Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Melody – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The rock opera "Guslyar" by the Belarusian vocal and instrumental ensemble "Pesnyary" has been released on vinyl by Melodiya. This is the sixth record pressed at the label's new Novosibirsk facility.
The ensemble was founded in 1965, at the end of the "thaw." They performed melodic folk rock, inspired by the songs of the Belarusian Polesie region. The ensemble occupied a dual position: within the official discourse, yet outside it. "We only strive to make folk songs sound contemporary," said Vladimir Mulyavin, the leader of Pesnyary, when formulating their artistic program.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Pesnyary sold numerous records, toured the Soviet Union, and performed at its largest venues. Yet, they were constantly plagued by a feeling of a lack of creative freedom. Mulyavin's interest in British and American rock, in large-scale forms and concept albums, gradually led Pesnyary toward more complex expressions. This is how the legendary poem "Guslyar" emerged—the ensemble's only studio-recorded foray into this genre. It is based on the cantata "Kurgan" by Belarusian composer Igor Luchenok.
For "Guslyar," Pesnyary expanded their lineup, adding brass, strings, and an additional rhythm section, aiming for a symphonic richness. The complex choral texture, however, was realized by the ensemble, renowned for its skillful polyphony. Folk instruments—the cymbals and zhaleika—sit alongside a Hammond organ and a Moog synthesizer; the protagonist's gusli is "portrayed" by an acoustic guitar with a flanger effect—a bold move for Soviet recording at the time. Guslyar's musical texture engages with European prog rock of the 1970s, yet remains distinctive thanks to its folkloric modal thinking, soft sonic palette, and outstanding vocals.
The rock opera's plot—the story of a freedom-loving musician who dies in a clash with the authorities—seemed like a personal statement from Mulyavin.
"This is hinted at by the album's plot, which hints at a rebuke to the censors and critics who have done much to ruin his life… It's an act of creative liberation, an attempt to stand up straight and sing at the top of his voice, as the protagonist of Yanka Kupala's poem did: 'Hey, Prince, I won't sell my soul, and the law doesn't rule with gusli players!'" — this is how Denis Boyarinov characterizes the rock opera.
The record was pressed in 2026. The matrices were made from the original analog master tapes. The sound engineer for the remastering and restoration was Maxim Pilipov. The liner notes were written by Denis Boyarinov. The edition contains the full libretto in Belarusian and Russian.
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