Romances

DANCING CRANE GEORGIAN DANCE THEATER
GEORGIAN AND RUSSIAN ROMANCES

The genre of Russian and Georgian romances refers to a style of art songs prominent in Russia and Georgia since the late 18 th and early 19 th centuries. It has roots in both folklore and the classic tradition, and is fired by passion and elegance. The term "Romance" encompasses both classical and chamber songs, generally with themes of love and longing. The classical style developed from composers following Glinka, such as Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, Borodin and many others and includes musical renditions of some of the finest love poetry. The parlor songs are often derived from folk songs and are frequently accompanied by guitar. We are familiar for example with the song Ochi Chornya (Dark Eyes).

Russian songs are more familiar to U.S. audiences. Georgian music, while very popular in Europe and Russia is less well-known in this country. The development of the Georgian lyrical songs or romances began in the early part of the 19 th Century. This was the beginning of the close ties between Georgia and Russia. For centuries before this the center of cultural activities had been the monasteries, and then the court of the king. But during this period the salons of the aristocracy took on a major cultural role. This brought Georgian society into close contact with Russian and European music and stimulated the development of a new musical genre in Georgia – the Romance.

These are some sample lyrics:

In the quiet flower garden I was lying under the shade of a tree
From some place a delicate bird was singing madly about love
(from the song Tchum Baghnarshia – In the quiet flower garden)
One moon came down on the ground
There is just one spring in a year
My dearest I am yours to the last drop
You are the only one for me
(from the song Odna Luna – One moon)

I give just to you
The best which I have from God,
And that is my love
(from the song Mkholod Shen Erts – Only You)
Just as in Russia, Georgian romances have a classical style, setting poetry to music, as well as a popular or salon style based more on folk themes. Our concerts include Russian and Georgian songs of both styles, with piano and guitar accompaniment. The songs are performed by members of the Dancing Crane Music Ensemble who are masters of the classical and traditional repertoire.


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