About the craft
"The Orenburg Down Shawl". A Folk Song for the Ages.
We all know that the Orenburg down shawl is not only the calling card of our region but also a fully-fledged cultural treasure. In many films and literary works the main characters wear warm shawls and gossamer shawls, and many classic authors have repeatedly reflected, through the mouths of their characters, on the value of these beautiful items. And, of course, the best-known example in mass culture is the song of the same name, written by V. Bokov and first performed by Lyudmila Zykina. A song that has become a folk song, glorifying the down shawl and full of patriotism and love.
Probably everyone knows this masterpiece in this very performance, even people who are generally far removed from the down-knitting craft.
Today many would say that the song "The Orenburg Down Shawl" is forgotten and has long been of no use to anyone. We disagree with this claim just as much as with the claim that the craft as a whole is fading away. As proof, we have collected several videos, both purely folk and quite modern and mainstream. Yes, it is that very song in a wide variety of performances. Do classics never age? We believe so. So below are just a few examples that clearly prove it.
"The Orenburg Down Shawl" performed by the Orenburg Choir
Of course, the choir of our fellow countrymen could not pass over this wonderful song. The video is a recording of a concert from March 2011. In addition, residents of the region know that every spring our city hosts an annual festival of the same name, at which, of course, this song is performed.
"The Orenburg Down Shawl" in modern pop culture
We once wrote an article about the role of the down shawl in modern show business. It also mentioned this performance by the famous pop singer Taisiya Povaliy, who beautifully performed that very song by Bokov. Today we suggest refreshing your memory and listening once again to this particular performance – honestly, it deserves attention.
A sensation on the show "The Voice Kids"
Among fans of the show who watched its 3rd season in 2016, everyone was discussing this episode. When young Taisiya Podgornaya performed the song "The Orenburg Down Shawl" at the highest level in her final performance, it had the effect of a bombshell. The performer won every possible sympathy from the audience, and the jury had tears in their eyes. For those who have not seen it yet – a must-watch!
Lyudmila Zykina and Svetlana Dyatel
The strong friendship between the legendary Lyudmila Zykina and her best student, the singer Svetlana Dyatel, was legendary in its time. The two singers worked side by side and repeatedly performed as a duet, and of course the song about the down shawl had a place of honour in their repertoire. Paying tribute, we suggest watching once again the recording of one of their joint performances.
A little more folk art
Finally, it is worth looking at less well-known but no less talented interpretations. Here are just a few performances and music videos we managed to find.
Lyrics of the song "The Orenburg Down Shawl"
On this blizzardy, unkind evening
When snowy haze lies along the roads
Put on your shoulders, my dear,
The Orenburg down shawl
I knitted it in the evenings
For you, my kind mother
I am ready, my dear,
To give you not just a shawl, but even my heart
So that you do not grieve this night
I will drive the snowstorm from the window
However much I have cherished you, mother,
I am still in your debt
Let the blizzard rage ever more fiercely
We will not let it over the threshold
And you, my mother, will be warmed
The Orenburg down shawl
And you, my mother, will be warmed
The Orenburg down shawl
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