Customer Reviews

A New Joy

5 star:		(8)
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If you liked "The Powers of Heaven", or their recent recording "Da Pacem", you will love the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir's latest collection of soul-wrenching Russian Orthodox music. The massive bass section is the first thing you'll notice, complimented by an incredibly strong and pristinely-intoned soprano section. The tenor section is not as strong as on Powers of Heaven, but as far as I'm aware, this is still the best choir in the world, bar none. I've only listened to the disc a couple times, I'm still letting it all sink in.

Additionally, solos by soprano Kaia Urb are amazing as usual, as are the Russian chant intonations by tenor Tiit Kogerman and basso profundo Vladimir Miller. Listen to the final track for a molars-rattling display of basso profundo magic that surpasses even their recording of Rakhmaninov's All-Night Vigil. The version of "Carol of the Bells" is a nice surprise as well, as are both "6 Psalms" tracks and "Bells Rang Early in Jerusalem".

This is a sublime collection by a fantastic choir. Both the performances and the repertoire put to shame every other vocal ensemble currently recording, and the Estonians continue to be the gold standard against which I measure all other choirs.

I would like to second Jacob Williams' opinion on this CD and add- buy this or download it in time for Christmas (though it can be listened to at any time of year, of course). Paul Hillier leads the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir in a spellbinding recording of Eastern Orthodox Choral music. There's something about Orthodox choral music that has a unique feel to it and is hard to describe; it could be the rich chordal style, or the way the melody moves through the force of the slavonic text. Whatever it is, it makes the music a pleasure to listen to.

"A New Joy" includes some music that will be familiar to most listeners, such as Nicolas Kedrov's Our Father and the Leontovych's "Carol of the Bells" (appropriately sung in Ukrainian). In addition, there is music that has never been recorded before, such as Georgiy Izvekov's "festive canon for the Nativity of Christ". Izvekov was a Russian Orthodox priest executed in 1937 by the Soviet government. The "canon" offers a chant-based set of eight short hymn-like "odes" (plus a refrain) notable for their beautiful melodies and affecting, brilliant harmonies.

One would be hard-pressed to find a CD devoted to Christmas music in the Eastern Orthodox tradition- "A New Joy" is such a recording. It's truly a standout, and will raise your spirits and set your mind at ease.

I listened to the samples and decided that I must have the album for Christmas. Though it came after that, the music did not lose its power to convey the beauty of the Advent message. In fact, I was captivated by the beauty of the Orthodox choral rendition of the familiar Christmas story. I was especially moved by the accounts of how some of the composers lost their lives for the music I was listening. That really gave me greater appreciation for the music that was at once familiar and different from the usual Western Christmas carols.

Bought the CD 3 years ago and in my collection of numerous Russian and Orthodox Chants, this is my favorite. It is joyous and uplifting. The voices give clear tones. Their harmonies are as uplifting as a full orchestra without any accompaniment of instrument. Excellence.I don't know how to speak Russian but never-the-less I am so glad to be able to hear this Russian Chant CD.

I can't add anything that hasn't already been said here.
My favorite eastern orthodox recording ...... and I've got a lot of them.

It's a recording you can listen to over and over, and not get tired of any of the pieces.

But one question: why is it not available in the SACD format that's selling in europe, canada, and elsewhere in the world? I ordered one for my mom for Christmas, from the canadian amazon site. It's coming from Austria, it new, not used, it's SACD, and total price is under ten dollars USD. Including the shipping. What's up?

I stumbled across this album last year when searching for Orthodox Christmas music. I purchased it and totally fell in love with it, playing it constantly throughout my house. Subsequently I purchased A New Joy as gifts for family members and friends. To a person, they all absolutely love it. I find myself playing this even when it's not the Christmas season. I'm on my second season with A New Joy, now, and it truly does bring me great joy.

I bought this CD unheard based on a review in our local newspaper, The Oregonian. The reviewer wrote that the choir's voices were as plush as an organ (among many other superlative comments).
The choir is splendid, awesome, gorgeous, every superlative you can think up. The songs are rich in beauty and tone and performed with mastery and grace. It thrills the soul.
I listen to this album all year 'round. I don't speak Russian or Ukrainian, and the songs don't shout "Christmas carol" to me, so I get to enjoy it for the whole year, instead of one-twelfth of it. I did loan it to a friend who speaks both languages. Her eyes were still sparkling with delight when she returned it.
I pay very close attention to that reviewer in The Oregonian now.

"A New Joy" is a very, very special CD. You will never tire of listening to it, unlike so many Christmas albums. You'll want to play it during any season of the year!

Lou