Moon Over Moscow: Exciting and Soulful Instrumentals of Russian Popular Hits

American conductor-arranger Charles E. Shirley leads an ensemble of eight musicians in the playing of instrumental versions of 12 Russian popular songs (shansons). Among the more recognizable melodies featured in this album are “Midnight in Moscow” (also known as “Moscow Nights”) and Lev Knipper’s “Meadowland”’ (better known to Russians as “Polyushko-Polye”), a song about peasants leaving their homes in the collective farms to join the Red Army. Liner notes include brief information on the songs and performers with a list of Monitor releases that feature vocal versions of the songs on this album.

Track Listing

101	Night Trolley	Charles Shirley and His Ensemble	03:02
102	Meadowland	Charles Shirley and His Ensemble	02:41
103	Song of a Friend	Charles Shirley and His Ensemble	02:10
104	Far Away	Charles Shirley and His Ensemble	02:35
105	Midnight in Moscow (Moscow Nights)	Charles Shirley and His Ensemble	02:41
106	Hi-Li-Li	Charles Shirley and His Ensemble	02:55
201	The Light	Charles Shirley and His Ensemble	02:15
202	Dark Night	Charles Shirley and His Ensemble	02:39
203	The Volga Flows	Charles Shirley and His Ensemble	03:13
204	Roads	Charles Shirley and His Ensemble	02:33
205	Let There Always Be Sunshine	Charles Shirley and His Ensemble	02:36
206	Lonely Accordion	Charles Shirley and His Ensemble	02:25