Alas! Say, why is she so shining (Uvy, zachem ona blistaet)

This SATB setting of a Russian text offers a chance to explore the poignant theme of fleeting beauty. The lyrics lament the transience of youth and attractiveness, and the inevitable fading of life. Such reflections might suit a concert program, perhaps in the autumn, when nature's own cycle of bloom and decay is apparent. Alexander Alyabyev's secular composition captures these melancholic sentiments, providing a rich opportunity for expressive choral singing. The Russian language adds an evocative layer to the emotional depth of the text.