Russian Church Music [Import]

Mikhail Mikhaylovich Ippolitov-Ivanov (Composer), Alexander Glazunov (Composer), Alexander Grechaninov (Composer), Alexander Arkhangel'sky (Composer), N. Kompanyeisky (Composer), Pavel Chesnokov (Composer), Alexandr Dmitriyevich Kastalsky (Composer), Dimitry Bortnyansky (Composer), Paul Andrews (Conductor), Slavyanka Men's Chorus (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Slavyanka Men's Chorus
• Conductor: Paul Andrews
• Composer: Mikhail Mikhaylovich Ippolitov-Ivanov, Alexander Glazunov, Alexander Grechaninov, Alexander Arkhangel'sky, N. Kompanyeisky, et al.
• Audio CD (October 1, 1992)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
• ASIN: B0000007DX
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #116,539 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Slavyanka: Small Chorus - Large Sound, March 29, 2000

By 

Bill Farnham (Tennessee, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Russian Church Music (Audio CD)

Slavyanka Men's Chorus has the ability, through magnificent dynamic contrasts, to sound small and intimate, but can sound large as a Russian theological academy chorus. Their work on this disc is impeccable. The accompanying booklet of program notes is superior, and is in multiple languages. The inclusion of the text of the liturgical music in several languages, including Slavonic and transliterated English pronunciation of the Slavonic, is a wonderful addition. Can't recommend it highly enough!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Aural Delight, February 6, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Russian Church Music (Audio CD)

Of all the music I own this cd is my favorite at this time. This group has a very rich and powerful sound. When I buy choral music this represents exactly what I am looking for. If you are like me you bought a Gregorian Chant cd and were disappointed becuse it is in unison and rather flat sounding: this is harmonious and lush. Each track is four part a capella. I cannot adequately express the pleasure I receive from this cd. I am not an audiophile or vocal technique expert but I know good music when I hear it; this certainly qualifies. The group has a very good blend and sings what seem to be difficult pieces very smoothly. I would describe the mood as invigoratingly soothing. If you like all-male choral works you will enjoy this. I will certainly be purchasing more work by this group in the future.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Russian Music, October 4, 2000

By 

127 (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Russian Church Music (Audio CD)

This is an excellent performance and resource. These days, it can seem that nothing less than an authentic performance will do, whether that necessitates playing Bach on 300 year old violins or Liszt being played by a full-blooded Hungarian. And with the amount of recordings becoming available from countries with few previous U. S. releases, it can seem that only a Russian ensemble can truly perform Russian music. Slavyanka's CD proves that philosophy to be false: an American choir can deliver an excellent account of Russian choral music.

I'm not sure if this is professional, semi-professional, or a group that meets weekly, but the results are quite good. Recording quality here is generally good and the choir has the requisite low bass section (the first track will let you know that). There are times when intonation and ensemble seem to slip away slightly, which keeps this recording from cracking the upper echelon. Some of the soloists seem uncertain at times, as well.

The inclusion of texts in Cyrillic letters, transliterated Russian, and English is an excellent addition that I wish CDs used more often. The texts make it easier to understand the message and to learn about the Russian language (definitely not the easiet language in which to sing). In fact, the CD booklet is so big that it scarcely fits into the jewel box.

I enjoy having this CD in my library and I would encourage those interested in choral music, Russian music, or even those learning Russian to buy it. I can't think of a better way to learn about a language and a culture.