Horizont

Introduction to Horizont's "Summer In Town"

"Summer In Town" ("Летний Город") is the debut studio album of the Soviet progressive rock ensemble Horizont (Горизонт). Released in 1986 by the label Мелодия (Melodiya), this vinyl LP was recorded in 1985 at Melodiya Studios in Moscow and Gorky (now Nizhny Novgorod). The album represents a unique blend of symphonic progressive rock and classical music influences.

Musical Composition and Style

Horizont was formed in the mid-1970s by Sergei Kornilov, a composer and conservatory-trained keyboardist. The album features a daring synthesis of high-modernist classical composition styles, drawing inspiration from composers like Béla Bartók, Igor Stravinsky, and Dmitri Shostakovich. The band's sound incorporates elements reminiscent of progressive rock giants such as King Crimson and Emerson Lake & Palmer.

The album consists of three extended compositions. The first track, "Snowballs," runs for 8:34 and sets the tone with intricate arrangements. Following this is "Chaconne," a 10:37 exploration of classical variations. The centerpiece of the album is the side-long suite "Summer In Town," which lasts 19 minutes and is divided into three parts: "March," "Minuet," and "Toccata." Each section showcases the band's ability to blend complex rhythms and theatrical vocal arrangements.

Instrumentation and Lineup

The lineup for this album includes key contributions from Sergei Kornilov on keyboards and synthesizers, and Andrey Krivilev, who provides lead vocals and additional keyboards. Vladimir Lutoshkin adds both electric and acoustic guitar, along with flute, while Alexey Eremenko plays bass guitar. The rhythmic foundation is provided by drummer Valentin Sinitsyn, who enhances the progressive sound with intricate percussion patterns. Guest vocalists Igor Pokrovsky, Yuri Beliakov, and Sergey Alekseev contribute to the vocal dynamics of the album.

Production Details

The sound engineering for "Summer In Town" was handled by V. Glazkov, ensuring a polished production quality that highlights the band's complex arrangements and instrumentation. The album's recording took place during a pivotal time in Soviet music history, reflecting the innovative spirit of the era.