Video

Films of Eldar Ryazanov, Moral Voice of the USSR

Eldar Ryazanov is remembered as one of the most influential and beloved directors in the post-Stalin Soviet era. Phrases from his movies, which is often co-wrote are still quoted by Russians as much as pieces of folk wisdom as pop culture references. He is best known for light comedies that also delivered social reflection, moral […]

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Aleksei Balabanov and His Films: Cult Classics of Post-Soviet Russia

15 Soviet Cartoons to Put You in the Holiday Spirit

Music

Estrada: Soviet State Pop that Lives on Today

Estrada is a musical style largely defined by its performance. Its stars are larger-than-life personalities who draw audiences into the show through expressive singing and direct engagement. Most often classically trained vocalists, they often have operatic ranges and typically perform songs written by professional composers and poets. Performances typically lean heavily on spectacle, with large […]

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Orthodox Song: A Modern Genre Struggles in Ancient Tradition

Polish Sung Poetry: Word, Song, Beauty, and Resistance