This sonic sensation is one of the first-ever Mercury recordings made in the Soviet Union by non-Soviet technicians and staff and it is highly appropriate that it features music played on the 'father' of Russian folk instruments - the balalaika. At the time of this recording Vitaly Gnutov had been conducting the ensemble for ten years and this programme persents a variety of pieces in a stunning display of virtuosity and musicianship.

  1.    Fantasy on Two Folk Songs 
  2.    At Sunrise 
  3.    The Linden Tree 
  4.    Kamarinskaya 
  5.    Fantasy on Volga Melodies 
  6.    In the Moonlight 
  7.    Midnight in Moscow 
  8.    Under the Apple Tree 
  9.    Dance of the Comedians 
  10.    The Living Room 
  11.    The Evening Bells 
  12.    My Dear Old Friend, Please Visit Me 
  13.    Waltz of the Faun 
  14.    The Flight of the Bumble-Bee