Customer Reviews

Russian Chant for Vespers

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

 

 

Russian liturgical music from the monasteries is a combination of a number of different styles. Since the Church id from the orthodox tradition, the music is influenced partly by Greek liturgical music. It also has a bit of a western Gregorian flow to it, though this is not as strong as other influences. It also has a bit of Russian folk music flair to it. Musically it is interesting, but it also has a spiritual quality to it. Perhaps because it has survived against tremendous odds during the Soviet years, it has strength to it as well.

This recording by the Novospassky Monastery Choir contains liturgical music primarily for Easter but contains other prayers and psalms as well. The CD has liner notes but no translation for the music, but for the price, this is not a complaint. The choir is strong and is able to convey both the majesty and beauty of the music.

Once again, Naxos has provided a unique quality musical experience and a budget price.

This was my first introduction to Novospassky monastery choir - at least this looks like the same record I have, though artists aren't mentioned.

Anyway, it was love at first hearing. I also sent a record to a friend in US and he fell for it, too. This is powerful music with unearthly beauty and perfection of singing. I never get tired of wondering the sounds these men make. I have seen them also live, and the performance is even more divine. A church full of people in flu season stopped coughing and sneezing the moment singing started and hardly remembered to breathe until it was over.

The music is perfect for relaxing and getting rid of petty, mundane worries and stress. Everything becomes small when you're surrounded with these men singing their hearts out.

This album has some excellent singing with good basses,essential in Eastern Orthodox singing. Plus Naxos charges little for the cd.There is another great cd with the same group on Naxos.

I must say that I'm quite disappointed with this CD. The title is misleading in the extreme. There is very little of what I would consider and actual chant on the whole CD, and the rest is operatic western-style singing which is not what I would expect from an Orthodox monastic choir. If the title had been correctly discriptive I would not have purchased this item, and as the matter stands, I'll give it away to any of my Orthodox friends who might want it. I really must remember to check ALL the sound clips before I buy.

Accolades to the Novospassky Monastery Choir who are featured on this CD. The first track is of beautiful Russian Church bells ringing, leading appropriately to the rest of the tracks. I am always and ever in awe of the a capella capabilities of Russian Church choirs. They are incredible in their harmony and accuracy with wide ranges of styles from slow to fast. This is a treat to the listening ear.

This is another CD the same godson asked me to find for him. He does have good taste in Russian Church Music.