Bring a piece of musical history to your next recital with Thomas Hultén’s striking arrangement of the traditional Russian folk song, Song of the Volga Boatmen (known natively as Ey, ukhnem!). Originally sung by the burlaks (barge-haulers) along the Volga River, this iconic melody is famous for capturing the immense physical weight, determination, and grit of the workers.
 
While traditionally performed as a somber, heavy dirge, Thomas Hultén breathes fresh energy into this iconic folk melody by setting it in a slick, infectious swing style. This unexpected stylistic fusion transforms the steady, driving pulse of the original barge-hauler's chant into a sophisticated jazz groove for brass quintet.
 
Instrumentation:
Trumpet 1-2
Horn 
Trombone
Bass Trombone/Tuba