Epic Russian folk ballad in a broad, свободный 72 BPM frame, in a minor key with solemn modal harmony. Male church choir in unison and staggered harmonies, bayan drones, gusli arpeggios, domra tremolo, oboe countermelody, and baritone sax for a deep plaintive edge. Timpani, frame drum, and bass drum add ceremonial weight; the spoken syllables hit like percussion, with crisp consonants layered as rhythmic accents.