Customer Reviews

Russian Church Music

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

I've had this album for a little over a year now and still listen to it regularly. It's a favorite in my car, especially in the early morning while driving my kids to school. The combination of the sunrise and the moving vocals combine to leave me feeling full of life, ready to move on with my day. The chorus is truly incredible, and with a decent sound system the feeling of being in the midst of all those deep voices is something memorable.

I love the sound and style of Russian music, and this CD has been wonderful when I'm in the mood for something more meaningful.

I'm not a music expert or Russian linguist, nor will you find me in a church on Sunday. I enjoy good music of all forms, and no matter what your religion or linguistic affiliation, this is excellent music that is sure to add something to your collection.

The Slavyanka Chorus sings a varied program of Russian liturgical music including some tracks I've rarely heard (Nos. 6, 9, 16). The singing leaves something to be desired though. There are occasional lapses in intonation, mostly caused by singing too loud, which unfortunately they do a little too often. In the liner notes, the reader is encouraged by the director to consult Choral Performance in Pre-Revolutionary Russia by Vladimir Morosan. I would encourage every die-hard Russian Choral Music fan to read it. I just wish Mr. Andrews followed it more closely.

The themes and songs remind me of an ancient Russia when the Church is at peak and predominantly practiced at the whole of Russia.Just imagine yourself in one of those great cathedral with the choir singing and the priest celebrating the mass.The song that echoed in the great cathedral wall will surely put ones to heavenly realm,a sense of calm and joy one will always remember....

The seventeen selections on this CD cover a range of styles and musical traditions from the 15th century chant styles, through the 19th and 20th centuries. The Slavyanka Chorus was founded in 1979 in San Francisco. This album of liturgical music was recorded in celebration of the Millenial anniversary of Russian Orthodoxy. The pieces are performed in Church Slavonic, still the written and spoken language of the Russian Orthodox Church. A booklet accompanying the CD gives the Church Slavonic, Russian, English, French and German translations of the text. It would be exciting to hear more from this group of performers.

Sadly, there are some serious problems with extraneous noise and volume irregularity on this disc.
Some of the cuts are more clear than others, and all are exuberantly sung. I would prefer more texture from this very rich musical heritage.

This was my first Russian liturgical music CD. I thought it was the greatest religious music I ever heard. The deep rich balance of the Russian tradition is truly marvelous. And this is from a group of Americans, not native Russians!! You have to get this one!

Music is great, but there is one problem, maybe only English speaking customers doesn't notice that problem...., where is point? It's seems strange to listen when male choir whose native language is English performs Russian liturgical and sacred songs - it seems very strange and little bit funny. I understand that English speaking customers can't differentiate between real Russian speaking male choir performance and English speaking male choir. But everyone who is fluent in Russian immediately will notice that difference, especially when Russian liturgical songs sounds with English accent. It's a very sad ....