Guide to the Soviet All-Union Radio Committee Collection ARS.0085

Finding aid prepared by Franz Kunst
Archive of Recorded Sound
Braun Music Center
541 Lasuen Mall
Stanford University
Stanford, California, 94305-3076
650-723-9312
soundarchive@stanford.edu
© 2011
The Board of Trustees of Stanford University. All rights reserved.


Descriptive Summary

Title: Soviet All-Union Radio Committee Collection
Dates: c.1947-1953
Collection number: ARS.0085
Collection Size: 5 boxes : 108 tapes on hubs (pancake): 22 in 5" boxes ; 65 in 7" boxes ; 21 in 10.5" boxes
Creator: Vsesoi︠u︡znoe radio
Repository: Archive of Recorded Sound
Abstract: The Soviet All-Union Radio Committee Collection consists of excerpts of classical music, opera, and folk music on tape, all by Russian composers and performed by Russian musicians, from the late 1940s and early 50s. The tapes were used in radio programming by the All-Union Radio Committee (Vsesoiuznoe radio).
Language of Material: Russian

Access

Open for research; material must be requested at least two business days in advance of intended use. Contact the Archive for assistance.

Publication Rights

Property rights reside with repository. Publication and reproduction rights reside with the creators or their heirs. To obtain permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the Head Librarian of the Archive of Recorded Sound.

Preferred Citation

Soviet All-Union Radio Committee Collection, ARS-0085. Courtesy of the Stanford Archive of Recorded Sound, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Sponsor

This finding aid was produced with generous financial support from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

Scope and Contents

The Soviet All-Union Radio Committee Collection consists of excerpts of classical music, ballet, opera, and folk music on tape, all written by Russian composers and performed by Russian musicians, from the late 1940s and early 1950s. The tapes appear to have been used in radio programming by the All-Union Radio Committee in the Soviet Union. In fact, there is no identifiable agency responsible indicated on the majority of tape boxes, but some do indicate VRK (Vsesoiuznoe Radio, or All-Union Commission on Radiofication and Radio Broadcasting). Additionally, the Grand Symphony Orchestra of the All-Union Radio Committee performs on a number of recordings, suggesting All-Union Radio involvement.
Despite the fact that typed English translations are affixed to some tape boxes, these were probably used originally in the production of programs to be broadcast within the U.S.S.R. Programs such as Radio Moscow were sent to air in the United States as fully-produced shows, and, as noted, these are excerpts from two to thirty minutes long (most are around five minutes). In some boxes there are handwritten translations on c.1950s stationery with a printed San Francisco letterhead. Some tapes are untranslated and are marked [Russian]. No attempt has been made at translating, but transliteration has been standardized to some degree.
Composers most prominently featured in the collection are Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Scriabin, and Prokofiev. Khachaturian and Kabalevsky conduct their own work (the latter with David Oistrakh), and Shostakovich plays his Prelude and Fugue, op.87 (noted incorrectly on boxes as 89) in a variety of keys. Works by Borodin, Gliere, Miaskovsky, Glazunov, and Glinka are also performed. The names for certain orchestras vary from tape box to tape box, but the majority are credited to the Grand Symphony Orchestra of the All-Union Radio Committee. Also performing are the State Symphony Orchestra of U.S.S.R., the Leningrad State Philharmonic Orchestra, the State Orchestra of Russian Folk Instruments, the Russian State Peoples Chorus, the Moscow Youth Orchestra, the Georgian State String Quartet (Sak’art’velos Saxelmcip’o Simebiani Kvarteti), and the Beethoven Quartet (Kvartet Imeni Betkhovena).
Among the conductors are Golovanov, Gauk, Knushevitsky, Aleksandrov, Samosud, and Kondrashin. Soloists, many of whom who found fame in the West not long after these recordings, include David Oistrakh, Mstislav Rostropovich, Emil Gilels, and Sviatoslav Knushevitsky. Regions covered in folk songs include Ukraine, Armenia, Estonia, and Moldavia. There is also more political material, such as the Russian national anthem Hymn to the Soviet Union, "composed" folk songs, and odes to Stalin.
Information from tape boxes has been entered in the following format: "Composer. Title. Conductor, Performing group, Soloist." All tapes were originally numbered in the same series, but with significant gaps. Some parts are missing as well. Printed dates of any kind are lacking. Some works were written in the early 50s while others are likely pre-1953. Despite its age and condition, original packaging has been retained, including cardboard boxes in 5, 7 and 10" sizes. The acetate tape was stored oxide-out in pancakes on unusual metal hubs. Printed labels in Russian identify works and performers. Curiously, there are also English translations printed on boxes (in addition to the handwritten translations enclosed). Some tape leaders have typed Russian notes too.

Indexing Terms

Aleksandrov, A. V. (Aleksandr Valerʹevich), 1883-1946
Aleksandrov, Boris Aleksandrovich
Altʻunyan, Tʻatʻul, 1901-1974
Aranov, Shiko Beniaminovich, 1906-1969
Balanchivadze, A. (Andreĭ), 1906-1992
Blanter, Matveĭ
Borodin, Aleksandr Porfirʹevich, 1833-1887
Budashkin, Nikolaĭ Pavlovich, 1910-1988
Ernesaks, Gustav, 1908-1993
Gauk, Aleksandr, 1893-1963
Gilels, Emil
Glazunov, Aleksandr Konstantinovich, 1865-1936
Glière, Reinhold Moritsevich, 1875-1956
Glinka, Mikhail Ivanovich, 1804-1857
Golovanov, Nikolaĭ Semenovich, 1891-1953
Harutʻyunyan, Alekʻsandr Grigori, 1920-
Homoli︠a︡ka, Vadym Borysovych, 1914-1980
Kabalevsky, Dmitry Borisovich, 1904-1987
Kapp, Villem, 1913-1964
Karaev, Kara
Khachaturi︠a︡n, Aram Ilʹich, 1903-1978
Kiladze, Grigoriĭ Varfolomeevich, 1902-1962
Knushevit︠s︡kiĭ, Svi︠a︡toslav, 1908-1963
Kondrashin, Kirill, 1914-1981
Kovalʹ, Marian, 1907-1971
Liatoshynskyĭ, Borys Mykolaĭovych, 1895-1968
Mi︠a︡skovskiĭ, N. (Nikolaĭ), 1881-1950
Mussorgsky, Modest Petrovich, 1839-1881
Nikolaeva, Tatʹi︠a︡na, 1924-1993
Oĭstrakh, David Fedorovich, 1908-1974
Prokofiev, Sergey, 1891-1953
Rachmaninoff, Sergei, 1873-1943
Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolay, 1844-1908
Rostropovich, Mstislav, 1927-2007
Scriabin, Aleksandr Nikolayevich, 1872-1915
Shostakovich, Dmitriĭ Dmitrievich, 1906-1975
Shtoharenko, Andriĭ I︠A︡kovych, 1902-1992
T︠S︡int︠s︡adze, Sulkhan, 1925-1991
Taneev, Sergeĭ Ivanovich, 1856-1915
Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilich, 1840-1893
Folk songs.
Operas--Excerpts
Radio programs
Soviet Union


Box 1

907

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Gliere, Reinhold. The Bronze Horseman. Faier, All Union Academy of Bolshoi Theatre
Box 3

1068 (parts 1-3) [1952]

Physical Description: 3 10.5" open reel tapes

Scope and Contents note

Scriabin. Symphony no.3, The Divine Poem. N. Golovanov, Symphony Orchestra of All Union Radio Committee
Box 1

1759 (parts 1 and 4)

Physical Description: 2 open reel tapes : one 5" ; one 7"

Scope and Contents note

[Russian]
Box 1

1814

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Mussorgsky. Khovanshchina. Dawn on the Moscow River. N. Golovanov, Symphony Orchestra of All Union Radio Committee
Box 4, Box 1

2107 (parts 1-3)

Physical Description: 3 open reel tapes : two 7" ; one 10"

Scope and Contents note

Borodin. Symphony no. 2, Valiant Knight. N. Golovanov, Grand Symphony Orchestra of All Union Radio Committee. Parts 1 and 2 in box 1, part 3 in box 4.
Box 1

2269 1944

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Zakharov. Glory to Stalin. Zakharov, Kazmin, Efimkin
Box 1

2784

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape : originally in 5" box

Scope and Contents note

Solovyov-Sedoy, V. On the Sunny Meadow. All Union Radio Committee and Accordion Trio, Nechayev
Box 1

3001

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Rimsky-Korsakov. The Czar's Bride. Nebolsin, State Orchestra of Bolshoi Theatre, Barova
Box 1

4194

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Mussorgsky. Fair at Sorotchintsi. Barova, Mironov
Box 1

4565

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

[Russian]
Box 1

4638 (parts 1 and 2)

Physical Description: 2 7" open reel tapes

Scope and Contents note

Arutunyan. Cantata on Our Motherland. Triumph of Labor, Lullaby. Stasevich, All Union Radio Committee, Doluzhanova
Box 1

6524

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

folk song, Riabinushka. Kolotilova, Russian State Peoples Chorus
Box 4, Box 1

6849 (parts 2-4)

Physical Description: 3 open reel tapes : two 7" ; one 10"

Scope and Contents note

Tsintsadze. Quartet no.2. Georgian State Quartet. Parts 2 and 4 in box 1, part 3 in box 4.
Box 1

6927

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Blanter. Song of Stalin (words by Surkov). Knushevitskov, Korolev
Box 1

7038

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Koka, E.K. Doina (words by E. Bukov). Baronchuk, Orchestra of People's Music, Moldavian SSR, Tamara Cheban
Box 1

7111

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Aranov. Kolkhoznaya Zastolnaya. Aranov, Orchestra of Moldavian SSR, Kukoz
Box 1

7279

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

[Russian]
Box 1

7283

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

[Russian]
Box 1

7685

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Aleksandrov. Hymn of the Soviet Union [(words by Sergey Mikhalkov)].
Box 1

7806

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

folk song, Kalinka. Aleksandrov, Red Army Red-Bannered Song and Dance Ensemble of the USSR, Nikitin
Box 1

8057

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape folders

Scope and Contents note

Borodin. Mlada finale. Khaykin, Leningrad State Philharmonic Orchestra
Box 1

8202

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Gliere. Romance. Kondrashin, State Symphony Orchestra of USSR, Oistrakh
Box 1

8319 (1 and 2)

Physical Description: 2 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Scriabin. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra. Gauk, Grand Symphony Orchestra of All Union Radio Committee, S. Feinberg
Box 1

8321

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Solovyov-Sedoy, V. Students Strolling. Knushevitski, orchestra, V. Nechiev
Box 1

8500

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Budashkin. Russian Fantasia. Osipov, State Orchestra of Russian Folk Instruments
Box 1

8548

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Koval. Freedom, from Emilian Pugatchev. Gorchakov, Grand Symphony Orchestra of All Union Radio Committee, A. Piragov
Box 1

8795

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

folk song, Gay Knick-Knack. K. Massalitinova, Russian Orchestra of Voronezh, E. Osinova
Box 1

8821

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Rustamov, C. Sureya. R Beyboutov, T. Kuliev
Box 1

9442

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

[Russian]
Box 4

9933

Physical Description: 1 10.5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Karaev. Symphonic Poem, Leyly and Medjnun. N. Derezher, State Symphony Orchestra of USSR
Box 1

10361 (parts 1-3)

Physical Description: 3 7" open reel tapes

Scope and Contents note

Kabalevsky. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, op. 48, D Major. Kabalevsky, State Symphony of USSR, D. Oistrakh
Box 2

10919 (parts 1-4)

Physical Description: 4 7" open reel tapes

Scope and Contents note

Miaskovsky. Quartet No.13. Beethoven Quartet
Box 4, Box 2

10989 (parts 1-5)

Physical Description: 5 open reel tapes : three 7" ; two 10"

Scope and Contents note

Tchaikovsky. Suite No.2. A. Gauk, Leningrad Symphony Orchestra, Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra, Grand Symphony Orchestra of All Union Radio Committee. Parts 2,3 and 5 in box 2, parts 1 and 4 in box 4.
Box 4

11294

Physical Description: 1 10.5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Miaskovsky. N. 21st Symphony. K. Ivanov, State Symphony Orchestra of USSR. "Bad distortion" noted.
Box 2

11465

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Rachmaninoff. Eastern Dance no.2, op.2. M. Postronovich, A. Dedukhin
Box 2

11823 (parts 2, 3 and 4)

Physical Description: 3 open reel tapes

Scope and Contents note

Tchaikovsky. String Quartet no.1. Oistrakh, Bondarenko, Terian, Knushevitsky
Box 2

11896

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Glinka. Kamarinskaya. K. Ivanov, State Symphony of USSR
Box 2

12227 (parts 1-4)

Physical Description: 4 7" open reel tapes

Scope and Contents note

Gomoliaka. Carpathian Sketches. M.G. Rakhlin, Grand Symphony of All Union Radio Committee
Box 2

12483

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Shtogarenko. Il Kievy Na Podaly (words by P. Voronoko). A.M. Soroka, Dumka Ukranian State Male Chorus, O.L. Skrobanskaya
Box 2

12525

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Ukrainian folk song, Kucheryva Katarina. A.Z. Minkovsky, State Orchestra of Ukrainian SSR
Box 2

12629

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Balanchivadze. Samaia, from Heart of the Mountain. O. Dimitriatsi, Grand Symphony Orchestra of All Union Radio Committee
Box 2

12733

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Budashkin. Holiday Overture. N. Rachlin, Grand Symphony Orchestra of All Union Radio Committee
Box 4

12835 (part 2)

Physical Description: 1 10.5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

[unidentified composer] Concerto No.1 in C Major. T. Nikolayeva, State Symphony Orchestra of USSR [damage to label ; Radio Recorders Hollywood sticker on box]
Box 4

13211

Physical Description: 1 10.5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Liatoshinsky. Poem of Reunion. State Symphony Orchestra of Ukrainian SSR
Box 2

13291

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Ukrainian folk song, Vziav by Banduru. A.Z. Minkovsky, B.R. Gmyra, State Choir of Ukrainian SSR
Box 2

13296

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Tchaikovsky, ballad from Scene 1 of Queen of Spades. V. Peradov, Orchestra of Shevchenko Theater, Kiev, B. Gmiria
Box 2

13717

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Ernesaks. Evening at Seashore. A. Vakhter, Male State Chorus of Estonian SSR
Box 4

13725

Physical Description: 1 10.5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Kapp, V. Symphonic poem, For Peace. S.A. Prokhorov, Symphonic Orchestra of Estonian Radio
Box 2

14707 (parts 1, 3 and 4)

Physical Description: 3 7" open reel tapes

Scope and Contents note

Prokofiev. Sonata No. 2 in D Minor, Opus 14. Emil Gilels
Box 2

14040

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

[Russian]
Box 5

15129 (parts 1 and 2)

Physical Description: 2 10.5" open reel tapes
Physical Condition: Tape 1 has become unspooled and requires preservation treatment.

Scope and Contents note

Prokofiev. Oratio, On Guard for Peace (words by S. Marshak). S. Samoysuda, Boy's Chorus and Mixed Chorus with symphony orchestra, Z. Dolukhonova, E. Talanov, N. Yefron, A. Schwartz
Box 5

15130 (part 2)

Physical Description: 1 10.5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Taneyev. First Symphony, op.12 in C Minor. A. Gauk, Grand Symphony Orchestra of All Union Radio Committee
Box 5, Box 2

15248 (parts 1-3)

Physical Description: 3 open reel tapes : one 7" ; two 10"

Scope and Contents note

Khachaturian. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra. Khachaturian, Grand Symphony Orchestra, L. Kogan. Parts 1 and 2 in box 5, Part 3 in box 2.
Box 2, Box 5

16586 (parts 1-3)

Physical Description: 3 open reel tapes : one 7' ; two 10"

Scope and Contents note

Shostakovich. Symphony no.1 in F Minor, op.10. K. Kondrashin, Symphony Orchestra of State Bolshoi Theater of USSR. Part 2 in box 2, parts 1 and 3 in box 5.
Box 2

16792 (part 1)

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Kiladze, G. Georgian Suite. O. Dimitriady, State Symphony Orchestra of USSR
Box 2

16940

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

[Russian]
Box 2

17833

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

[Russian]
Box 2

18009

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Armenian folk song arranged by T. Altunian, To Heros of our Fields. T. Altunian, A. Alexandrian, Armenian Song and Dance State Ensemble
Box 2

18103

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Shostakovich. Prelude and Fugue, op.89 [i.e. 87] in C major. Shostakovich, piano
Box 2

18104

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Shostakovich. Prelude and Fugue, op.89 [i.e. 87] in D major. Shostakovich, piano
Box 2

18106

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Shostakovich. Prelude and Fugue, op.89 b [i.e. 87] in F major. Shostakovich, piano
Box 2

18107

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Shostakovich. Prelude and Fugue, op.89 [i.e. 87] in G major. Shostakovich, piano
Box 2

18820

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

folk song, I Am On A Meadow. L. Shimkov, Federov Sisters, V. Yakovlev, accordion
Box 2

19456

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Shostakovich. Prelude and Fugue, op. 89 [i.e. 87] in C Minor. Shostakovich, piano.
Box 2

19457

Physical Description: 2 7" open reel tapes two copies

Scope and Contents note

Shostakovich. Prelude and Fugue, op. 89 [i.e. 87] in E Minor. Shostakovich, piano.
Box 2

19874

Physical Description: 2 7" open reel tapes

Scope and Contents note

folk song, Tonkaya Riabina. A. Svenshnikov, State Chorus of Russian Song
Box 3

20490

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

contemporary folk song, recorded by Molosov, arranged by V. Zakharov, words by P. Kazmin. Piatnizky's State Russian Chorus, V. Khatov, Podlatova, Prokoshina
Box 3

21121

Physical Description: 1 5" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Tauts, L. March Miners-Komsomoletsev, Estonian words by K. Korsen. R. Merkulova, A. Ratasepp, Estonian Radio Orchestra and Chorus, G. Ots
Box 5

21591 (parts 1 and 2)

Physical Description: 2 10.5" open reel tapes

Scope and Contents note

Prokofiev. Piano Concerto no.1 in D Flat, op. 10. K. Kondrashan, Moscow Youth Orchestra, S.T. Richter, piano
Box 3

24060

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

Glazunov. Melody for Cello and Orchestra no.1, op. 20. N.P. Anosov, State Symphony Orchestra of USSR, M. Rostropovich, cello
Box 3

25183

Physical Description: 1 7" open reel tape

Scope and Contents note

folk song, Uralski Stradanie. L. Khristiansen, Ural State Chorus Ensemble, V. Davidenko, S. Kvashin
Box 3

26434 (parts 1-4)

Physical Description: 4 7" open reel tapes

Scope and Contents note

Prokofiev. Symphony no.7 op. 131. S.A. Samosud, Grand Symphony Orchestra of All Union Radio Committee