The disk "Prayer" (actually, as well as "Lullaby to a Star") represents songs performed by Nina Matvienko that have never been released before. They sounded, attracted attention, got popularity – but were not released. Now, finally, this has been corrected – and I consider that the both disks are an invaluable present for everyone. For those who are grasped by Nina Matvienko's talent and creativity. And for those who are interested in the Ukrainian song as such. And for those who just never stay indifferent to beauty – irrespective of in what form it is revealed. As singing by this woman is something much more than skills. It seems to me that Nina Matvienko long ago became a guide to something so subtle, light, sincere, that there are no words in human language for this. The beauty that she carries already cannot be called only Ukrainian – it goes beyond national and geographical borders, it has universal importance. The same relates to roots on which she leans – here, much more than history and culture of one separate people is intersected. And, consequently, to listen to this singing means, as to me, to get access to that very well on which all beauty realized by mankind lives. Multitude of displays, one essence.
Anton Jozhik Leyba (Hedgehog)
, Петрозаводск, Россия