Oleg Molchan’s Song “Kuma” Is Performed by Anatoly Kasheparov and Irina Vidova.

Oleg Molchan’s Song “Kuma” Is Performed by Anatoly Kasheparov and Irina Vidova.

In celebration of the composer Oleg Molchan’s jubilee year, Irina Vidova and Ray Records are pleased to present new releases and premieres of renowned songs. Today, we feature “Kuma,” performed by Anatoly Kasheparov and Irina Vidova.

The lyrics of the song are folk. Vladimir Mulyavin consistently dedicated his performances of this song to his “kuma” Tatyana Lukashevich — he was the godfather of her younger son. Vladimir’s wife, Svetlana Penkina, was a close friend of Tatyana and the godmother of her elder son.

The music was composed by Oleg Molchan. In fact, nearly all of Vladimir Mulyavin’s most notable hits from the later years of his career were written by the maestro Molchan.

“Performing this song, I sought to find a new interpretation, and Oleg Molchan helped me in achieving that,” says Anatoly Kasheparov. “We rehearsed as if it were the first time the song was being performed, as if no one had sung it before me. It turned out in our own way, and we were both pleased with the result.”

Anatoly Kasheparov first performed “Kuma” ten years ago at a concert dedicated to Oleg Molchan’s 50th anniversary. The audience loved it! Now, ten years later, in honor of the maestro’s 60th birthday, the song is being presented anew with a fresh interpretation. Moreover, Irina Vidova participated in this recording of “Kuma,” singing the chorus alongside Anatoly and adding new, unexpected colors to the composition’s palette.

The track is available on all digital platforms.