Customer Reviews

The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

(A note about the title of this release: This is a performance of the version of the Divine Liturgy attributed to the great Doctor of the Orthodox Greek Church, St. John Chrysostom (c. 347-407 CE). The title, "Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom," is therefore appropriate and standard. When Opus 111 issued this recording in 1994, this was the title. However, for reasons which are not clear, a different title, "Byzantine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom," appears on the otherwise unchanged cover of the current issue of this recording, which Opus 111 issued in 2000.)

It would be easy to rave about this recording, but since others have done that already I will aim mainly to inform.

Lycourgos Angelopoulos is a musicologist devoted to the study, preservation and performance of traditional Byzantine music. He is the founder and director of the Greek Byzantine Choir, a project through which he has sought to present to the public the music of the Byzantine tradition in as pure and authentic a form as possible. The choir has made a few recordings, but this is the only one I know of on a major label.

The liner notes for this release are informative, and include an overview of Byzantine music, a section by section description of the music sung here, and the complete text of the Liturgy with indications for Priest, Choir (left and right), and Reader. Also included are a picture and description of the famous 12th century Abbaye de Fontevraud, where the recording was made.

It is important to understand what is actually being performed here. This particular version of the text of the Liturgy is traditionally attributed to St. John Chrysostom, but the music is from later and more varied sources. As explained briefly in the notes, Byzantine music was transmitted by oral tradition and crude notation throughout its "Early" and "Middle" periods. It was not until the late 18th and early 19th centuries that the complete and accurate system of notation used today was established. In his notes, Lycourgos Angelopoulos indicates the musical sources, the earliest from the early 14th century, for each section of the Liturgy performed here.

The group's performance is cohesive and powerful. The choir sings with an impressive confidence and sureness which nevertheless does not undermine the solemnity of the occasion. On the contrary- their devotion, musical and religious, is palpable. Agioritis Ioakeim, the Priest, never falters. If there is one feature of this music likely to irritate those unfamiliar with it, it would be the quasi-monotonous chant of the Priest, but even this succeeds, in part, I suspect, because of its utter authenticity. Of particular note are the solos by Lycourgos Angelopoulos, whose tone, control and intensity can be heart-rending. The ease with which the group integrates the distinctive shifting vocal drones with the powerful monophony and intricate "melismatic" (whole musical phrases sung to one syllable of text) passages is fascinating and moving.

Yolanta Skura has done quite an acceptable job of recording this performance for Opus 111. The Priest is suitably prominent without being overly so, and the arrangement of the choir and soloists is clear and natural. The reverberation within the Abbeye de Fontevraud is captured nicely.

I will conclude with a brief discussion of some related recordings. The Greek Byzantine Choir has made at least four commercially available recordings, but this is surely the one to get. Another very interesting recording by the group is "Ioannis Koukouzelis: The Byzantine Maestro - Mathimata, Psalms, Sticheron, Kratima" (Jade). Although this selection of the great 14th century composer's works, which are predictably well performed, was recorded two years after the "Divine Liturgy," the recording quality is so deplorably bad that I can recommend it only for interest. Much more precious to me are the recordings of Old Roman, Beneventine and Ambrosian chant (Harmonia Mundi), the products of a collaboration between Lycourgos Angelopoulos and Marcel Peres, the director of the French Ensemble Organum. The theoretical basis for all of these recordings is a somewhat controversial, but absolutely compelling, commitment to the common origins of some Western and Eastern chant (and hence a strikingly "Eastern" interpretation of "Western" music). Lycourgos Angelopoulos' solos on these recordings are stunning. Finally, the piercing and ecstatic performances of early Byzantine and, especially, Melchite (Syrian Byzantine) chant by Sister Marie Keyrouz (Harmonia Mundi) deserve the highest praise.

Confounding, astounding, and astonishing. Awesome, magnificent, and elevating. This CD is the crown jewel of my chant collection.

The Greek Byzantine Choir, lead by Lycourgos Angelopoulos, gives the most inspiring rendition of St. John Chrysostom's liturgy that I have ever heard. Particularly priceless is track 10, the Hymn of the Cherubim, whose music I consider to be the most beautiful piece of music ever composed by man (although music this moving could not have been composed by mere humans. The Divine is definitely at work here). My other favourites include track 4, the thrid antiphone (It's the Beatitudes with intermittent verses in between), during which the words of the Beatitudes come alive for me as the notes are masterfully delivered in solo and in chorus.

This CD, single-handedly, has made me fall in love with the music of the Greek Orthodox church (even though I come from a very strong chanting tradition myself, in the Coptic Orthodox church). I have essentially memorized the entire CD. Too bad the renditions at local churches pale in comparison to the glory and majesty of this recording. Otherwise, I would be singing along!

For anyone who wants to use music as a tool for contemplation and meditation, this CD is a must buy. Don't let the Greek language be a barrier to you. You will enjoy this whether you understand Greek or not (I didn't...but I've learned the words from the CD).
As you see, I am a complete nut about this CD. Sorry.

If you want to hear the whole thing before buying, you can go to ...

This is what a recording of the Orthodox Liturgy should be: faithful to the way its done in churches, pious, and recorded *professionally*! Unfortunately, many recordings of Orthodox Liturgical music are either "innovations" on the Liturgy (re-arrangements that generally are poorer than the original) or they are cheaply produced and the production quality is low despite good singing.

Here, however, we have found the best of both worlds. Great singing, a great psalti (chanter) and their use of ison is good too. Combine this with great production and packaging and you've got a real gem. I'm not as familiar with the Greek Orthodox tradition as I am the Russian Orthodox tradition...but this sounds just like few the Greek Orthodox services I've been to. Highly recommended!

Even if you don't know Greek (and I know very little), this is an excellent CD to own - translations of the text are printed in the booklet in French, German, and English. As these men sing you know that their heart is on God and they are doing their best to bring glory to Him. It is also great to listen to as an example of how Christians worshipped centuries ago, and many Christians (of the Orthodox and Eastern Catholic bodies) still use this ancient liturgy.

I'm studying Byzantine music, and I'm lucky enough to have Lykourgos Angelopoulos as my professor and guide in this spiritual journey. What one can listen to in this CD is only a very small sample of Byzantine music. The recorded liturgy is on First Mode. Actually, there are eight Modes in Byzantine music. And I have not yet mentioned the fact that Orthodox liturgical repertoire consists of much much more than this simple mass. However, it is an excellent choice, either for fans of byzantine chant, or for those who just want to feel really meditated by the solemnity and splendour of these Divine tunes. I only wish there were more CDs like this one, so that everyone who wants could enjoy what I enjoy near Mr Angelopoulos.

A most interesting example of the Greek style in sacred music. Redolent of the flavor of the Greek, middle Eastern style of liturgical singing. The psalm tones are quite melodic..and the chants rendered with great attention to style and piety.

A peaceful and inspiring bit of musical history that quickly transports you to the great basilica of Byzantium. One of the great musical treasures from a Doctor of the Church reproduced in it's historic form by a gifted choir. Very well done.

A fantastic authentic CD that inspires God loving people of any faith. This rendition of the Holy Liturgy chanted by the Greek Byzantine Choir in tandem with a regurlar Orthodox Christian church service is truly marvelous. It is a representation of what God fearing Orthodox Christians have known and still celebrate every Sunday throughout the year at Christian Orthodox church services around the world. We have been doing it right for 2000 years. A must buy CD.