This elegy is written after visiting a graveyard to renew memories of three of my younger brothers who departed from this world in a span of a short period. It was especially sorrowful when the youngest in the family passed away. Being the eldest of all, I felt a special affection and bond with him.
Recently, I came across this plaintive Russian song "The Graves on the slopes of the Manchurian hills". According to history, the Japanese harbored colonist intentions, emulating the brutal colonial invaders of Europe. Their army surrounded and trapped a Russian battalion in a surprise assault. In the ensuing battle, many soldiers were killed. They are now resting in the tombs that are situated on the slopes of the hills. Illych Tsartov, who was then a bandmaster composed this mournful song in memory of the fallen comrades.
Soon, it has become a Russian folksong as well as a military, patriotic national song.
This melancholic tune is well suited for accordion solo and often played by large Russian army orchestras.
My version of the theme is titled Elegy: May their souls rest in eternal peace!
- .mp3 audio file of the tune is available!
- For the music video, please see: Music video> accordion (public access)
The music and other popular Russian videos are on our 1st Youtube channel: Bodoll mm llc
Other well-known musics can be viewed on our 2nd Youtube channel: Aurora Bobbyalis
Elegy: May their souls rest in Peace!-Lyrics
A poem for the remembrance of the departed on the anniversary