No, the title isn't sorne clever transformation of the arranger's name, rather it's a Russian folk song, which Mr Gaudreau has arranged for a Niibori orchestra containing Alto (5 notes up), two guitars, a Bass (4 notes down) and a Contrabass. Set in A minor, the Alto and Bass are notated in D minor.
The overall standard is probably Grade Seven for the top parts and Grade three for the lower, which move more slowly. But the sense of fun, as we shall see, means that players of higher ability will enjoy throwing themselves into this piece too.
Terrifically atmospheric, the piece begins with a mournful adagio with off-the-beat block chords behind it, and a luscious rall. before the motif is repeated with a fun accelerando. A new section sees phrases being passed from guitar to guitar using the extra compass of the orchestra to throw the notes from octave to octave on the way. All the while the deep contra provides the primary beats and various guitars, including the bass, provide three note chords on the off-beat as the tune weaves around.
The big arpeggiated chords and the strummed high chords are redolent of accordion and balalaika and the constant gathering of speed before starting over again with a mournful refrain never fails to excite. And neither is this repetitive - nine different sections add interest all the way through.
Derek Hasted (Classical Guitar Magazine)
