Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
February 9, 2026
News editorial office
30
A large-scale recording session for the A.V. Alexandrov Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army took place at Mosfilm's 1st Music Studio—the only one in the world capable of simultaneously accommodating and recording a combined choir and a full symphony orchestra.
The musicians and vocalists of the renowned ensemble, under the direction of artistic director Colonel Gennady Sachenyuk and principal choirmaster Vladimir Krotov, worked to expand their "golden collection." The program included both the ensemble's classics and new works created in a contemporary context. This recording, made possible by the unique technical capabilities of Mosfilm Studio One, will become a cultural legacy for future generations.
Studio work for the Alexandrov Academic Ensemble is always a special occasion. Unlike a concert performance, where the energetic exchange with the audience creates a unique yet momentary magic, a studio recording is a permanent record of sound. As the ensemble's principal choirmaster, Vladimir Krotov, emphasized, such work requires maximum concentration, inner energy, and a deep immersion in the essence of the work.
"Here, we need maximum energy, maximum attention, maximum content, maximum character in the song," Vladimir Krotov noted. "Here, there's more internal content; the performers must have this internal energy!"
Around 70 choir members were involved in the recording process at Mosfilm Studio 1. As Vladimir Krotov noted, all the performers in the ensemble are top performers, and the lineup varies depending on the tasks and locations.
The session's program was packed, featuring both time-tested classics and new works. One of the key pieces of the first day was the celebrated "Ballad of a Soldier," a piece that has become a hallmark of the Alexandrovtsy since Soviet times and is a treasured possession of the ensemble. This deeply lyrical and patriotic composition, crafted in the ensemble's unique style, remains undiminished by the years, according to the ensemble. As the ensemble notes, the power and relevance of this music and its lyrics, which tell the story of a soldier's fate, love for the Motherland, and sacrifice, have not diminished.
The second set of recordings, on February 9, was dedicated to a monumental work—the finale of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's cantata "Moscow." This work also has a rich history within the ensemble: its arrangement for the specific "Alexander" lineup was created under Alexander Vasilyevich Alexandrov. The original score for symphony orchestra, mixed choir, and soloists (baritone and soprano) was masterfully re-orchestrated to accommodate the ensemble's unique timbres—balalaikas, domras, and button accordions—while retaining the classical brass section.
Opera stars were invited to perform the solo parts: the soprano part was performed by renowned singer Agunda Kulaeva, and the baritone part by the Ensemble's own soloist, Maxim Maklakov. This large-scale recording involved approximately 90 male choir members, 20 female choir members, and approximately 50 orchestral musicians.
"Working at Mosfilm has become a good and fruitful tradition for our team. We always feel very comfortable, happy, and warm here," noted the ensemble's artistic director, Colonel Gennady Sachenyuk.
The ensemble's management and performers expressed special gratitude to the sound engineering team at Studio One. Working with such a large and acoustically complex ensemble, where the choir, soloists, and dozens of folk and wind instruments must be perfectly balanced, is a task of the highest professional level. Mosfilm's sound engineers, and in particular Gennady Papin, who has collaborated with the ensemble for many years, possess invaluable experience and a deep understanding of the specifics of the "Alexandrov" sound.
"There are amazing professionals here," noted Gennady Sachenyuk. "They know the ropes, how to record us… You don't need to explain anything to them anymore; they know everything perfectly, they hear perfectly, it's wonderful."
As choirmaster Vladimir Krotov noted, by recording classics and creating new works dedicated to contemporary events, both lyrical and patriotic, the Ensemble continues to chronicle its history. And it does so in a venue that, in its technical and acoustic qualities, is unparalleled anywhere in the world.
Mosfilm's 1st Music Studio is the only one in the world capable of physically accommodating and accurately recording over 160 performers simultaneously: a full symphony orchestra and a combined choir. Its unique dimensions, specially designed architecture, and premium equipment allow for unrivaled clarity, depth, and spaciousness of sound. Only here can such a large-scale recording be accomplished without sacrificing quality, while preserving the vibrant, unified spirit of the ensemble.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.