Obereg abandons the clichéd image of Russia in order to show its hidden face and get closer to the particular sensitivity of its people, who are so near and still so far. The group unites musicians of varied nationalities and harmonizes instruments from around the world, distilling beneficial effects through the compositions of Denis Ivanidzé, which are in turn magnified by the soprano voice of Tatiana Rykova. Her voice offers intense and varied interpretations of lyrics evoking the searing moments of life.

From gentle to gut-wrenching, her vocals crystallize extreme emotions intensified by the resonance of the Russian language and surrounded by a rich, subtle orchestration. Initially, Obereg was attached to a theatrical troupe, Or Tolstovskoï Zastavi, which worked in the confines of the Official Network. Thus, they had little perspective of the future. But when Péréstroïka occurred, the troupe was subsidized and experienced a surprising surge of popularity.

Thanks to the information they have collected over the years, Obereg have acquired a vast knowledge of the Russian repertoire, including love songs and traditional tunes. Each composition has its own history, time and personality--but adaptation and interpretation are the group's goals. When one evokes the sense of Russian popular music, what images emerge? Costumes with flowers and balalaïka on the corner of the town square? How could it be different, since these are the only images that the USSR conceded to export? They are strong but truncated images, and are certainly not representative of Russia's reality and richness. There is indeed another Russia, neither worse nor better--a country where the music and songs have a crucial place in everything from festivals and celebrations to evenings spent with family and time shared with friends. The music is intimate, personal and lived--and it was in this intimacy that Obereg was born.

Mama / Counting Drops / In The Sea / Far Away / Don't Guess The Future / The Heaven / Black Curl / The Annunciation / The Beauty / Nothing Remains / The Ring / Premonition / The Nig