Info required on the song Otchi Tchornye?

Question

I need help from Russian friends who are familar with Russian folk songs.

That song Otchi tchornye (Dark Eyes) is described in various (and somewhat contradictory) ways in various internet sites.

Some argue that it is a gypsy song whereas some other argue that song was composed by an Ukranian who fell in love with a Russian girl in Moscow (mid 19th century or something)

Any info you can provide on the historical background of that song is highly appreciated.. Thanks in advance. Spasiva

Answer 1

I believe there is truth in both. The song was actually written by a Ukrainian poet Evgeni Grebenka (Евгений Гребенка) in 1843, when he was 21 years old, so it's quite possible that it's based on his own love story. The song's style is a classical Russian romance (романс), which is very close to Gypsy songs. Many Russian romances (including "Dark Eyes", or, translating literally "Black eyes") were performed by gypsy singers in restaurants, so they have become a part of gypsy culture.

Answer 2

I'm sorry Russians ,I dont know the answer but I had to say some tihing to Melisa.
Bir kaç edepiz sizi kzdırdı galiba . Türkiye bölmünde size ihtiyacımız var. Eşim ve ben cevaplarınızı beğenerek okuyoruz.
Hannibal 'dan Saygılar...
Please come back to Turkey part again .