Customer Reviews

Russian Easter

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I came to this work via Loreena McKennitt's CD "The Book of Secrets" as the first track on "Russian Easter" is excerpted as the intro to her song "Dante's Prayer". So haunting is that hymn ("Alleluia, Behold the Bridegroom") that I find myself weeping every time I hear it.

We American evangelical Christians unfortunately hold the worship music of cultures other than ours at arms length. It is impossible, though, to hear this CD and not be staggered by the depth of worship it contains. Rarely does a work make me fall on my knees, but here it is in all its musical glory.

Featuring the hymns of primarily Russian composers, "Russian Easter" is a collection of eleven non-instrumental pieces performed by the remarkably adept St. Petersburg Chamber Choir. Centering around the theme of Christ's Passion, each hymn is superlative and perfectly suited for this collection.

Philips, the manufacturer/distributor, did a beautiful job with this disc, too. The sound is exquisite, particularly the bass voices, and the liner notes are very well done, including a brief exposition of each piece along with both the Cyrillic and English lyrics.

This is one CD I firmly believe every Christian should own. And if you're not in that fold yet, a few listens to "Russian Easter" will help you on your way.

Simply stunning!

From our great neighbour in the East comes this wonderful music that has served as a first aid kit for me when times have been rough and I have been driving along the Finnish countryside, just driving for many hours on roads deep into silent forests. You simply cannot maintain a hopeless and desperate feeling when listening to this music. It simply puts you back on track. And it reminds me of the fact that when really miserable you are not alone. Forget new age - this is old age music that takes your inner bad breath away and replaces it with gratitude and hope.

Listening to classical radio has once more paid unexpected dividends; yet again I discover a treasure that would have escaped my notice and I would never have otherwise heard.

This disc is a collection of Easter music performed by the St. Petersburg Chamber Choir under the direction of Nikolai Korniev. It is beautifully recorded in the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul in St. Petersburg, Russia; the wonderful acoustics of this magnificent structure adds to the spiritual effect that this music requires.

The entire CD is beautiful, but it is the very first piece on the disc (the one that I heard on radio) that caught my undivided attention, that being, " Alleluia, Behold the Bridegroom". This haunting melody played as quiet chant, repeated over and over, rises to a soft crescendo before it reaches its conclusion. It is hard to believe that this piece has gone virtually unnoticed; that it has not become a staple of sacred music through out the Christian world at Easter time. Even more astonishing is that the author of this incredible work has become lost with time; the creator, who in this case has flirted with a small measure of immortality, is simply recognized as "anonymous".

All in all, a CD that any lover of choral music (sacred or otherwise) would absolutely cherish and desire for their collection; but it is " Alleluia, Behold the Bridegroom" that will move your soul.
Highly recommended.

No matter the reason for focusing thoughts on higher matters at this time of year - the mysteries of Spring awakening, Passover, Easter, and the other festivals that celebrate the concept of renaissance - few recordings capture the essence of these mysteries as well as this recording of Russian Easter music.

Nikolai Korniev conducts the St Petersburg Chamber Choir in the ambience of the large cathedral in St Petersburg in a soaringly powerful recital of hymns and music written by various composers for the celebration of Easter. The choral sound is that special magic found in Russian choral singing, a sound that embraces the softest of pianissimos in contrast to the largest triple fortes grounded by that inimitable lushly rich Russian bass technique of singing.

No matter the listener's response to the Eastertide, this recording is simply some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring choral music collected on one CD. It stirs the soul and awakens the spirit. Highly recommended - for anytime of the year, too! Grady Harp, April 06

I rarely give five stars. I would give six if I could.

This is glorious, peaceful and exalting music. It takes the breath away. The voices, the songs, the rendition, the recording quality - its all there. Hear it, and be soothed.

This cd contains some of the best Choral selections I have ever heard. Rich long tones and wonderful compositions. Great for the Easter Season.

This is my favorite choral chant CD's. Although the orchestration in the background is not exactly kosher, I think it brings it into the 21st century with a enhanced richness and proper flair. Sit back, cut off the lights, light a candle, and Dream through a cold winter's night.

Language aside, I was very interested in the blends of music and chorus. There seems to be a quality that I have never heard or have ignored in my own language that comes out while I listen to this music. The music stirs, it has a way of bringing out messages that seem heart felt. I enjoy this album and recommend it highly.

I first heard of this choir on a Loreena McKennitt CD as they are featured on a song of hers. So I went to her website and found out their name and promptly ordered two CDs. I love them both and put them on while Iam cleaning my house or cooking...they help me unwind from work and level me out...I know they are not mainstream music but that makes them all the more appealing.

We recently heard the St. Petersburg Chamber Choir in The Netherlands, and were amazed by their quality. Incredible piano's (barely audible, but beautiful!) and fortes (loud and impressive!). On this CD we hear many of the same songs, in the same quality! Makes us happy. Please go on.