Folklore group "Stari Koni" (Old Horses). A vzhe vechor vechorije. Traditional Music of Rivne Polissja. (And the Evening is Dawning)

Polissja is one of those regions of Ukraine where archaic samples of both spiritual and material culture have been preserved somewhat better than elsewhere. Actually, it is until now possible to find, for example, songs that were composed as long ago as in pre-Christian times here – and have preserved till nowadays. It is difficult to say what exactly contributed in such preservation – and we, ordinary listeners, have nothing to do but be glad that that is exactly how it happened. Everybody will find something for oneself here. Personally I literally freeze when I hear Polissja samples of archaic male singing – it seems to me that there are not many things in the world that are more beautiful than this. But today, when listening to this disc, I understood that local women are also able to sing so that I did not have the words to express that again... Actually, the folklore group "Stari Koni" for already 25 years has been charming the audience all over Ukraine – and abroad as well. Even when the group was created, all of its four female participants were not young – but till now their skills remain at a high level. It is even hard to believe that these songs were recorded during concerts at the end of 2005, that is not that long ago – and the voices sound strong, expressive. Nothing to say – just beautiful. As they say, an old horse will not spoil the furrow...

Anton Jozhik Leyba (Hedgehog)