Nikitin: Kalinka (1946) Prague

Victor Ivanovich Nikitin (Виктор Иванович Никитин) sings "Kalinka" with the Alexandrov Ensemble, conducted by A.V. Alexandrov. Recorded in Prague, 1946. This is a confirmed recording of Nikitin, and he sounds on top of his form here, and much less tired than in the 1948 Berlin recording (see playlist). This is an interesting recording, as it shows how A.V. Alexandrov envisaged the arrangement: as a Russian folk-opera combination. The chorus is highly rhythmic - almost shouting in places - and the basso profundo parts are shown off to effect, especially when set against Nikitin's rich, high notes. Then from '46 under B.A. Alexandrov, this same arrangement sounded more and more operatic, but since Boris retired in '87 it is sounding more folksy again: back to basics! Nikitin playlist: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list... Nikitin's date of birth is unknown, but he was possibly born in 1918, or up to 4 years before that. In 1952 his solo career ended suddenly when, due apparently to a tired or strained voice, he opted to re-join the Ensemble choir, where he remained at least until 1965.