Customer Reviews

New Heaven: Hymns 2 & 3

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Korndorf, a native of Russia who moved to Canada, self-identified with the Eastern European religious minimalists such as Gorecki and Part, and his Hymns reflect this. They feature a deep, meditative droning that occasionally swells in volume and thickness of tone, creating an effect that, while somewhat depressive, conveys what one person might imagine as the infinity, endurance, and strength of God.

Russian-born composer Nikolai Korndorf (b. 1947) has resided in Vancouver, Canada, since 1991. This CD from Sony Classical contains his compositions Hymn II and Hymn III (in honor of Gustav Mahler), the former a purely orchestral piece, the latter for orchestra with soprano soloist (Catherine Bott on this recording). Hymn II starts off with what seems to be the opening chord from Star Trek but then moves off in its own original, contemplative path. Hymn III is absolutely compelling, unfolding in devotional dimensions and pointing toward the eternities, and ending with a passage from the 21st chapter of Revelation. My wife commented that this CD reminded her of the Gorecki 3rd Symphony, and there are some overall similarities in style, but the two pieces are quite different. This is a stunning CD that demands to be played over and over again and rewards repeated listening.