Summary: The Volga Boatmen, who worked as human beasts of burden hauling barges along Russia's rivers, eventually became folk icons, portrayed in literature, music and painting as heroic symbols of the Russian soul.
This is a charming piece, well-produced, many will recognize the recurrent musical theme in the background.
The interviews with Russian speakers are musical in themselves.
Explores the many ways the musical themes have been adapted by composers and musicians. The theme has been used in American films and soundtracks. Like deja vu, brings back strange feelings of 'been-there'. The Song is so reminiscent of a dirge, and, if it truly represents the Russian soul, explains a lot.
Gives one the desire to go find an art museum that might have examples of Russian paintings of the Volga Boatmen and to find the Gorky book, just to see the results of that influence.
Seems like this piece has sat here neglected for a long time, but it is timeless and worthy of consideration.
Comments for RN Documentary: The Volga Boatmen
This piece belongs to the series "RN Documentaries"
Produced by Marijke van der Meer
Other pieces by Radio Netherlands Worldwide
Rating Summary
1 comment
Rene O'Deay
Posted on March 12, 2007 at 11:43 PM | Permalink
Review of RN Documentary: The Volga Boatmen
This is a charming piece, well-produced, many will recognize the recurrent musical theme in the background.
The interviews with Russian speakers are musical in themselves.
Explores the many ways the musical themes have been adapted by composers and musicians. The theme has been used in American films and soundtracks. Like deja vu, brings back strange feelings of 'been-there'. The Song is so reminiscent of a dirge, and, if it truly represents the Russian soul, explains a lot.
Gives one the desire to go find an art museum that might have examples of Russian paintings of the Volga Boatmen and to find the Gorky book, just to see the results of that influence.
Seems like this piece has sat here neglected for a long time, but it is timeless and worthy of consideration.