Persniary (alt.spelled Pesnyary) (Belarusian: Песняры or Песьняры) is a legendary group from Belarus that was officially born on September 1 1969. That's when Soviet recording company "Melodya" released their first long play, carrying the name "Pesniary". Before that they were known under the name "Liavony." Throughout several decades many singers and musicians have been playing in "Pesniary," but the leader always remained unchanged: Uladzimir Muliavin . After his tragic death in 2002 (not being able to recover from a serious car accident) four different bands laid claims to be the official descendants of the original "Pesniary" band. "Pesniary" were the best-known band in Belarus during Soviet times. They played various types of music, but it was predominantly based on Belarusian folklore, though often with various rock elements (supposedly a bit influenced by Jethro Tull, Yes, and ELP). It was one of the very few (and possibly the first) Soviet band to tour in America in 1976. They've toured the South of the USA together with a folk band New Christy Minstrels. 1974-1980 is considered the Golden Age era of the band when it achieved top popularity in USSR, in their home in Belarus and in some other countries.

Discography

• "Ty mnie viasnoju prysnilasia" (I dreamt of you in spring) - 1971
• "Alesia" (Alesia) - 1974
• "Pierpiolaczka" (The Quail) - 1977
• "Volahda" (Vologda) - 1979
• "Husliar" (Guslar) - 1980
• "Zaczaravanaja maja" (My Enchanted) - 1982 (based on a live concert)
• "Praz usiu vajnu" (Throughout the Whole War) - 1984

There are also dozens of singles.