Many Songs I’ve Heard: Melodies from Eastern Europe – Carol Barnett

Composer: Carol Barnett

Instrumentation: two pianos

Duration: Approx. 13:00 minutes

Date Written:  2012

Composer’s note: 

Many Songs I’ve Heard: Melodies From Eastern Europe draws on tunes found in an old Soviet music theory text. I chose them for their simplicity and loveliness, only later discovering their somewhat enigmatic titles. “Are You Not My Radiant Sunset” (Russian) opens the suite in the lively style of neo-classic Stravinsky. “Vanyusha, the Steward” (Russian) evokes a melancholy Chekovian country estate. “The Vistula” (Polish) and “Outside, Dusk is Falling” (Ukrainian) are two waltzes, their setting reminiscent of Smetana’s homage to his beloved river Moldau. “Dubinushka, My Trusty Cudgel”celebrates the intrepid Russian peasant. “Don’t Wake the Young Wife” (Russian) closes the suite with a rollicking flourish. Many Songs was written for Mia Chung and Alina Polyakov, superb piano duo team at Gordon College. It unites two of my long-time loves: tinkering with Eastern European folk songs, and playing piano duets—the joy of informal ensemble playing is hard to top!