The song Kalinka, meaning “snowberry tree“, was originally composed by Ivan Larionov in 1860 intended for a theatrical performance and has since been used in countless operatic performances, choral performances, and movies. It is widely known around the world as one of the most common and widespread Russian folk songs. This particular recording is characterized by the extreme variance of tempo and dynamic level, as well as the well known Russian text. There is a feeling of conversation between the male soloist with multiple lyrical, compassionate solos that are responded to with an intense and upbeat male chorus repeating the same, catchy refrain. There is also an orchestra, that accompanies both conversational voices and supports the shifts within the piece, as well as the utilization of a whistle at the very end. Though all of these factors are intriguing, the reason I chose this piece was because it was one of the first foreign language choral songs I had ever learned in elementary school. Though we did not have many opportunities to interact with world music in my childhood, Kalinka was a song well-known by all of the children in my grade and has stayed with me to this day. It is a piece that not only invokes a sense of excitement and surprise, but also nostalgia.