Wednesday 17 September 2008

REVIEW: Beating Of The Russian Heart

Beating Of The Russian Heart
Koleso

Russian folk music is strong and spirited, and these seven young women did credit to it with their hearty voices and cheeky smiles. In bright traditional costumes they exuded great energy through through the use of powerful dissonant harmonies and dances with scarves and handkerchiefs. The programme was well-ordered, taking us through various moods and styles; the a cappella sections were the most atmospheric, and it was a pity that when backing music was used it was mostly pre-recorded, which detracted from the authenticity a little, putting them in danger of slipping towards a Eurovision-style pop track. Fortunately, they didn't, and after receiving some dance lessons on stage the audience went away in no doubt that Russia's heartbeat is a passionate one.

C Soco Urban Garden, 13 - 25 Aug, 2.00pm (3.00pm), , prices vary, fpp 141
tw rating: 3/5

published: Aug-2008 for Three Weeks newspaper at the Edinburgh Festival

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