Kovcheg - Song of the Volga Boatmen

[@livedandletdie]

Pavel: Let me sing so low that you think it's the horn of a cargo ship, 50km away.

[@purestress2597]

Wait I've seen you somewhere before

[@theresafenyvesi9765]

The horn of GOD, rosh hozsanna...

[@PrincessGold1]

As a child, in Australia, I learned to play this on the piano. The translation began "Yo-o- heave -ho...Yo-o-heave-ho"...It tells the story of the Volga boatmen who had to haul their boats over land between stretches of watervand the Volga River. They used just manpower. There was not 1 continuous water route between St Petersburg and Moscow as there is now. It starts softly as you hear the boatmen singing to help them haul the boat, bending under the weight on the ropes. It grows in volume till the boatmen come into the 'presence of the viewer', then reduces in volume as the boatmen methodically trudge and heave their boat further and further away, hearing the Yo-o-heave-ho drifting off into the distance. It was magnificent to play, and as an 8 yr old it was wonderful to get that changing of volume just right. I always saw those boatmen and their hard life in my head. Later I had the sheer joy of standing in this room, listening to this vocal group in concert, ending with The Volga Boatmen. They were extraordinary. A Bucket List experience.

[@DawidKov]

Pulling boats over land (known as "volok" in Russian) was a different phenomenon, not related to this particular song. The "boatmen" of this song were known in Russian as "burlak", and their job was different. Firstly, they worked as any boat crew would, steering the boat as it was going downstream or under sail. If it got stuck, it'd be a hell of a job to get it back into the river. Secondly though, if there was no wind, the common way of getting boats upstream against the river was to pull them, either by draft horses or by a team of burlaks. There's a famous painting by Ilya Repin "Burlaks on the Volga". They borrowed the motif from the song "Dubinushka" (the two are often confused), which is a lumberjack song - they would make cuts in the trees' base and then pull them. The burlaks borrowed this method for situations when the boat got stuck - a tree with a wide canopy would be cut down, chained to the boat, and would act as an underwater sail, catching the river's stream to pull the boat off the shallows. So this song was used for both pulling down the trees, and for pulling the boats themselves upstream.

[@maryhamm9952]

😅​@@DawidKov

[@detlefsax1631]

Thanks. I didn't know.

[@frednerk3477]

We were taught this song, in English, at our primary school in Scotland back in the 1940's. We loved it. When I left school, I went to Australia but never lost the urge to see the mighty Volga. I had to wait nearly 50 years but finally made it and rushed down the bank to dip my hands in its waters. Once I was back on the bus I explained why I had held them up for a few minutes and sang the song in English to the Russians on board. They had not realised that the song about "their" river was known so well outside Russia. This rendition was glorious. I have put it in my "save" file.

[@jiffyyoyo6253]

Aww! What a beautiful story.

[@alexmichael7524]

BUT LIKE have you ever seen the mississippi river?

[@thomaslubke5355]

Fred Nerk That‘s interesting.

[@frednerk3477]

@@alexmichael7524 Sure have.

[@AbuMaia01]

Fred, would you have a link to a version sung in English? I went looking after seeing your comment, but couldn't find anything. All I remember from my childhood is the basic melody being used in some cartoons.

[@kwpp7]

Everyone is enthralled with the oktavist but that tenor is breathtakingly beautiful.

[@Th0ughtf0rce]

There are 2. Both incredibly clean.

[@jeanetteyork2582]

Full throated, full of masculine beauty....historically thrilling, marvelous, superb performance...🌹

[@gingersroc]

I could not have said it better myself!

[@AeneasGemini]

sadly masculine beauty is a dying art

[@elfin2865]

@@ihatelaypeople8603 ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@longdonghamjong2078]

Lol full throated 😂

[@trevorbarnes3831]

Jeanette... honey, for the love of all things holy just leave out the first part

[@ph1204]

I have heard this ensemble twice, in this very room. They are simply amazing. Their intonation and dynamics and just perfect. The bass is Pavel Myatokin, who has the most impressive, powerful, and clear low notes.

[@devonwalter6053]

Phil Hanna Is the bass the one on our right? Their left? At the end he hits an outstanding low note.

[@Hanfgurkenhasser]

The lad on the right, you can clearly see his mouth being wide open during his "Yaaaaaaaa" part in the end. A is always wide open.

[@devonwalter6053]

Hanfgurkenhasser Now I see who you're talking about! Thank you for telling me.

[@tofinoguy]

Thanks. Where is the room?

[@maryannbecksted1939]

Phil Hanna I totally agree. They are the best I have ever heard. Perfect balance, tone, timing quality, exquisite.

[@pamcunningham9608]

Russian choirs just give me chills up and down my spine, doesn't matter that I can't understand a word of what they're singing. Amazing!!

[@harpyspeaks]

I come back and listen to this every so often and I wish I knew why but it makes me sob uncontrollably. Like I go from normal to sobbing in about 15 seconds and I have no idea why. But this folk song rips through me every time. I know the meaning of catharsis because of this video

[@jamescantrell6956]

This is more than just any folk song. It is perhaps THE epic version of Russian folk song. And while such things have died, been murdered, across almost all of Western and Central Europe, this remains from Russia to remain us of the roots deep in rich soil that our ancestors all once thrived in.

[@harpyspeaks]

​​@@jamescantrell6956it is probably THE folk song, period. I think it's particularly resonant to me because my family history is interwoven with this history, these peoples. I feel an echo of my ancestors when I come back to this song; I think about the toil and the suffering, flights from war and genocide. I think about the Pale a lot. Anyway, here I am, listening again and crying in the park

[@effortlessproductions]

Spectacular tenors as well as spine chilling oktavists. Well done Kovcheg!

[@k.c.lejeune6613]

Let's not only give credit to Pavel but to all the singers, they ALL did an equally fantastic job.

[@elenacara2250]

Right you are! Vitaliy and conductor are amazing. Baritone and 1 bass make a good basis for Pavel. I think it's the best crew.

[@k.c.lejeune6613]

elena cara Very true. All the guys are a perfect compliment to each other. I would love to see them live in person, to experience that would be breathtaking!

[@jamescoughlin6911]

Fantastic! The bass profundity is extraordinary. Harmony is truly magnificent.

[@gliuto]

a thousand times I listen to this song, a thousand times I get the goosebumps and a knot in my throat, no matter which version is it. Amazing.

[@courtney06111997]

The fact that he can sing such a low now with that much volume is amazing.

[@jameslyall7888]

Here in Kamloops, BC, Canada, a typical school choir consists of 37 girls, and 1, maybe 2 boys with hopeful facial expressions. I would dearly love to get my hands on a CD by this ensemble; I'd let the local high school music coordinator play it for students. Even if precious few of us guys can ever hope to approach the level of this Kovcheg ensemble, I'm sure the sheer awesomeness of their sound would inspire more young guys to join choir.

[@thesuperjohn57]

James Lyall here in vancouver my highschool chamber choir has an equal number of boys and girls! and our larger ensemble is pretty similar aswell without 2 boys for every 3 girls i would guess

[@mweskamppp]

Our Choir in Münster-germany was mixed with mostly boys. One of my classmates studies classical singing in Wien and Italy and is now Bariton at the opera of flensburg.

[@andrewwizard1577]

Churches are the few last things that keep young men interested in singing or pursuing art forms of different types

[@calvinransom1315]

Here in Victoria in my school of 1000 we have 2 basses and a bunch of baritones forced to sing tenor (I am one of those baritones)

[@word6344]

Same in both of the elementary schools I attended in Ottawa

[@LeCanalBarbaraAnne]

Oh my God! Ab1. This is some of the greatest choral singing I have ever heard. The Tallis Scholars of Russia. Wow, the oktavist.

[@TheOktavismChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it, Barbara. You should take a listen to this as well--an F#1 from the same bass: Down the Mother Volga (2014) - Kovcheg

[@walteranthony6302]

Wow when the tenor comes in the second time with a high note 🎵. Damn Goosebumps

[@laurabentley937]

The memorable tune of The Song of the Volga Boatmen has led to its common usage in many musical situations, particularly as background music, often with the theme of unremitting toil (or, alternatively, devotion to duty).

[@janiliebenberg4407]

My late mom used to love this song and she listened to the record all the time. In Afrikaans we call it "Voldalied". Love from South Africa 😍😘😍😄

[@TurboPutin]

I am German and I absolutely love this. So much respect to all our Russian friends.

[@motidiskin2708]

אני יהודי ישראלי אימי המנוחה פליטה מגרמניה דיסלדורף ועבורנו זה השיר של משחררי אושווץ אפילו שלמעשה זה שיר של עבדים הם הבורלקים

[@svensontimm1564]

No Russians allowed, thank Putin

[@NikeaTiber]

My family was volga germans; took Catherine the Great up on her offer of land and immunity to military conscription. We left when the latter was retracted.

[@МихаилНаумов-ч3ъ]

​@@motidiskin2708не рабов, а бурлаков, это были наемные рабочие

[@MeinungMann]

​@@МихаилНаумов-ч3ънаемные рабочие, которые исполняли рабский труд

[@elliotportner8020]

This choir is doing a great job with the famous tune and bringing high meaning feeling and depth involved to lead to fine wonderful performance

[@mysticblade35]

I know this is an Oktavist channel but can we just touch upon the tenor absolutely crushing that A1

[@thetalantonx]

This song can still bring tears to my eyes from the sheer power behind it. The lyrics and history behind it ground it so powerfully.

[@Hanfgurkenhasser]

Man that tone sounds like straight from a string. And that in itself is absolutely impressive. Hats off. The composition generally is always on point - hope I can hear them live one day.

[@nancyhobson9710]

Bravo! Song of the Volga Boatment as I have never heard before and never will again. Magnificent.

[@regaldog334]

This song is one of a few things that inspired me to learn Russian!

[@kathleendunn2802]

Me, too!

[@sawyere2496]

Me too 💪

[@franksanteugini1071]

me too!

[@Yaivenov]

I never stop being amazed by the basso superprofondo at the end.

[@Beepinsqueekin]

I get rivers of goosebumps each time i play this beautiful song!! 😊

[@xaofan-tzilin2087]

In relation to the word "boatmen", these are not the same boatmen with oars, these boatmen were called "burlaky" - they pulled large boats or barges with goods on the straps along the river along the shore (usually against the current). Sometimes they were on the ship, someone pulled the anchor upstream, attached it, and the rest pulled the ship with a rope to this anchor. This was before the steam ships. There is a painting by the great Russian artist Ilya Repin - "Burlaky on the Volga". See how hard their work was.

[@VoxHispania]

Indeed, strong tough men

[@marcaniusaugustus]

they also used to lighten their burden by singing this song

[@mavisemberson8737]

The rythm would help them to pull together. Like many worksongs.

[@aaronbennack714]

Ilya Repin is one of my favorite figurative artists and I always hear this song in my head now when I see that one

[@ph1shk4]

Imagine being Russian and growing up immersed in all of this .. nothing cant describe what it's like . "I am Russian!!! What a amazing delight!!!" Said great military leader of all times Suvorov

[@Igorstadnick]

Славо!

[@lass-inangeles7564]

Wow! That last bass voice, like notes of smoky tobacco in a perfume, masculine and thrilling! Beautiful!! Like the river, so powerful.

[@maidenmarian1]

I cannot get enough of this song. I cannot get enough of this sound and the meaning if this song. People today have in some parts of the world forgotten how to suffer...

[@maartenvanvliet638]

a high quality recording of this piece of art is all i want for Christmas this year!

[@flyingvisit2]

Superb! the spoken word can not express how aw inspiring this performance is.

[@susanllequis3832]

No one else has that deep sound so beautifully expressed in music.

[@paulbryson2771]

Maximum love to the oktavist, but that tenor is incredible as well. He makes that high Ab seem effortless. Do you have any more information about this group?

[@TheOktavismChannel]

Yes, the whole ensemble is quite skilled! Their line-up has changed over the years, so I'm not 100% of the names of the current performers. In the summer they perform in at the Epiphany Cathedral in Uglich for tourists. They generally sing on sacred song and one folk song. There is a cruise that goes through Uglich and I think they perform for the tourists on the cruises a lot--that's where many of these videos come from.

[@jamesha175]

i believe that was a high G#

[@feeno1188]

@@jamesha175 that's... literally the same note

[@jamesha175]

@@feeno1188 damnit i was trying to pull one over on everybody but you got me!

[@sylviesimonnet2035]

Paul Bryson I don’t know their names but I saw them in Uglitch during the summer in 2015.

[@Flippables]

Why did I just find it now? I'm not a musician, do not understand any of the technical things... But this was mind-blowing. I am Russian, and I have heard the song a thousand times. This is the best rendition I've ever heard.

[@anastasiadenton]

TY Mr. Cameraman for the Pan shot around the room at the end so we can see how the space really is. OMG this makes it even more insane to listen to!

[@TheOktavismChannel]

Indeed--sometimes the videos are even more impressive when shot from far away, despite the not-as-good view! Videos of the oktavist voice communicate the unique power of this voice somewhat better than an audio recording.

[@Marusja3]

Огромное спасибо за чудесную красоту Ваших голосов !!! Настоящий подарок...💕🌸🌿

[@HMS1Blake]

Fantastic. That basso profondo, especially. What a skill. The shots of the river are a magnificent accompaniment to the music. Thank you for the video.

[@Motorbreath1212]

This has become one of my favorite videos on KZbin

[@dopapier]

Marvellous. I was there two weeks ago. A quartet from the same group. It was magical. Thanks for the link to oktavism. I used to have a male voice octet. I was the low bass and have reached low A, one note above this one's best. It must have been a following wind. Congratulations on the filming. Very good.

[@daviddonati7981]

THANK YOU! I've researched this song for months! I've listened in July in Tsarkoye Selo.

[@Siritos]

I am an atheist, but this performance is how I imagine humanity could speak to God.

[@Razzy-sr4oq]

You should hear Heyr himna smiður, an Icelandic hymn. You'll have tears.

[@HerrRobbenklopp]

Outstanding, beyond words.

[@henrygingercat]

Magnificent. How 5 voices can achieve this is beyond me.

[@louisfabrer4789]

Sublime interprétation de ce magnifique chant russe. Des voix exceptionnelles qui m'ont fait décoller pour survoler le grand fleuve, aidé aussi par les très belles images. Merci.

[@juleswins3]

Amazing a cappella! Eerie and melodious. What a combination.

[@CaresinVerse]

Wow! Great harmony. That basso at the end gave me goosebumps!

[@tempusfugit7127]

Listening to the ' Song of the Volga Boatmen ' always moves me to tears , thank you so much .Nostalgia for the 12 hours I had to spend at Moscow airport in the early 1970s before Perestroika . Although not allowed to wander or engage in conversation with staff , my history lessons about Russian Communism versus Chinese Communism stood me in good stead , vast beautiful mysterious seductive Russia . Oh ! Those memories and dreams are precious , although I am almost 70yrs old. .if God wills it ..I will come to the Country of my youthful longing 's ..

[@ph1shk4]

You will be amazed at the transformation of the country.. the beauty. The rise. You will be in awe

[@shirleynelson9301]

The deep voices have such wonderful tone, not just growling as some do.

[@dirkaandewiel8540]

Beautiful !! Also many thanks for the cameraman who filmed and recorded this!

[@gamayun1224]

Indeed!

[@sashe4264]

Wow, just found this today and im absolutely mind blown. The dynamics is unbelievable. Got literal chills.

[@AnthonyMartinez-go2ni]

They sounded like 25 men! Powerful. The bass singer is hypnotized! Outstanding!

[@honklerton732]

Absolutely amazing. So emotional and powerful. I love this.

[@teresaestevezalvarez664]

Fantastic, I feel transported to the Volga with their poweful voices. Great performance

[@Hendrix7711]

This made me cry it is so beautifully arranged and amazingly sung

[@paulboger7377]

Brings a tear to my eye. Aussie with Russian background, still trying to connect with my heritage.

[@adolfgaming1761]

Stay Aussie

[@onerelic1337]

definitely stay aussie

[@dlwatib]

Stupendous! So beautiful it brings tears to my eyes and chills to my spine.

[@Puddin_Pi]

Wow! Such singing! So good that my phone cried afterwards.

[@catsoandahalf]

OKTAVISM! Russian choir music is unmatched in range and depth because it comes directly from the Soul!

[@marynichols438]

Absolutely glorious. Breathtaking.

[@ivanoech]

Formidable, beautiful and armonious voices sung the Song of the Volga Boatmen. I like this octavist.

[@drewconleymusic]

Lyrics for those who want to sing along Ey, ukhnyem! Ey, ukhnyem! Yeshcho razik, yeshcho da raz! Ey, ukhnyem! Ey, ukhnyem! Yeshcho razik, yeshcho da raz! Razovyom my byeryozu, Razovyom my kudryavu! Ai-da, da ai-da, Ai-da, da ai-da, Razovyom my kudryavu. Ey, ukhnyem! Ey, ukhnyem! Razovyom my kudryavu. Ey, ukhnyem! Ey, ukhnyem! Yeshcho razik, yeshcho da raz! Ekh, ty, Volga, mat'-reka, Shiroka i gluboka, Ai-da, da ai-da, Ai-da, da ai-da, Shiroka i gluboka, Ey, ukhnyem! Ey, ukhnyem! Volga, Volga, mat'-reka Ey, ukhnyem! Ey, ukhnyem! Yeshcho razik, yeshcho da raz! Ey, ukhnyem! Ey, ukhnyem!

[@v.dargain1678]

Thanks !

[@k.c.lejeune6613]

You forgot the line "Эй, эй, тяни канат сильней, Волга, Волга, мать-река!

[@transformatamellina9762]

There's no 'k' in 'uchniem'. It is like 'h' in words like 'hook'.

[@cameronleonard2451]

@@transformatamellina9762 For that sharp "h" sound, as in the German "Ich", is written "kh" in the English phonetic alphabet. Both letters represent one sound, just like "ch" or "th". It's just the best way to show this specific "h" sound.

[@sidharthcs2110]

Thanks

[@LeeReed1002]

'Girls speak in a higher pitch when talking to someone they like' Every girl I talk to: 3:30

[@livedandletdie]

Huh, that's strange all girls speak in a higher pitch when talking to me, however I tend to speak really low when I speak with anyone... I feel like my voice gets down to Pavel level.

[@lise736]

_Cet ensemble est d'une beauté phénoménale !_ 10000 BRAVO 💖

[@varangianrider1643]

That is a truly great choral masterpiece.

[@buffalospirits]

Damn I want to hear these guys in person! I have heard full choirs that didn't have this depth of a sound. Incredible.

[@cirano2002]

Mint egy jól hangolt hangszer! Gyönyörűen szól!

[@MisterOcclusion]

Simply lovely. It's taken me years to identify this song. I never knew it had lyrics either.

[@jobond3317]

Just enchanting got goosebumps and the river. Always been fantasized by Russia and the Baltic countries amazing voices chilling tears flowing. I would love to visit but no tour for me

[@dianebonneau2350]

Beautiful production values, venue and talent. 🌸🌺💐

[@myriampro4973]

Simplemente maravilloso. No recuerdo la primera vez que escuché esta canción, pero siempre me pareció hermosa, es una melodía que llega hasta el alma.

[@marialindh4390]

This is fantastic!!!! So glad i found this :)

[@TheOktavismChannel]

Yes, they are one of my favorite little chamber choirs. All terrific singers, with a fantastic oktavist.

[@ianonymous3803]

Love this version as much as leonid Kharatonov's with the red army choir, he ended his version on a high note. Fantastic.

[@catsoandahalf]

Kharitonov was one of a kind, a world treasure.

[@AlBundy310]

Wow, so powerful.

[@TheOktavismChannel]

If you liked this, you'll love this recording of "Down the Mother Volga": Down the Mother Volga (2014) - Kovcheg

[@moveinsilencegs5136]

I'm Orthodox Christian adopted from Russia, This is my heart. Along with all orthodox music. The sorrow and sighing, the suffering for the good of man, and for ultimate Love. Who is like God?

[@patrickwilenchik1718]

Absolutely stunning 👍👏

[@AnitaHelena17]

Absolutely stunning!

[@StonyRC]

Heartrending and beautiful.

[@divox9pqr]

Absolutely beautiful....Perfectly in tune, never wavered.

[@redwoods7370]

Wow. Gorgeous and evocative.

[@k20090924]

What a great bass voice! :)

[@elena16350]

What can you say ,all the brilliants, mesmeric stunning, none of them seem appropriate, privileged to watch it. Thank so much, my relationship with the Volga comes from War and Peace.

[@marcusalexander7088]

Music may be the one thing that says humanity from itself. Spasiba!

[@catsoandahalf]

Absolutely INCREDIBLE! FANTASTIC!

[@mmmmmmmmdaaaamnnnnbabyyyy]

When that crescendo hits bruh, straight goosebumps 🔥🔥🔥

[@kinshuk1963]

Man, I just can't get enough of this song, whichever version it is !!

[@christiansweeney8092]

This is AMAZING!!

[@bougaevaleksandr1450]

Хор - блеск. Бас, как изюминка, просто умопомрачительно! В зале все иностранцы повскакивали! Бас - фантастика! Песня - о рабочей ! реке России! Сам пою в хоре. В Нижнем Новгороде. У реки Волга.

[@elijah24567]

A massive river indeed, the River volga, beautiful river. Magnificent vocals wish i could do this

[@danielhawkins6425]

This just came into my feed. Very stirring. You'd have to be dead not to be moved by it. That last note is...inhumanly low. I sing bass myself, but I might as well be a eunuch next to Myakotin.

[@kathleendunn2802]

i have a contralto range myself; even when i wake up in the morning, my voice reaches A2 or G2. Darn I wish I were singing with these guys,

[@ericslack681]

In the morning my voice sits around a c#2 after I get woke up it sits at a D2

[@legadema37]

I’m a contralto with a low range too! Sing 2nd alto & tenor in classical & gospel choirs. Would love to sing with these guys! Stand next to the oktavist & feel the air in my lungs vibrate & my toenails rattle!

[@trevscribbles]

It took Phil Spector a thousand saxophones, ten drum kits, a battalion of backing vocalists, and a murdered actress to achieve the "wall of sound"... ...these five lads showed up and hummed him off his pedestal.

[@k.c.lejeune6613]

Trev Moran The strength and power of the Russians! Mightiest country and people of all time.

[@fulcrum2951]

Trev Moran russian power

[@gardenvariety9957]

True...and thanx for a good laugh!

[@droidec1p8]

Paul Mc Cartney agrees with you, I suppose...

[@suzannewojcicki-biniecki7716]

So beautiful. It put tears in my eyes and I want to see the Volga.

[@mishapurser7542]

Absolutely incredible.

[@Cloroxbleach-xo7st]

I'm American and listening to this makes me proud to be Russian

[@k.c.lejeune6613]

@Cookiesurvival Then I am 100% Russian.

[@Zulanderr]

I’m Irish but listening to this makes me want to be Russian

[@rarespiritwendy]

I’m Ukrainian and I feel so overwhelmed by this...gorgeous ♥️

[@staplesock5549]

Russians drink vodka Americans drink bleach noted

[@rarespiritwendy]

Jonny Rigdon definitely ashamed to be American now ... it’s humiliating how we are seen by civilized society...certainly I feel the Americans are all judged by our “leadership” but many of us are not of that mindset

[@pfridell8424]

i'll bet that bass singer could touch off an earthquake with that beautiful voice!

[@SprocketWalker]

I've watched this many times. This is so beautiful, skillful, and well-done! Thank you!

[@kathleendunn2802]

Happy birthday, Pavel!

[@carennorthcutt7724]

That last note was down to my toes! Just beautiful!