Ses Plus Grands Succes

(1) Les Yeux Noirs (Dark Eyes) [ Sung in Russian ] This is the same as track 13 on Kalinka Malinka. Very nice version, with big violin intro. (2) Patrouille Des Cosaques (Cossack Patrol) [ Sung in Russian ] This is the same as track 4 on Kalinka Malinka. Good standard version. (3) Dans La Rue de St. Petersbourg (In the St. Petersburg Street) [ Sung in Russian ] I've never heard of this very fun song before, but it's very enjoyable. I don't know what Ivan found in that street, but it's evidently something worth celebrating. This is a better version than the version on Live in Concert - Recitals 1968-1982, which in my opinion is too fast. (4) Plaine, My Plaine [ Sung in Russian ] *Very* lovely song, with full orchestral backing. (5) La Chanson de Lara (Dr. Zhivago) (Lara's Theme) [ Sung in Russian ] Nice version, appeared originally in the U.S. on the Ivan Rebroff LP. Balalaikia backing. This is the same as track 11 on Kalinka Malinka. (6) La Seine et la Volga (The Seine and the Volga) [ Sung in French ] Very nice song. (7) Ah, Si J'etais Riche (If I Were a Rich Man) [ Sung in French ] A full-length version of the role that made his reputation. However, this version sounds thin for some reason, probably the small backing group. All things considered, the German language version on Kalinka Malinka & The Very Best of Ivan Rebroff Volume II is the better version to have. If you wish a French language version, try the live version on Live in Concert - Recitals 1968-1982. (8) Les 2 Guitares (2 Guitars) (Sung in Russian ) Very beautiful guitar duet intro and backing, sung more slowly than usual.. This is quite a departure from his standard arrangement, but it works. This has an almost jazzy feel to it. I think I actually prefer the standard arrangement with balalaikas, but this is quite nice on its own. (9) La Legende des 12 Brigands (The Legend of the 12 Robbers) [ Sung in Russian ] This appeared originally on the Ivan Rebroff Sings Folk Song From Old Russia LP. Your basic, straight-forward Rebroff version, with balalaika trio backing. (10) La Cloche Monotone (The Lonely Chimes) [ Sung in Russian ] Standard balalaika trio arrangement. I have to wonder why both of these slow, bell/chime tracks were placed next to each other. I think a fast song in between would have worked better.

(11) Les Cloches Du Soir (Evening Bells) [ Sung in Russian ] An odd arragement of this standard. It sounds to me like Ivan multi-tracked himself singing in falsetto and low bass for the background accompiament. It's interesting, but it doesn't quite work for me. The lead vocal is fine. (12) Ol' Man River [ Sung in English ] I'm afraid this is the clinker in this collection. It actually took me awhile to realize that he's singing in English. I've yet to hear Ivan perform a Negro spirtual-type song convincingly. It does get better after the totally embarassing intro. (13) Kalinka Malinka [ Sung in Russian ] This is the same as track 2 on Kalinka Malinka. Nice version. (14) Qu'il Est Joli [ Sung in French ] Very fun song again. I'm unfamiliar with this song, sounds like a show-tune to me, or maybe that's due to the arrangement.