Andriivna Ruslanova, Klavdiya Ivanivna Shulzhenko. These outstanding and gifted singers managed to reflect the views and perception of the world of several generations of soviet people (at least of the majority).

…The fragments of K.I. Shulzhenko’s concert in Kyiv Zhovtneviy palace on August 28, 1960 are available on this disc. That was, actually, an ordinary concert – if it is a possible definition for a meeting with audience which adored her. Firstly, an instrumental trio played several pieces to heat the audience up and started playing “Holubka” (“Dove”). Shulzhenko was quietly singing behind the scenes to make impatience of the audience grow…and at last she appeared on the scene…

Oleksandr Vasyliev, music expert

All songs are in Russian.