Oleg Molchan’s “Pesnya Maya” Performed by Akim Tyshko

In celebration of the anniversary year of Oleg Molchan, Irina Vidova and the music publishing company Ray Records are presenting new recordings of the Maestro’s songs every Friday. Today’s release is the composition “Pesnya maya,” performed by Akim Tyshko.

It feels like it was just yesterday: on March 30, 2016, a solo concert by composer Oleg Molchan took place in the Grand Hall of the Belarusian State Philharmonic. The concert featured the debut of his song cycle titled Molitva, set to the poetry of Yanka Kupala.

Oleg Molchan himself was at the piano, always in high spirits and dressed in an elegant suit. The event was filled with a warm and intimate atmosphere: on stage were renowned artists and ensembles with whom Molchan had built lasting friendships and collaborations; in the audience — a discerning and sensitive public.

A true highlight for those present was the song “Pesnya maya.” Only those who knew Oleg Molchan closely understood that the words “Pesnya maya nya uzyshla syarod kvetak” (“My song did not rise among the flowers”) reflected his life and creative journey. Despite facing many obstacles and misunderstandings, he always moved forward. Over the course of 54 years, he achieved a great deal and was rightfully regarded as a classic during his lifetime.

Of course, the significance of who performs the song cannot be overstated. Initially, Oleg Molchan entrusted this piece to the vocal group Chistiy Golos. Today, it is performed by Akim Tyshko.

Oleg Molchan himself remarked on the eve of his concert: “Thanks to Yanka Kupala’s poetry, we, as a nation — Belarusians — feel connected. We may resemble our neighbors in some ways, but at the same time, we are unique. We have our own distinctive features, our national character. This cultural heritage, which Yanka Kupala left us, must be protected, cultivated, and enriched.”

Since November 28, the track “Pesnya maya” has been available on all digital platforms.