Customer Reviews

Basso Profondo From Old Russia

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

These voices have to be heard to be believed. Not only do they possess the lowest notes of any choral singer, but the soloists have such full voices that the effect is immediately striking. I've heard recordings in which basses reach low C's and Bb's, but the pitches can barely be heard above a whisper. These men have full command of those lowest notes. I would love to hear this group perform live in a cathedral setting.

The quality of the recording is excellent and there is rather a variety of literature represented, as well. The music includes anonymous ancient liturgical chant, popular folk songs, and music by well known Russian choral composers (such as Tchesnokov and Gretchaninov). The notes are excellent and well researched. We learn, for instance, that God Save the Tsar, which figures prominently in the famous 1812 Overture, actually wasn't written until 1833. As the writer says, musical expression takes precedence of historical accuracy at times.

This CD is of very high quality in a number of ways, but 65 minutes of it does get a little long. This CD is for anyone interested in choral music, but limited doses might be the way to enjoy it best.

Basso Profondos (oktavists) are unique to Russian singing. Their vocal range is at least one octave below the normal bass range (think Paul Robeson or Tennessee Ernie Ford). This is a magnificent work and I highly recommend it to any classical music lover for the sheer pleasure of hearing such wondrous music. I have never heard anything like it.

I have done a good bit of research on basso profundo's, contrabasses, etc and these guys seem to be lower than any I've heard. The soloist on "Do Not Reject Me In My Old Age" has a full voiced G1, below low bass C which he hits a number of times on the CD. Very amazing recording... good musically, not the VERY best choir I've ever heard or anything, but definetly good. Russian music is great, many of the tracks are very dark musically, but there are some more majestic tracks, and a few tracks that sound kinda militaristic.

The music on this CD won't be to everyone's liking, but the unique sound of the voice of a "basso profundo" or "octavist"
is a musical rarity that shouldn't be missed. These basses have a gripping effect, with a timbre resembling that of an organ's pedal tones. These basses can sing the low A below the bass range. They are, simply, extraordinarily powerful voices. Savor the unearthly sound of them. Who knows - you might just get to like Russian polyphonic liturgical chant, as well.

Have you ever bought folk or choral music from another country & were disappointed with either the recording or non-professional singing? Not so with this near masterpiece. "The Orthodox Singers" male choir from Moscow was formed in 1992 with 14 singers from several churches in Moscow. Several of the choir sing near an octave below the normal bass line & are called "Oktavists". Most of the songs in this recording are sacred with a few popular songs added in for good taste. A few times a solo Oktavist sings in the orthodox deacon style, chanting a sermon or reading while the choir sings the melody. The balance of the songs are done within a standard choral arrangement with several Oktavists singing the lowest note of the chord. I want to rate this CD with a "5" but sometimes the chanting Oktavists lack that extra "Awe" which should cause the fear of God in you. I have "Electrostatic" speakers & was surprised to hear the Oktavists in the panels, which mean the basses sing above 250Hz.

A good buy if you want to hear something different.

An incredible disc - magnificently recorded - including mainly sacred music from mesmerizing chant to soaring anthem but also a taste of patriotic and popular tunes. The amazing impact of the Russian "Oktavists" has to be heard to be believed. The sound of performers, singing an octave below the normal bass range with clarity and beautiful resonance, has been compared to the 16 foot pedal registration on a magnificent pipe organ. I am a musicologist and conduct classes from time to time on musical appreciation. I have lost count of the number of students who have ask me to get them a copy of this disc after experiencing it during my presentations. If you have never heard the Russian Basso Profondos you are in for a not to be forgotten experience.

This CD is very good for those who like Christian orthodox music. Buy it!

While I do not give this a five, it is truly a CD of awesome MEGA bass singing. It is difficult to think that some mens voices can, indeed, sing such incredibly deep notes. It inspires awe and an appreciation of what the human singing voice can do. "The Orthodox Singers" male choir provides the background music, making a perfect platform for the extraordinary, very deep voices to shine. As always, I am also very impressed with the a capella singing in Russian Churches. It fills ones soul with the beauty of the music and a longing to be at peace with God. The only fault I can find is the "sameness" of some of the music. However, all in all this CD is definitely a keeper to be enjoyed for years to come.

Back when the Borders where I worked had a music section, we received a demo of this album, and it piqued my curiosity. When I listened to the first track, I thought, "Oh well, interesting, but not something I'll want to take home with me." But when the second track began to play, I was hooked for life.

I tend to prefer orchestral music over choral or opera, but there are some notable exceptions. I find that Sacred Choral music from England and Russia are extremely moving. These are two very different musical traditions, but they share a spirituality that inspires me. I don't need to understand the words to get the message, the tones express it perfectly. Though there is one word just about anyone will recognize in track 5 of this beautiful album: "Hallelujah." It's my favorite track.

Russian singers are the best bass singers in the world, maybe because they love that range (though the singers in the higher ranges in this album are equally passionate, and their voices are gorgeous). I think it might be fair to say no one sings that "Old Time Religion" better than the Russians. During my Music Section Expert days, I sold many copies of BASSO PROFONDO FROM OLD RUSSIA to customers simply by playing it. Unfortunately the sample tracks on this site are selfish little snippets that don't do the album justice. So here's a thought -- buy a high-quality download of track five, "Blessed is the man who seeks no council among the impious." I bought one from the iMusic site for $1. Once you listen to it, you'll know everything you need to know about this album.

Blessed is the amazon customer who takes this counsel!

As a low bass and wannabe octavist, I really enjoy singing along with this recording. Luckily, I have performed the Rachmaninov "All Night Vigil", Tchaikovshy "Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom", and other works in Old Church Slavonic, so the words are mostly familiar.

I still find it amazing that these singers can make notes in the midrange still sound low! Enjoy!