Ex. 1-3: Do not tempt me

Mikhail Glinka

Key: C/AmTime: 4/4

Composed in 1825 when Glinka was 21. The poem "Disillusion" (Razuverenie) by Yevgeny Baratynsky — a contemporary of Pushkin — is the monologue of a heartbroken soul pleading not to be tempted by love again.

This song is considered one of the first steps in establishing a distinctly Russian vocal tradition, moving beyond the imitation of Italian and French models. Despite the despairing text, the music carries a gentle, almost luminous elegance.

The melody has been widely arranged for instruments, with notable recordings by cellist Mischa Maisky and theremin player Clara Rockmore.

Track 10 from the album Ave Maria by Hibla Gerzmava and Ekaterina Ganelina (2004)
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