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Sing Gypsy!

Zina Pavlova and Sasha Polinoff
Sing Gypsy!

This 1993 Monitor release is a compilation of two previous Monitor recordings: Sing Gypsy! (1967), by Zina Pavlova, and Russian Cabaret (1965), by Sasha Polinoff and the Russian Gypsy Ensemble of Kostya Poliansky. The vocals, sung by Russian-American singer Zina Pavlova, are a selection of traditional and popular Russian songs that tell of joys and sorrows in the lives of the Roma people in Russia. The ten instrumental tracks are Russian folk dance tunes with solos by Sasha Polinoff on the balalaika, a traditional Russian three-stringed instrument with a triangular body. Liner notes include English translations of the lyrics.

*Content Advisory: While some Roma have and continue to use “Gypsy” as a self-identifier, many consider the term offensive or a racial slur. Romani people are a minoritized ethnic group in Europe who have been persecuted for centuries, and the term “Gypsy” has been used in violent and racist ways. We encourage you to learn more about Roma history and culture, and the continued fight for Roma rights. For more information, please see these resources from the European Roma Rights Centre, RomArchive, and Amnesty International.
- Anna Kate Cannon, 2021–22 Dumbarton Oaks Fellow at SFR, and Dr. Adriana Helbig, professor of Music at the University of Pittsburgh, contributed to the research and writing for this statement.
- Anna Kate Cannon, 2021–22 Dumbarton Oaks Fellow at SFR, and Dr. Adriana Helbig, professor of Music at the University of Pittsburgh, contributed to the research and writing for this statement.
For our policy on controversial recordings, please see our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Track Listing

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101
Don't Be Angry (Nye Serdis) / Gypsies (Tsyganochki) - (medley) Zina Pavlova 02:52
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102
Karapet (Russian Two Step) Sasha Polinoff 01:49
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103
The Gate (Kalitka) Zina Pavlova 03:21
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104
Love Has Passed (Lyubov Proshla) Sasha Polinoff 02:25
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105
Candies and Pretzels (Konfetki-Baranochki) Zina Pavlova 03:25
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106
Farewell Gypsy Camp (Proschai Moy Tabor) Sasha Polinoff 01:38
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107
All That Has Been (Vsyo Chto Bylo) Zina Pavlova 03:07
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108
Kazbek: Kazbek / Allah Verde / Shamil's Prayer and Lezginka (medley) Sasha Polinoff 05:37
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109
The Flowers are Lovely in the Spring (Khoroshi Vesnoi V Sadu Tsvetochki) Zina Pavlova 01:48
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110
Stenka Razin Sasha Polinoff 02:19
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111
He Went Away (On Uyekhal) Zina Pavlova 03:10
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112
In the Forest at the Front (V Lyesu Prifrontovom) Sasha Polinoff 03:24
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113
Autumn (Osyen) Zina Pavlova 03:36
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114
Where is the Street (Gde eta ulitsa, gde elot dom) / Snow Flurries (Metelitsa) / Dark Night (Nochka Tyemnaya) - (medley) Sasha Polinoff 04:28
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115
Sing, Gypsies (Poite Tsyganye) Zina Pavlova 02:57
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116
Red Bricks (Kirpichki) / Street Lights (Fonariki) - (medley) Sasha Polinoff 04:22
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117
The Cornflowers (Vasilyochki) Zina Pavlova 03:07
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118
Oh, Those Dark Eyes (Akh, Eti Chorniye Glaza) / My Heart (Serdtse) - (medley) Sasha Polinoff 03:02
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119
Bows and Ribbons (Chastushki) Zina Pavlova 02:36
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120
Days of Our Life (Dni Nashey Zhizni) Sasha Polinoff 03:11
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121
By the Fireplace (U Kamina) / Why Fall in Love (Zachem Bylo Vlyublyatsa) - (medley) Zina Pavlova 04:53
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122
Snowstorm (Buran) Zina Pavlova 01:39