Brubeck Returns to Moscow

In 1987, legendary jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck made his first trip to Russia, then the Soviet Union, performing at the monumental Reagan-Gorbachev summit. Ten years later, in 1997, Brubeck made a return trip, under the auspices of the Russian Arts Foundation's "Cultural Allies" program. While there, he performed with the Russian National Orchestra. The occasion was the European premier of Brubeck's mass, "To Hope! A Celebration," a composition for symphony orchestra, choir, vocal soloists, and jazz quartet. "Wait until you hear the Russian choir," Brubeck said on his return. "You've never heard basses like that in your life."

The DVD and video of the 1997 Moscow concert is now available in the RAF store. In addition to the complete Brubeck mass, the digital release includes Brubeck's "Blue Rondo a la Turk," performed by the RNO and the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Both selections were conducted by Russell Gloyd.