This was the only part of the play (I saw it last month) that actually brought me to tears. It's a poignant, tragic song that is beautifully expressed with minimal orchestral support that builds and the harmonizing is just incredible in the ensemble!It really gives the sense of looking out at the country that is so much a part of you, and yet you cannot recognize it. Yet you also cannot let it go. The theme of "love of country" in this is just perfectly conveyed. In it's historical context and even in present day, it is a very emotionally moving song. Chills and tears.
When you think about it, this song perfectly describes immigrants. I mean, on one hand, they're leaving their homeland, the land where they were born and raised in. And they are leaving it in the hopes of finding a new and better life somewhere but the prospect is a bit scary as they don't know what it's like outside their homeland.
So true these types of feelings and songs are what make me love broadway and makes me want to be on broadway when I grow up. But I'm scared I may never get the chance.
I'm a Russian refugee. My family doesn't support the war and we didn't want my my father die, so we had to leave Russia as fast as possible. I literally came home from school and we left Russia. This song hits hard. I didn't have time to say goodbye.
This musical is VERY underrated, so whenever friends of mine ask for musical suggestions, this is my go to choice. The soundtrack is beautiful and so well put together.
While Rasputin and "In the Dark of the Night" were left out of the Broadway, I loved how they included the melody to the bridge "come my minions, rise for your master, let your evil shine. Find her now, yes, fly ever faster" in this song.
She Who Runs With Scissors what part of the song do they include that? 🤔 i don't hear it and i've been listening to and loving this song for over a month now.
i find it interesting that anya gets the last line ("i bless my homeland till i die") because technically at this moment in the musical, anastasia is considered to be "dead". so for her to be saying that she'll bless her homeland till she dies is kind of ironic but that makes it better for me tbh
i love that they used the instrumental from in the dark of the night. they made a villain song they couldn't really use into something beautiful for the broadway
my thoughts exactly! As Anya, Dimitri, Vlad, and the other passengers look out into the Russia they have grown up in, lived in, known all their lives, with such a bittersweet mix of emotions, an excitement at new pastures, but an unconscious longing for their homeland, a final goodbye that is so emotional! The same feelings the Von Trapp family, more so Captain Von Trapp I'm sure had in the sound of music when singing Edelweiss, such a gorgeous song 😍
I was thinking of that when I saw the show last night. It really reminded of anatevka from fiddler. There's actually a moment where a melody from in the dark of the night is repurposed in this song.
I feel like the used "In the Dark of the Night" melody because even though there was no Rasputin, the real enemy (besides Gleb) was their "homeland" even if they are sad/scared about leaving it.
This part of ITDOTN also shows up at the very beginning of the show in "Last Dance of the Romanovs" (it's so disappointing that they excluded it from the soundtrack) right after the first gunshot cuts the dance short and the chaos begins outside the palace. I love that they repurposed the motif to represent the political turmoil that was really responsible for the death of the Romanovs.
this song doesn't just apply to the context of the play. so many people and their ancestors before them have left their homelands in search of a better life and i can only imagine how painful that was. that's what made it so sad for me.
It applies to the Russian aristocrats who had to leave, and to the people who were forced to leave a few decades earlier by those same aristocrats, in particular Anastasia's father. All in all it's sad - people hold a revolution because they want a better life than the one dictated to them, and then end up with the same sad life and so many people still wanting or being forced to leave the place that had been home to them.
People liking the comment about Derek Klena singing the opening is Constantine Germanacos erasure and I won't stand for it. Remember this name! Constantine Germanacos! The voice that brought you to tears! Support the supporting cast!
Yeah, my great grandparents had to flee Russia in WW2, I wonder if they would have ever left if they didnt absolutely need to "I bless my home land till I die..."
Most people feel like that when they need to leave their homes only because of absolute necessity, my parents fled Communism in Czech and to this day they still question it.
I honestly did not give thought to this song until weeks after seeing this musical and listening to this song. But it's heartbreaking. All the Russian aristocrats who had to flee (either by choice or by the threat of death) when the Bolsheviks came into power, they left their homeland and never saw it again. This song beautiful and tragic all at the same time. It puts life into perspective. Especially since there are still many people these days who leave their homelands because it just isn't safe anymore. They don't want to leave, but the risk of staying is just too great. Bravo to the writers and to the singers. They really conveyed the emotion behind this song.
@@BarryMcCauciner It wasn't just aristocrats fleeing, Russia during the red takeover was a lawless hell that gave way to an extremely strict surveillance state once order was somewhat restored, a lot of people were cheering on the Czechoslovakian Legion while they just cut their way through red forces through Siberia thinking they were trying to either rescue the Romanov's or establish their own rule (while really the Czechs were just sick that the Reds kept taking the trains Lenin promised them for safe passage to the Japanese coast and were like "fuck this, we're going back for our shit")
I have a friend who's entire family fled from Venezuela last year. He and his mother now live in Argentina and his brother and sister in Colombia. After hearing his story, this song has such a deeper meaning to me. It makes me cry every time. I cannot fathom the pain of fleeing your homeland due to repression.
This is such a bittersweet song to listen to considering the things going on in Ukraine. My heart is with the Ukrainian people during these really terrible times..
Such a shame none of you cried when people of Donbass had to leave their homeland, because Ukrainian government doesn't want them, consider them subhumans and treat them as such for past 9 years.
This song is so emotional because it’s a reality for many people, throughout history, forced to flee their war torn homes... every time I listen to it I can’t help but cry because now I understand how it must have felt for my mother to leave Bosnia during the war...
i like this song because it isn’t just historical. something as small as leaving a school you consider home for a new, bigger city could be relatable for it as well
lyrics: COUNT IPOLITOV How can I desert you How to tell you why Coachmen hold the horses Stay, I pray you Let me have a moment Let me say goodbye To bridge and river Forest and waterfall Orchard, sea, and sky Harsh and sweet And bitter to leave it all ENSEMBLE I’ll bless my homeland Till I die How to break the tide We have shed our tears And shared our sorrows Though the scars remain And tears will never dry I’ll bless my homeland Till I die ANYA Never to return DMITRY Finally breaking free ANYA, DMITRY You are all I know You have raised me VLAD How to turn away How to close the door ANYA, DMITRY, VLAD How to go where I have Never gone before ENSEMBLE How can I desert you How to tell you why ALL Coachmen hold the horses Stay, I pray you Let me have a moment Let me say goodbye Harsh and sweet And bitter to leave it all I’ll bless my homeland Till I die ANYA, DMITRY, VLAD I’ll bless my homeland ANYA, DMITRY I’ll bless my homeland ANYA I’ll bless my homeland Till I die
Я русская, но не поддерживаю войну. Мы сбежали с России, потому что моего папу хотели забрать в военкомат, что, собственно, приравнивается к смерти. Поэтому мы сбежали из России, собрали все вещи за несколько часов. Сейчас мы в Америке, у меня есть украинские друзья. Я ни капли не сожалею о своем решениии (мы не были уверены, что все НАСТОЛЬКО плохо в Украине из-за пропаганды), мои друзья рассказали, что происходит на их Родине. Украинцы, Вы настоящие Герои! Я понимаю, что у России нет будущего, либо, окей, оно очень темное. Гордитесь своей страной! Слава Украине!
Lately, it's become sadly easy to imagine myself in an airport, planning to get on a plane to head to another country in order to stay safe, and looking at the land around me while humming this song to myself.
After seeing this musical, I felt that this was probably the most profoundly sorrowful piece in the entire thing. My soul aches with them, and so many chills are running down my spine.
As a Russian I can tell that this song really reminds me of some of our WW II songs. I cried listening to it. Very touching. Love Anastasia ❤️ sad that I can’t go to see it live.
I like how it included the same musical tone of Dark of the Knight. Cause honestly that's my favorite part of that song. And since it wasn't in this version it is nice to hear it here.
In the end when Anya sings her last stanza, you can hear the love and emotion in her voice as well as her sadness. I find it a sad because she is the last Grand Duchess, a Princess of a country that destroyed her family, and yet she loves it with every fiber of her being.
I absolutely loved this song in the show. I've seen it twice now, and I'm not really a repeat show-goer (that's how good this show is). This song stood out to me both times I saw the show, not only because of the chilling harmonies and the fact that it stands on mainly vocals, but also because of the tender subject matter. I can feel the characters' sorrow as they say goodbye to the place they once called home. It echoes goodbyes that many people throughout history have said as they leave behind their homeland forever. I also absolutely loved that they reused the melody from one of Rasputin's songs in the animated film-such a great way to repurpose that tune. When I saw it the first time, I nearly jumped out of my seat with excitement to hear how they had redressed this tune.
I had family who escaped Russia during the mid 1920s to escape possible persecution (they weren't in Russia but were in Ukraine) and I recently found a diary of the youngest coming back to visit the ones who stayed (my ancestors) he left around the age of 17. He didn't come back until he was around 1971. He was in his in his 50s-60s when he came back and the home we once knew was gone. Completely different. I'm sure this is how his recently widowed mother felt trying to protect her children as they left all they knew. They left their family, friends, hopes, dreams and lives for a completely new country
I'm just extremely proud for his Greek roots because I'm Greek and a huge musical nerd even though musicals aren't famous in my country! Constantine had a blessed voice!
I'm writing a television show about a woman who time travel back to 1914s Russia and is introduce to the Romanov family and trys to save them from their execution in 1918. I've been working on the show since i was 16.
That sounds like one of the books from the Missing series but I'd definitely watch it (especially because in those books saving the Romanovs wasn't the central plot).
This song is one of the main reasons I'm learning Russian. I want to sing it or hear it sung someday in it's subject's language, I think that would be beautiful
wow. i was kinda obsessed with 'anastasia' and the history behind it when i was a child, so finding out about this musical was so important to me, and this song in particular. it really captures the feeling of leaving your homeland, i experienced it when my family and I had to flee because of the war. it has been six years now and it really feels like our tears will never dry. going to listen to it while crying all night long :D
I thought I was the only one who heard the melody of “In the Dark of the Night” from the animated classic by Don Bluth. Never knew it could impact me this way, in a hauntingly, beautiful masterpiece.
This beautifully encompasses what being forced out of your homeland forever must feel like. It got me thinking: how would I feel, leaving behind all the places that shaped me? All the colors and scents in my memories? And all because of the family I was born into, or the ideas I expressed? It must feel like most of your soul is being ripped from your body and you must leave it behind. But at the same time, there's only hope if you leave. Such a bittersweet song
This was so moving to see on stage, and is so overwhelming to keep returning to. This is what I always wanted Anatevka to be like in Fiddler on the Roof, and that song will always have a special place in my heart, but this... This is so heartbreaking.
Three weeks ago I had the chance to see Anastasia live for the first time (with the amazing Mexico City production) and I have to admit that I used to skip this song whenever I listened to the OBCR. But watching this scene live was SO POWERFUL that it actually brought tears to my eyes. The harmonizing from 2:03 to the end was one of the most beautiful moments I've seen in musical theatre. Now I appreciate this song as I should have always done!!
Had to look him up, but man! Constantine Germanacos has such a unique voice, I feel like. It reminds me of old musicals, especially like Prince Phillip from Sleeping Beauty! :)
1personiam I feel the same way. But I hope to see the touring production when it plays Costa Mesa this November. That’s why I am now browsing through the cast album.
It was so good... so underrated and I'm still upset about it. I have been an avid fan of hamilton for three years and had the chance to see that as well and thought that Anastasia was better. THAN HAMILTON (!!!!!) I loved it so much, what a shame is closed to quickly with so little recognition compared to other shows.
I hear the melody of "In The Dark of the Night" during the song but for some reason in the beginning all I hear is "Let Me Be Your Wings" from Thumbelina.
I left my home country to work thousands of kilometers away from my family and friends. Although it is not a comparable situation, as I felt not really forced to leave the country, this song makes me remember the moment I sat on the plane all alone and cried silently while reading a letter from my best friend. I'm working towards finding a job someday back at home! Right now it would have been impossible :(
How can I desert you? How to tell you why? Coachman, hold the horses Stay, I pray you Let me have a moment Let me say goodbye To bridge and river, forest and waterfall Orchard, sea and sky Harsh, and sweet, and bitter to leave it all I'll bless my homeland till I die How to break the tie? We have shed our tears and shed our sorrows Though the scars remain and tears will never dry I'll bless my homeland till I die Never to return Finally breaking free You are all I know You have raised me How to turn away? How to close the door? How to go where I have never gone before? How can I desert you? How to tell you why? Coachman, hold the horses Stay, I pray you Let me have a moment Let me say goodbye Harsh, and sweet, and bitter to leave it all I'll bless my homeland till I die I'll bless my homeland I'll bless my homeland I'll bless my homeland till I die
Seeing this performed live gave me chills, but reading this comment section here almost moved me to tears, reading about peoples' experiences (or that of their families') fleeing their home countries. Russian history has always fascinated me with how sorrowful it's been. We're taught about nomadic groups invading and conquering the Kievan Rus, to oppression under the Czar, to the communist regime, to today with Putin. In America, Russia is seen as a country with a history of corruption, but we never really stop and think about the lives of all the civilians caught in the crosshairs, having to deal with the aftermath of a constantly tumultuous government throughout history. I love studying Russian art and culture, particularly music, because there's a raw emotion found there unlike anything from anywhere else in the world. From folk songs all the way up to Shostakovich, there's this melancholy beauty in Russian music that I think was captured perfectly here. Although our countries' governments are still at odds, I want to look past that for a minute to admire the resolve and determination of the Russian people. Here's to hoping we'll be friends one day!
I cannot even tell you how much I loved this comment... my thoughts exactly. Russian history is so tragic and (from the point of view of civilians) extremely misunderstood
The man who played the older count from the show in Charleston a few weeks ago was absolutely enchanting with this song. Straight to the heart with it, stunning voice.
Mpiewizard it sounds like that because the composers for both pieces masse then sound historically accurate to their locations, both of which are the western boarder of Russia.
Which is werid being that the Romanoffs were in charge of the Cossacks who did all those pogroms leading to all of those shedetel being abandomed in the first place
Rebekah Goltz Because it IS! I nearly fell off my seat when I saw it a month ago, I recognized that bridge almost immediately!! Apart from the count recognizing her (which was indeed weird as hell) this musical moment overall was pretty great. This was the moment that gave me the most chills...reusing the melody along with the political commentary just gave me goosebumps and nearly made me cry.
I didn’t cry during this song but my friend was on the verge of tears. She wasn’t born where we live now so I imagine it touched her more than it has touched me. Even still, I’ve been obsessed with this song since I’ve seen the play recently. It’s so raw and filled with something everyone can connect to even if not everyone has gone through it, and it lets people sympathize with those long gone and those going through the same thing now. So hauntingly beautiful.
I never noticed the parallel of the melodies between the bridge of this song and In the Dark of the Night until I read this comments section. I couldn't hear it at first but now I can and just....wow. These songwriters really thought of everything.
Both "antagonist" songs, two very different contexts and emotions. And two very different "villians", one a lot harder to describe than the other. Atleast that's my interpretation
I absolutely adore Constantine’s voice in this song ;the other characters have very distinct voices which is helpful in the grand scheme of the musical however, his voice is so incredibly moving! I keep replaying this song and every time I get chills
My school is doing this as our next musical, i’m in pit and i wish i auditioned on voice because of percussion shenanigans and this song The only tenor who auditioned was assigned to count ipolitov who is main male voice here If i had known that i could’ve sang something this good that allows me to use a full baritone voice with high and low notes i would’ve tried This is now also the song i sing in the car
0:33 is the exact moment when I fell head over heels for this musical. Up until then, I was enjoying it, but still had a few quiet reservations about it. I mean, this was one of my all time favorite movies as a kid, I remember seeing it in the theater on New Year's Day 1998! How could they possibly top that? Well... they did. With THIS. Rasputin is a fun character, and of course the venerable Christopher Lloyd delivers a flawless performance, but even so, the character felt a bit... out of place in the story. The decision to remove him from the musical, as well as the mystical elements linked to him, was a good one. And turning his song, "In the Dark of the Night," into this rich, haunting, beautiful tribute to a homeland left behind? INSPIRED. I get chills every time I listen to it, and watching the scene made me tear up. It feels like this is how that melody was meant to be sung, and meant to be heard. Not as the call of a villainous madman, but as a poignant farewell to a nation torn apart. ❤❤❤
My great grandfather was born and raised in Russia, left with my grandfather due to the state of Russia. He had to leave his homeland after the historical events that occurred in Anastasia and something about this song makes me think so much about how he must have felt. I got to meet him last when I was 6, and he was a wonderful man. I wonder if he felt this melancholy having to leave his home.
I'm Russian and it gives me the home vibes. Of all the songs from the musical (haven't seen, only heard the themes) this one captures the stylistic of our culture the best. It reminds me a lot of a whole genre of "romance" music (my countrymen will know). And a very good performance! Good job! ❤
I cry every single time I hear this song because I’m just over a month away from moving from my home country(America) to the country I will spend the rest of my life in(England) and this song is just an embodiment of how I’m feeling now and how I’ll feel the day I go to the airport to move countries.
I cried so much during this song -- it was the same story of when they had to flee Vietnam after the war, not knowing if they would survive or ever see their homeland again. Such a beautiful song that tells the human story of so many.
I cried too because my parents and grandparents had to escape Vietnam in 1975 and I’m sure they felt the same way. They will bless their homeland until they die.
Worked backstage of an off-broadway production of Anastasia recently. Every time this song was sung, I had to hold back tears- the cast did such a heartfelt rendition of it it just broke my heart every night, hah. Such beautiful and sorrowful voices. Amazing to experience.
Why are people saying that only pieces of In the Dark of the Night are used, I'm hearing it all over the freaking place (orchard, sea, and sky for one). It is amazing what they did with this melody.
COUNT IPOLITOV How can I desert you How to tell you why Coachmen hold the horses Stay, I pray you Let me have a moment Let me say goodbye To bridge and river Forest and waterfall Orchard, sea, and sky Harsh and sweet And bitter to leave it all ENSEMBLE I’ll bless my homeland Till I die How to break the tide We have shed our tears And shared our sorrows Though the scars remain And tears will never dry I’ll bless my homeland Till I die ANYA Never to return DMITRY Finally breaking free ANYA, DMITRY You are all I know You have raised me VLAD How to turn away How to close the door ANYA, DMITRY, VLAD How to go where I have Never gone before ENSEMBLE How can I desert you How to tell you why ALL Coachmen hold the horses Stay, I pray you Let me have a moment Let me say goodbye Harsh and sweet And bitter to leave it all I’ll bless my homeland Till I die ANYA, DMITRY, VLAD I’ll bless my homeland ANYA, DMITRY I’ll bless my homeland ANYA I’ll bless my homeland Till I die
My local theater camp did Anastasia recently. This song was the only one where my emotion was entirely real. Theres just something about performing this song that makes you feel like you really ARE leaving your homeland, it's undescribable.
Oh my god I heard it when you hear at 2:08-2:28 In the Dark of the Night from the original Anastasia the same time Come my minions Rise for your master Let your evil shine Find her now Yes, fly ever faster
