Customer Reviews

Panikhida

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This is an astonishing CD - I have never heard anything like this music. The CD is a recording of the Russian Orthodox requiem office for the dead. Orthodox chant in general is not as familiar to Americans as Gregorian chant or the polyphonic chant becoming more well known through the works of groups like the Anonymous 4, but it is in the same family. However this CD, as the liner notes say, "represents old Russian non-linear polyphonic chant which has no stylistic parallels in western European music." It continues, that these canticles, though "seemingly amorphous... are governed by exquisitely symmetrical patterns. The polyphony is horizontal and distinctly dissonant." It's this dissonance that gives this form of chant its unique flavor and beauty. Of course, it is not to everyone's taste - instead of the simple sweetness of much of Gregorian chant, this is far more complex, and at times even astringent.

Listen to the samples here - they are quite generous, and give a good idea of the entire CD. The first sample, The King in Heaven, is simple, monodic chant - and it gives you a basic idea of the pure singing style of the choir. The second is a chanted prayer. With the third, Alleluia, the unique quality of this music begins to be revealed: it alternates between a single voice and a polyphonic response ending in a dissonance that is as open as infinite space. The last two samples give you an even clearer idea of the rare beauty of this CD. If these samples intrigue you, as they did, me, you will find that the full CD is even richer and more beautiful.

Polyphonic chant is in itself quite wonderful, and seems to be finding a growing audience. But this early form of Orthodox chant is in a class by itself.

This recording of an Orthodox Christian panikhida is among the most haunting and exquisitite music I have ever heard. Just listen to the "Lord, Have Mercy." I have no musical background to explain why technically the music sounds as it does... but the result is simply unearthly. When I first heard this recording, the music seemed to me to be something primordial, like seeing a small glimpse of the radiance of God.

The icon of the angel on the cover of the CD is covering their face in humility from the awesome majesty of the Lord-- and this music invokes a similar response in me: it is so truly beautiful, I give thanks to God for this reflection of Him, quiet but clear, in those who serve Him with their voices in His Church. It is perfect music with which to commemorate the passing of the dead into the next world, since it seems almost as a bridge between here and there.

This music of the Holy Church pours forth, filling places in my soul while also creating more open spaces. Words are incessant, insufficient. Who can describe such a gift from God?