14.06.2026

Musical heritage of Pyotr Leshchenko: new additions to the “Gramophone records” section

The "Gramophone Records" section of the museum Collection has undergone a major update. Our audio archive has been enriched with rare recordings of Pyotr Leshchenko, a legendary singer of the first half of the 20th century.

Over the course of his vibrant career, the singer recorded more than 180 gramophone discs. Released by major European labels such as Columbia, Electrecord, and Bellaccord, his records enjoyed massive global circulation. Possessing a unique, soulful baritone, Leshchenko transformed any romance into a poignant personal story, masterfully blending urban folklore traditions with the trendy Western tango.

In the Soviet Union, the works of the "King of Tango" were officially banned. However, this only fueled public interest: his famous hits "Chubchik," "Black Eyes," and "Tatyana" were secretly copied onto X-ray films and listened to across the entire country. Today, you can explore the musical history of that era and experience the authentic sound of these rare gems in the museum's updated digital catalogue.