“A birch tree stood in the field“ - Nikolay Gres and the Alexandrov Red Army Choir (1965)

“A birch tree stood in the field“ (or “A Birch-Tree in a Field Did Stand“) is an old Russian folk song performed by Nikolay Gres (dramatic tenor) and the Alexandrov Red Army Choir (with English subtitles). This song was first published in 1790 as a popular traditional Russian dance song. There are lots of versions of the lyrics known. Music arrangement by , folk lyrics. This rare and historic program was filmed on location in the former Soviet Union. The brilliant ensemble consisted of about 200 entertainers including a choir and choreographic troupe, who traveled the front lines, entertaining Soviet troops by performing more than 1500 concerts during World War II. This musical film brings to life the essence of Russian music and performance with spectacular singing, dancing and acrobatics. The shooting of this clip was made in Kurkino, near Moscow by a German operator, former operator of Hitler, in 1965.