Shards of Shame

[Moscow, October 1941]

Another piece of bread shoved onto Stepan's mouth, then he swallow it forcefully. The burning sensation on his throat and stomach dampened for a while. So, Stepan able to crouch fast around the ruined building, making sure he can find any enemy to kill before his stomach acted up again.

It took around fifteen minutes until he found one who wandered alone. But Stepan was too late to load his gun, as that Wermacht soldier already lunged on him with knife. Stepan managed to dodged and pick his knife. They fought with brute force, although it doesn't take too long because once again Stepan's insides are acting up again. Stepan quickly subdued and cornered at the wall by the wicked Wermacht soldier.

The sudden slam on that wall made Stepan's stomach burning hotter. He can feel his insides turning violent more than usual. He know what will comes afterwards... and can't hold it anymore. The burning and nausea on his body become stronger than his fear that the knife almost touching his forehead.

"HOOEEEKKKK!!!"

The hot, yellowish liquid thrown out of Stepan's mouth... and instantly landed to the enemy's face. That enemy startled until dropping the knife, screaming and gagging from such disgusting projectile. And with such golden chance, Stepan took his knife again and finished that Wermacht soldier's life.

Then Stepan look at the corpse thoroughly with flabbergasted face. "The acid saved me for the first time," he whispered to myself. But this makes him more scared and mortified. He doesn't want to be known by his peers as vomit thrower, even though that saved him from peril. Thus, Stepan quickly scoop the shards of glass from that ruined building and pour it onto the dead body's face. Then he left that building, continued to seek another empty place to chew another piece of bread.

At least this will cover such embarrassing detail about that enemy's death... and about himself.

Spectrum Meme

Remaking this Spectrum Meme I used to participate long ago. Enjoy!

Template by DustBunny

Fyodor's Mercy

[1940]

After Fyodor got the cats from Oleg, he decided to naming them:

Mila for the white queen

Khleb for the orange kitten

Chai for the grey kitten

Koka for the brown kitten

But he knew those old hags would try to ruin his happiness. How to kept these cats without known by them?

For the first time, Fyodor asked his father if the father can craft a special crate as the cat's house. The crate would be filled with lots of blankets and covered with pot plants, so people thought it was just gardening tools. The father happily fulfil it, and put that crate on the balcony. The cats are still kept outside, since Fyodor can't risk the cats abused by the old hags. The cats also sometimes escaped to streets since sometimes the old hags will check on balcony.

Since that moment, Fyodor, his father and two now-adult brothers are taking turns in caring the cats secretly. He trusted them to help caring the cats whenever Fyodor cannot arrive home (due to concert tour or overtime at the ensemble). He still doesn't trust his mother, as he still wounded by her choice to bring back those old hags.

Little did Fyodor know... the mother actually cat lover too. And the mother has making sure the abusive old hags won't come near balcony too often.

Bar

Semyon: "Aww come on, Vanya! You're not cute when being gloomy."

Ivan: "How can I'm not being gloomy, for my wife always argued with me after work?"

Longest Concert Ever

Alexandrov Ensemble used to perform concert tour around Far Eastern and Mongolia from 3 May until 26 September 1938. It was claimed to be the longest concert tour they've ever done in lifetime.

And so when looking at the calendar... it's interesting that it means some artists' birthdays are celebrated during the tour.

MBTI

 Just playing and learning a bit about MBTI. A bit surprised that all 16 types are in the story 😅

Dmitry: INFP

Alexei/Vitaly: ESFP/ISTP

Vadim: ISTJ

Vasily: ESTJ

Fyodor: ISFP

Oleg: INTJ

Anatoli: ESFJ

Semyon: ENTP

Andrei: ISFJ

Stepan: ENTJ

Ivan: ENFP

Maxim: ESTP (Unhealthy)

Then for real life people, I was more to guessing based on how much I have developed them in project and how the ensemble describe them in biographies.

Boris: ENFJ

Vladimir: INTP

Alexander Jr: INFJ

I don't imply the type for Alexander Vasilyevich since I don't know much about him.

New Fear

[March 1945]

It's been months ever since the Soviets liberated the cities in Czechoslovakia. They settled there, making sure no Germans around. One of them is Andrei who mostly alone on his own, even though his ballet peers are still alive and accompany him during the war.

And one night, Andrei was able to walk alone among the ruins. Convincing everyone that he wants to sleep early. But instead, he walks a bit far away from the crowd, finding that specific abandoned ruin he has looking for. The place that dark and yet safe enough to think. He has done that for some months, at least once in three days.

Tickle

 [1933]

Oleg: "Hello, I'm Oleg Sepnenko. Feel free to call me Olya immediately. So you are the new guy from Stalingrad?" 😏 (shake hand with Dmitry)

Dmitry: "Well, actually from Stavropol, but I moved to Stalingrad" 😅 (shyly shake hand with Oleg)

The Night of Anna's Death

April 1938

For the first time after four years away from home, Alexei decided to visit her sister again in Leningrad. The reason is because Anna sent Alexei the letter, which the message was an announcement of her marriage. So, right after the ensemble finished performing at Crimea and back to Moscow, Alexei booked the train ticket to Leningrad. Besides, there are six days of day off before the ensemble is active again in late Spring. Alexei also brought the bottle of wine as souvenir for both Anna and her future husband.

Silent Witness

[1948]

What I was staring at now was emptiness. No, no, I don't mean completely empty. I was still sitting in the train car seat, watching so many fresh-faced young men, who had just joined the ensemble this year. While chatting, they were also practicing their music or singing. However, I wasn't focused on them. I was more focused on daydreaming aimlessly, although afterward I found myself reminiscing more about the past.

Gloves

Gloves. It's something that he often wore in winter like normal Russian would, or worn by mothers to pick up the hot pans from stove.

But this night... the gloves become something that covers his action.

Adventure of Stalker Voroshilov

 Yes. The title already explains.
It was mini series I made in 2015-2016.
Warning: messy drawings and dark comedy

First Concept Art

These are messy concept art for all characters. I know the proportions and anatomy looked wrong, so does the lore is clashed with the one I have published. After all, these drawings are the reason why the characters stayed exist.
But yeah, if you can't handle it, feel free to wave to the camera. Because I can't even handle the cringe too 😭

Messy Sketches and Drawing Part 3

These are messy sketches and prototype drawings related to minor characters (and some of 4 main characters). I know the proportions and anatomy looked wrong, so does the lore is clashed with the one I have published. After all, these drawings are the reason why the characters stayed exist.

Messy Sketches and Drawing Part 2

These are messy sketches and prototype drawings related to four main characters. I know the proportions and anatomy looked wrong, so does the lore is clashed with the one I have published. After all, these drawings are the reason why the characters stayed exist.

Messy Sketches and Drawings Part 1

These are messy sketches and drawings related to real life public figures. 

Dynamics

 

Condolence

 [1946]

The funeral of Alexander Vasilyevich has ended. But some of ensemble artists stayed outside of the cemetery. To calming themselves down. To support each other through hugs. To talk whatever needed to be pour out for today.

Dreams

 [February 1945]

Maxim's POV

Front, left, right, front, left, right, front, left, right, front, left, right...

I kept doing that despite I am not on my duty anymore. To move my head front, left, and right. It's just... a habit. After many years serving for the neverending war. How long I have been leaving home? Leaving my beloved? Leaving my sweet home? Oh, I don't know. I only know it's dawn or dusk for now.

Only grey landscape around me. No green trees nor pretty flowers. I almost being pessimistic. To think I'd rather die on battle than had to suffer in this emptiness. I kept hearing some noises everytime I go to sleep. Either a bomb, or a gun, even dirty talks of soldiers behind the tent.

Dom

 Page 1

  Box1: Civilians waiting on the station

  Box2: Empty railway

  Box3: A train comes by on that empty railway

  Box4: Soldiers and their beloved hugged. Some girls or mothers crying in grief for not founding their beloved.

Solov'i

 Page 1

  Box1: Nightingale bird were on tree.

  Box2: The bird left its nest, flying. A silhouette of tree. Sunrise in the forest.

  Box3: The bird landed in another tree, but there's a military cap nearby. Sky now looked light blue

Pink Book

[April 1936]

Vasily : Have you ever fall in love, Dima?

Dmitry : Does in love with mother counts?

Vasily : I meant a girl who don't have blood relation

Dmitry : Emmm I can say that I haven't in love... yet

Alexei : OMG Dima, you don't like girls?

Dmitry : It's not what I meant! I-I... I just haven't find the right ones yet!

Vadim : We should help him! Open that "special book"! (pinned Dmitry's wrists)

Dmitry: Vadik, what the hell are you- let me go!! 

Vasily : (open an erotica collection photo album) Now look closely, Dima

Vadim : Eyes - wide. Cheek - blushed. Mouth - agape.. He's still normal!!

Alexei  Let's celebrate it! And pray for help him find a girl!

Dmitry : Ah? Eh? Really, what the...

Running Brothers

Panel 1: child Vladimir (pastel red shirted) and Alexander (pastel blue shirted) running while laughing

Panel 2: teenage Boris with pastel yellow shirt sitting on the bench and laughed. there is monologue "I love watching my little brothers running in front of me."

Panel 3: teenage Vladimir (deep red shirt) and Alexander (deep blue shirt) turning their head to Boris with smirk

Panel 4: adult Boris with striking yellow shirt stood up and wants to chase them with smirk. there is monologue "Because that's how I can be sure, they had a happy life"

Panel 5: adult Vladimir and Alexander wore gymnastyorka with same smirk and crossing their arms

Panel 6: middle aged Boris widened his eyes as he run. his gymnastyorka uniform has many medals. around him start to darken. there is monologue "But then I realised they ran too quick."

Panel 7: Only middle aged Vladimir turning his back and running again with old tunic uniform and medals

Panel 8: Elder Boris with green Soviet uniform (around 1980s) and glasses stopped running. there is monologue "And they left me alone in here."

Panel 9: Complete darkness

Panel 10: Boris stood up in front of two gravestone. one is marked 1912-1942, and the other is 1909-1978. there is monologue "I was too late to stop them..."

Don't Mess It Up...

Panel 1: Anton holding camera and said "Ready, lads?". behind him is Boris glaring  with dark aura

Panel 2: Anatoli trembling while trying to smile properly. Dmitry who embraced Anatoli turned his head and asked "Tolya, are you sick? You trembled so bad."

Anatoli shook his head, "N n no. I am fresh as daisy, Dima!" as there is click noise heard from camera

Summer Rain

Vladimir Alexandrovich entered an office, finding Alexander Alexandrovich smiled alone while facing the dark window

Vladimir Alexandrovich: You okay, Sasha? It's unusual to see you inside papa's office alone?

Alexander Alexandrovich: I'm good. I only want to enjoy this scenery from here, Vova.

The window shows a heavy rain

Vladimir Alexandrovich: You like this scenery? It's too gloomy, you know...

Alexander Alexandrovich: Well, a rare chance to see the rain in summer. I like it. But I wonder when I could see them again?

Vladimir Alexandrovich: I hope I never see it again. Especially in these tensions among war. This summer rain seems brought the eternal sadness for me (getting out of the office again)

And Alexander Alexandrovich pulled a sad smile as he continued to stare on the window

Na Fronte?

Page 1

  Alexander Alexandrovich who held the gun from behind, staring at the ruined Moscow streets.

Page 2

  [Somewhere near outskirts of Moscow, 1942]

  Box1: The steel for garrisons in the street

  Box2: Ruins of building.

  Box3: Some soldier gathered in one of the ruins

  Box4: Group 4 performing a song. Real life soloist Georgy Vinogradov singing a song as Alexandrov conducting.

Tanyets

Textbox [Dance hall room, February 1940]

Andrei is stretching at the pole, and helped with choreographer to lift the arm higher.

Choreographer: Warming up finished! Now let's re-practice the Red Cavalry Dance! Andrey, bring the platter and play it!

Andrei: Yes sir!

Orkestry

Stepan: AHAHAHAHAH

Vadim: Why did you laughed?

Stepan: I'm amused, really! You told me Alexandrov's sons now became his right hands? And we will have more severe practicing songs? You are like novelist Dostoevsky! Making story between reality and fantasy!

Vadim: You disregard me, huh?

Stepan: It's impossible for workaholic like comrade Alexandrov to dividing his works! I will give you five rubles if it's true!

Nagrady

 Page 1

  Box1: Red Square, Lenin's Mausoleum and Kremlin landscape, year 1944

  Box2: The same large door that once Alexandrov visit

Page 2

  Box1: Alexandrov standing near the window

  Box2: Alexandrov standing near the window, but he little surprised when someone said, "Sorry for kept you waiting!"

  Box3: Alexandrov turned his back, replied, "It's alright". The silhouette of Voroshilov said, "But I have to admit that you weren't on time, too. You're 10 minutes early to be here."

  Box4: He said to the maid behind him, "Go make the tea for the guest!" with a kinda rude gesture.

  Box5: Then he smiled to Alexandrov "Why, take a seat, take a seat!". While Alexandrov looked him speechless "..."

Khor

Choir Rehearsal Room, 1935

The entire choir artists are chilling inside the room, including Dmitry, Vasily, Oleg, Anatoli who read newspaper that Fyodor held.

The door opened. Vasily shushed everyone "Comrade Alexandrov is here!". Fyodor fold the newspaper calmly.

Alexandrov entered the room and placed his notebook on music stand.

Glaza

[September 1937] 

Page 1

  Box1: Someone walk in the corridor (only showing Alexandrov's riding trousers and shoes)

  Box2: Someone look at the office {Alexandrov with his gymnastyorka}

  Box3: There's two people in an office which is Kliment Voroshilov and Alexander Vasilyevich Alexandrov. 

Friends Forever

[November 1940]

Kalinushka Aftermath

Vasily = "So my guess is correct. I am a genius 😏"

Fyodor = "That's just dumb luck 😑"

Vasily = "You don't want to admit this stupid Vasily is actually a clever lad 😏"

Dmitry = 😐

Oleg = "Well, all of us miscalculated the Navy Quartet would live at suburbs when they are literally not part of Navy at all 😅"

Anatoli = "Hey, at least the Quartet is available! We survived today! 😄"

Vasily = "Thanks to my genius mind, once again 😏"

Dmitry = "But you said fuck hundred times while we are sitting at waiting room 😐"

Vasily = (pinch Dmitry's arm) 😏

Dmitry = 🥲

Gran Pri

Page 1

[April 1937]

  Box1: sets in office, Alexandrov, Danilovich and Kuchma gathered. Everyone except Alexandrov is a silhouette. They sits in 2 sofas

  Box2: Danilovich said, "Could you imagine that? An invitation to perform in France!"

Alexandrov answers, "Yes, yes. A rare chance, Felix Danilovich..."

  Box3: Danilovich asked, "Then why did you just smiled? Don't you feel interested, Alexander Vasilyevich?"

  Box4: Alexandrov answered, "I do interested with this. I just don't know what to perform, as the watchers aren't just from Soviet Union."

  Box5: Danilovich laughed, "Why, yes that! Of course we must give the unusual song. Now it's your task, comrade Kuchma, to research any popular songs"

  Box6: Danilovich continued, "And if we can find them, will you take this rare chance as you said before?"

  Box7: Alexandrov answered (only his word, as the scene shows a large cruise ship boarded to the port), "Yes, I will".

Svyashchennaya Voyna

Page1

[Moscow, September 1941]

  Box1: A flying fire.

  Box2: Scared civilians under the subway. Sound of exploding 

  Box3: A laughing Wermacht Soldier.

  Box4: "We'll drive a bullet into the forehead...". The Wermacht Soldier seek the voice source.

  Box5: The laughing one shot to dead.

  Box6: One ensemble member smiled but still crying, his gun still smoking as he sang, "We'll build a solid coffin..."

Doomed Birthday

Alexei, Vadim and Vasily celebrated Dmitry's birthday in 1940 by visiting Dmitry's communal. Vasily brought expensive Finnish vodka that he got from "old friend in Kharovsk". Vadim brought large cake that he bought from bakery. Alexei brought four dishes: sliced meat, cheese, onion salad and deviled eggs that he made himself.

Warm Letter

Somewhere in Kursk, 1943.

A postman running to the empty battlefield, and he found a large group of Soviet soldiers.

The Soviet soldiers are welcoming that postman.

Wish You Well

June 1945.

Inside the art house, there are portraits of ensemble members who fallen in war. One of them are Alexei and Vasily that placed side-to-side.

Dmitry: (look at Alexei's photo in resentment)

Semyon: (patted Dmitry) It's okay to be angry for his death... but let's manage it... Said: "I wish you well".

Dmitry: (sighs) I wish you well...

Semyon: (smiles)

Dmitry: ... in hell! (had manic laugh while crying)

Semyon: (still holding Dmitry and hug him) Wait that's not...

Dmitry: Burn in hell!! (sobbing on Semyon's shoulder)

Ballerina

 [1936]

Vadim: "My turn on is a woman who works as ballerina."

Maxim: "You have same taste like me!"

Vadim: "Really?"

Maxim: "Yes! That's why I like to see Dyusha around!"

Vadim: "...Wait. Dyusha - our dancer friend? He was a guy, right?"

Maxim: (chuckled) "So?"

Vadim: (Slowly backed away and eyeing Maxim in disgust)

Maxim: (widened his eyes in panic) "No no no, I'm joking, Vadik! I'm sorry!"

Semyon: (passed by) Your prank went too far, Max.

Vitaly's Nightmare in His Sleep (1942)

 

Boiled Eggs

Vasily: "Summer makes every water taps become hot, which is sucks."

Anatoli: "True. I felt like I always boiled my 'eggs' everytime I had shower."

Dmitry: "There's a cure for that! Just use soap and rub that part until feels good again!"

Vasily/Anatoli/Dmitry: (laughing hard until crying)

Fyodor: You're all bastards... (glared at them while in the middle of snacking boiled eggs)

The Story in Nutshell

 

Trauma Chart

 

How Did They Know The Scandal?

One day at December 1937, Semyon decided to hangout with Ivan and take him to walk around Moscow streets, after hearing Ivan had another argument and the wife shooing Ivan away from apartment to calm herself down. Ivan venting about stupid argument he had with his wife: about which trinkets that best for decorating the New Year tree celebration. Semyon listens and helps Ivan trying to understand Ivan's wife's perspective.

Kot

Fyodor: Quite weird you asked me to hangout?

Oleg: Well, I just want a new company

Fyodor: Oh I thought you had romantic quarrel with Tolya

Oleg: Eh, shut your ass. I have my own fiancée. Now mind if I go to fish seller first? (start to approaching the seller, buy fish and back to Fyodor)

Fyodor: And why must I who bring this?

Oleg: Don't complain! You will need it later!

Morozhenoye

Panel 1: Fyodor holding two sticks of ice cream for himself. He turned his head and surprised

Panel 2: Ivan looks at Fyodor with puppy eyes

Panel 3: Fyodor give one stick ice cream with SMILE and said "Well..."

Panel 4: Ivan lick the ice cream with happiness "Thanks, Fedya!", and Fyodor look grumpy again while saying "As if I do anything....". From far away, Vasily gaped his mouth, and had a bright lamp above his head

Panel 5: Five days later, Vasily trying to do same puppy eyes to Fyodor who bought two sticks of ice cream again. Fyodor looked surprised again

Panel 6: Fyodor immediately flees while cursing "Stay away from me!", and Vasily grumbled "YOU MEANIE!!!"

Kniga

Page 1

[March 1941]

  Box1: Concert stage with Alexandrov conduct the ensemble.

  Box2: Audience gave applause

  Box3: Ensemble members leave the stage (the view from backstage room)

  Box4: Alexandrov said, "Good job, Eagles! Now take a rest before back to our base!"

  Box5: Ivan sigh in relief, and walk aimlessly.

Page 2

  Ivan notices a book inside a ballroom with many chairs

Good Personality

[Vasily and Vadim's communal, Autumn 1939]

Box1: Vasily smoked his cigarette while said "Such life is hard, but I'm glad you guys here. I'm not worry anymore if Elena's dad will like me."

Box2: Dmitry replied, "Well, we're here for support you, after all"

Box3: Vadim raising his glass, "Now let's toast for Vasya! Who will get married next spring!"

Box4: Alexei, Vasily, Vadim and Dmitry having fun chat

Never Alone

 [1943, somewhere around Estonia]

[Scene all in monochrome]

Vadim: "Am I... dead? Am I inside hell now? All around me is nothing. Yet I can smell those burning flesh."

[The bright moon appears]

Vadim: "Everything is dark except the moon."

[Vadim kneeled and rubbed his face hard]

Vadim: "I hate moon. Yet it shines and mocks me!"

Piano

[Moscow, 1934]

Young Dmitry sits alone at an abandoned piano in rehearsal room. He can only touch the piano but not pressing it at all. His eyes averted, feel ashamed. And so, he let down his hand and hugged his torso again

Rejected Memories

[March 1937]

"Back then I often say my wish to the stars... Or to the trees... Or sometimes to God... To make me remember again how does his face looked like. But now... I think I found him..."

Maxim Artemovich Larusky

Born in a village in deep Siberia (now named as Muravlenko city), 25 September 1910. The eight or last minor character I've made who worked in Alexandrov Ensemble... and the most hated character I've made as it's based on some 'people' I've ever met in real life.

His childhood is messy: seeing the neglect mother who prefer strutting around and cheating with other men. His father taking care Maxim kindly... but can't always be there as the father has to work as farmer. When finally the father decided to divorce, it caused backlash by the church, condemning Maxim's father who cannot guiding the wife instead assessing the reality of that woman already problematic to begin with. This led to the father get exiled together with Maxim to different village and become farmer there, too.

Ivan Nikolaevich Koshchin

Born in Novonikolayevsk (Novosibirisk), 6 September 1913. Seventh character I made.

He is from a happy family as only child, and have 2 dogs. he pursue school and music school normally, graduated as percussionist major, and he quickly married with a young woman when he was just 18 years old. He also already had 2 children by 1932 and 1933. Well, from surface, he doesn't have any major trauma as a child.

Stepan Alexeevich Tabanin

Born in a village in Yakutia (now named as Mirnyj city), 5 July 1912. Sixth minor character I made.

He was born from middle-class teacher family who tasked to teaching in Yakutia area. The father is Russian, and the mother is native of Yakutia. He also have younger sister, and all of them are quite harmonious. The family also safe during the Revolution, so the father and mother can continue teaching at Soviet-state school after 1924.

Semyon Ivanovich Isayev

Born in Izhma (Sosnogorsk) in 13 January. Fifth character I've made.

In the ensemble, he mentioned his birthdate is 1906, but his actual birthdate is 1719. he used to be a noble who had some magic power related to wind. And he lived quite long, seeing the rise and fall of the empire, together with his button accordion. He had numbers of lovers too across the centuries. He only finally retired from the cruel wizardry field, and settled in marriage at 1919 with a young woman named Veronika. They lived happily until 1928, that unfortunately ended because Veronika died during childbirth. Semyon becomes the single parent for the first time.

Belorusskiy Vokzal

Page 1

  Box1: A building with many trucks and people. Many of them bringing bags and weapons. Word - 24 June 1941, Alexandrov Ensemble divided its member into four group.

  Box2: Dmitri, Vadim and Maksim was among crowded people. They looked neutral. Word - First group placed in Western Front (Lithuania and Poland)

  Box3: Aleksei, Vasily, Andrei was among other crowded people. Vasily talks to Andrei with confused face. Word - Second group placed in South-Western Front (Ukraine and Poland)

  Box4: Anatoli, Oleg and Semyon was among other crowded people. They are looked serious, even Anatoli choose not to ruin Anton who recorded the crowds. Word - Third group placed in South Front (Odessa and Black Sea)

  Box5: Fyodor, Ivan and Stepan was among other crowded people which not bringing any bags and weapons. Ivan and Stepan only brings their instrument. Word - The fourth group, led by Alexandrov, remained in Moscow.

Film

Page 1.

  Box1: A big camera in the hall

  Box2: An empty stage with stairs for choir member and chairs for orchestra member

  Box3: Someone without showing its body said, "I still wonder... when the exact time we finally can watch our very first recorded performance?"

  Box4: Silhouette of Boris Alexandrovich with smirk said, "Ah, makes me wishing to live longer than anyone else!"

Andrei Vladovich Fatanov

Born in Kansk, 14 April 1913. Fourth character I made.

He came from artist family (both parents are ballerinas in a small theatre), but his father already died from TBC when his mother still pregnant of him. Andrei's live mostly spent at theatre while watching his mother and other female ballerinas take turns in taking care of him. But note that he doesn't have father figure around him, even from the distant director.

Painful

Dmitry: What is your most painful moment, Olya?

Oleg: One autumn when I tried to prank the male ballerina named Andrei with nickname that usually hated by every Andrei I've met...

[le flashback at 1931]

Oleg: (patted a blond guy with golden eyes) Good morning, Drunya!

Andrei: (pull Oleg's wrist, then slams Oleg to the wall)

Oleg: (crawl while waving) Sorry... I mean... Morning, Dyusha...

Andrei: (helping Oleg to get up from the floor) Morning, Olya!

Ikat'

[Inside large bus, on the way to train station in Warsaw, November 1933]

Anatoli & Oleg: (laughing while eating a jar of cookies inside ensemble's bus)

Anatoli: (suddenly cough from choking)

Oleg: You're laughed too hard while eating. Be careful!

Anatoli: Well, your jokes are always too funny for me...

Anatoli Egorovich Cheyko

Born in Pskov, 23 July 1906. Third minor character I made.

He was born from athlete family (more to self defense and runner branch). The family saved from any suspicion and execution due to them already quickly seek shelter and siding with Bolshevik in secret even before 1917.

Oleg Ustinovich Sepnenko

Born in Stavropol-Na-Volge (Tolyatti), 16 December 1908. Second minor character I made.

He was born from happy upper-middle-class family: father who worked as manager of farmer workers in that area, mother who taking care Oleg, and his older sister. However after 1917, the family is hunted by their own workers because the family is siding with Bolshevik (while the farmer workers are siding with The Green).

Kompozitory

[October 1933]

Oleg: New song from comrade Alexandrov! (handing out copies of score and lyric)

Anatoli: (handing out music scores for the bass section)

Chorists: (trying to singing by sight reading)

Fyodor, Vasily, Anatoli: (start to harmonised their baritone to bass voice)

Dmitry: (approached Oleg) Olya, There's something I want to ask...

Oleg: Hm? What is it, Dima?

Fyodor Pavlovich Rokossovsky

Born in Zubtsov, 17 May 1907. First minor character I made.

Yeah, he shared similar surname like that popular public figure, and he will be pissed to be reminded/teased by coworkers (I hope it's normal to unluckily having same surname). He has father, mother, grandmother and aunt from mother's side, as well other 2 younger brothers.

Schast'ya

Dmitry, Alexei, Vadim and Vasily converse inside recreation room as Vasily smokes alone.

Vadim: Is that what you all think, then? Well, guess that my choice for subscribing that newspaper is quite right... This discuss can be closed now! Vasya, now it's your turn to make another topic!

Vasily: Okay, here's mine... What makes you the happiest man ever, despite your entire life is gloomy enough?

Vokal'nyj Oktet

CSKA, October 1937. After concert in front of Stalin again, although this time only choir and vocal octet who performed as per Stalin's request.

Foto

Simferopol, Spring 1938. 

Alexei is stretching his hands while staring at the historical monuments. Vasily is smoking peacefully. Dmitry is closing his eyes and enjoy the breeze. Vadim is walking behind them three. They are wearing gymnastyorka uniform.

Alexei: Simferopol! Finally I can feel the warmth after only using fireplace all of this time. But too bad as usual, we won't have something to remember any good place...

Vadim: No worries about private documentary, Lyosha! I've bought the camera! (showed off FED-S No.8734 camera)

Cheating

Sets in 1940

Alexei: (stares at a photo of beautiful woman with flower brooch) Whoa who is she, Vadik? Seems I ever saw her?

Vadim: Tatiana. The ballet girl in the ensemble, and the one that I loved, of course! I've been hanging out with her after work few times. (Pocketing the photo back to his shirt pocket)

Alexei: She is really a beauty. How lucky you were! I'm waiting for the wedding invitation! (wink)

Vadim: (Shaking his head) But... too bad, Lyosha. Her parents already arranged marriage for her. I wish I could be sooner to met her parents, but a week too late...

Alexei: Why? Is it because you wasting your time only giving her hopes, not the realization?

Vadim: Eh, the matchmaking happened when we were busy preparing for concert in Voronezh last month. I can't stop her parents while I'm plucking domra and she's practicing ballet, you know!

Alexei: Ah.. okay, okay! Sorry for misunderstanding!

Syrniki

Alexei went home after buying several cheese pancakes from a bakery in Moscow. He whistles and hummed "If poured with raspberry jam sent by Anka yesterday, this pancake will be a heaven!"

He entered his communal (and panted hard because it's located in 5th floor), put the cheese pancakes, and he pour the bottle of syrup. Just as Alexei admiring the cheese pancakes, he switched into Vitaly.

Sem'ya

Random child: Look, papa! I can stand on one foot! Mama, you see it too, right?

Parents: You are great, Pasha!

Dmitry stared through the art house building where he worked as tenor chorist. Resting his voice and energy in recreation room by himself

Kalinushka

 

“There used to be an anecdote around 1933, about small incident that happened before concert. They might lose in time and the history slowly went silent. Still, the incident has strengthened Alexandrov Ensemble’s influence toward the nation’s future dignity …”

  

 

Vitaly's first meeting with Dmitry, Vadim and Vasily

Moscow, Summer 1934... the next day after Alexei accepted in Alexandrov Ensemble and met everyone.

Normal Days (1935)

From the tenor section, there is a black-haired man with green eyes. Sitting with his gymnastyorka uniform, paying attention to Alexander Vasilyevich's instruction. The Founder crack one or two jokes during the instruction, and the tenor section laughed. Dmitry still smiled. But his left hand wrapped on his torso. His right hand always goes on his lips. It's bleeding and dry at the same time after picked many times. He always quickly licking the lips, making sure his lips didn't noticed by anyone before start singing Polyushko Pole together.

From the bass section, there is a short bald man with grey eyes. It's quite loud there, as the bass section wasn't trained yet by Alexander Vasilyevich. Vasily laughing hard over colleague's ridiculous story when they sat on very right rows. Still, his right hand gripping his military cap, and his left hand gripping his riding trousers. Vasily's laugh often made him closing his grey eyes, so nobody will paying attention too much for his pink sclera and some bloodshot near his grey eyes. The laughs only stops after the tenor section finished trained, and the baritone and bass section have to continue their practice.

The orchestra section are training by themselves at different corner. Each divided by different sections. As the example... there is the a black-haired man with blue eyes. His appearance was striking; 184 cm and his hair around neck-length... unlike others who kept it very short or shaving them. Vadim for the first time practicing with domra, and happily challenging himself. Each plucking are challenging each whispers in loop:  "...должен был...Зря ты...Мать стыдится тебя...Уходи...Не мешай...Зря ты родился...Зря стараешься...Уходи...Зря ты...Не мешай...Никто не вспомнит...Твой голос — пустота...Ты никому не нужен...стыдится...Никто не...Ничего не сможешь...пустота...Зря стараешься...Ничего не сможешь...Эдуард должен был жить...Отец прав...Ты проклятие...". In front of his colleagues, he is just the usual bossy and obsessed Vadim to perfecting his plucking.

Then in the brass section, specifically trumpet, one trumpeter added short notes on the music score. The purpose is for the trumpeters won't forget when they should stand up in several songs. The curly brunette man with hazel eyes nods along with fascination, hoping he would not forget the instruction. But behind his eyeballs, another curly brunette man seriously listening, making sure both of them won't forget whenever one of them sleeping in stress.

Those are their normal days. Something that familiar in their life among unstable outside world.

Vasily Vasilyevich Nandev

Born in Kharovsk, 15 February 1910. 

His father is Vasily Konstantinovich Nandev (????-1910). His mother is Oksana Borisovna Eliseeva. His eldest sister is Nadezhda Vasilyevna Nandeva (1903-1918). His middle sister is Anastasia Vasilyevna Nandeva (1905).

The father already died from Tuberculosis when his mother pregnant of Vasily, so he already fatherless since beginning. Vasily can only learned that he could have a cool and beloved father, based on the story told by the mother and the sisters.

Vadim Leonidovich Oktyuchev

Born in Usolye-Sibirskoye at 8 October 1912. 

His father is Leonid Makarovich Oktyuchev. His mother is Yana Pavlovna Mazdakina. His older brother is Eduard Leonidovich Oktyuchev (1901-1919). His younger brother is Mark Leonidovich Oktyuchev (1913). And his youngest sister is Zinaida Leonidovna Oktyucheva (1914).

Vadim was born from large noble family, who used to have plumbing factory for decades. However, the family is dysfunctional: they have harmful tradition that odd-numbered child should be a boy, and even-numbered child should be a girl. Any child born without that rules that should be dumped, otherwise the plumbing business will destroyed. And unfortunately... Vadim is the second child.

Alexei Yurievich Mikhailov

Born in Kiev, 9 May 1911.

His father is Yuri Vitalyevich Mikhailov. His mother is Alla Kirillovna Ganova. His young sister is Anna Yurievna Mikhailova (1914-1938). His youngest brother is Konstantin Yurievich Mikhailov (19 November 1921 - 20 November 1921).

Mikhailov family used to be under care of Orthodox Priest named Vitaly Bodenko. This Priest Bodenko used to adopt Alexei's father as kid. Later after grew up, the father become somewhat monk or devoted person while still married.

Dmitry Sergeevich Petronov

Born in Stavropol, 16 August 1913.

His father is Sergei Beligtovich Petronov. His mother is Natalya Fomavna Ostrucheskaya.