The Master and Margarita

A popular character in the rich tradition of animated films from the '60s and '70s the Soviet Union was Крокодил Гена (Crocodile Gena). Gena works in the zoo as a crocodile and enjoys playing harmonica. Her bosom friend is the bear-like creature Cheburashka.

One of the most famous songs is The Song Of Crocodile Gena, composed by Vladimir Shaynsky (°1925) with lyrics by poet Aleksandr Timofeevsky (°1933).

In the cartoon, the Gena'z song is sung by Vasily Livanov (°1935). It's a rather unconventional birthday song of which the line К сожаленью день рожденья Только раз в году or It is a pity that your birthday ie only once a year is still sung by many children

• Introduction
• History
• Classical music
• Jazz music
• Variety and pop music
• The Russian bards
• Film soundtracks
• Rock and roll
• Children's songs

Crocodile Gena with Cheburashka
and some Young Pioneers

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