Nikolay Shugaev: Mountain Gods: 5 haiku for Soprano and Piano - Dilyara Kalimullina - Timofey Dolya

Nikolay Shugaev’s Vocal Cycle with Piano

Blends traditional Japanese poetry with contemporary chamber music, creating a heartfelt homage to the natural world and human soul.

Comprising five songs dedicated to rising-star soprano Dilyara Kalimullina and accompanied by the award-winning pianist Timofey Dolya, this cycle is composed in a minimalistic style. Each song serves as a poignant reflection, inviting listeners to pause, breathe, and contemplate the connections between love, solitude, and nature.

Shugaev crafted the score with Dilyara’s timbre and vocal technique in mind; this work was planned as a few songs but evolved into a small cycle. Composed on the original Japanese text in a Russian poetic translation, it forms a bridge between cultures and centuries.

With haiku-like concision, it captures dense, metaphoric meanings, reflecting the circle of life and nature. Beginning with a thoughtful, prophetic Testament set apart as a prologue, it journeys through autumn, winter, spring, and culminates in summer — the celebration of life and love. The five-tone initial chord of the Testament sets a tonal base for the entire cycle.

The number five, a symbol of luck and art central to haiku’s syllables and rhymes, shapes the structure: five notes, five songs, and 5/8 or 5/4 time signatures.

Shugaev drew inspiration from French Impressionism, Japanese folk music, and a citation of Copland’s music, symbolizing simplicity and minimalism.

All three musicians are members of the ensemble Pelle d’Oca, a unique platform that performs both chamber music and large-scale orchestral works. The ensemble strives to explore new horizons, seeking innovative paths for artistic expression and collaborating with contemporary composers.

This release marks the debut digital album of the chamber group Pelle d’Oca.

Album available for streaming and download only!