Customer Reviews

Sergey Rachmaninov: Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

How do you get an an American choir from the midwest to make a superior recording of the most recorded major work in Russian Church Music? First, they use an actual Protodeacon (Fr. Andre Papkov) for the exclamations. Most recordings don't even use a deacon (which during the litanies is like listening to half of a conversation), and those recordings that do have a deacon, usually have some non-Orthodox singer come in and sing the part. This makes for a superfluous and mediocre performance by the "deacon," who usually has absolutely no knowledge of how a deacon in the Russian Orthodox Church sould sound. Second, the choir is coached by experts who specialize in the field of Russian Liturgical Music. Other recordings don't even come close to what a Russian choir should sound like. This choir has REAL "Russian" basses who are mellow and the foundation of the choral sound, and not those loud, out-of-control baritones. The sound is beautifully blended and doesn't feature the sopranos screaming above the rest of the choir, like on other recordings. Their diction is perfect and crystal clear, which makes them sound like Russians. Thus, it is no wonder why Nos. 8 (Cherubic Hymn), 12 (We Hymn Thee), and 14 (Our Father) sound like you've entered the heavenly realm.

Finally, the CDs are packaged with beautiful and informative liner notes, and a complete translation of the entire liturgy, in both English and in the Slavonic phonetic.

Don't jump to conclusions and assume that a group that calls itself the "Kansas City Chorale" can't perform the Rachmaninov "t. John Chrysostom Liturgy" the way it should be. I nearly missed out on what is a truly amazing and gorgeous recording because of musical snobbery. 'What could people in Kansas possibly know about Russian?' Apparently, quite a lot. And with the aid of the sumptuous, golden voice of Father Andre Papkov, a singer from the New England Conservatory who has made it his business to become a definitive voice in Russian liturgical singing, you get the full sense of this most gorgeous mass. I actually preferred it over several Russian recordings, sad to say, because the Kansas City Chorale was better able to capture the idiomatic style that is central to this type of singing - seamless and blended, with huge architectural harmonies and extremely effective dynamics that bely their small size (only 30 singers although they sound like at least double that). Buy this one and you won't be sorry!

Who would ever have guessed that such an authentic-sounding performance of this quintessentially Russian choral music would originate from Kansas City? The Kansas City Chorale, surely one of the finest groups currently singing in the US, is augmented by several extra basses (who sing those low C's with apparent ease) and by a US-based Russian orthodox priest singing the celebrant. It's no surprise that a New York Times music critic nominated this recording for record of the year.

I agree with all the reviews. The quality of the performers is just astounding. The one thing that I would add, which keeps me from giving this CD a 5 star rating, is that the level is so low that I have to turn up my CD player all the way to hear some of the softer sections, and even then I have to strain to hear it. I've tried it on several players, from a Car CD player to my huge home theater, and the result is the same. Other than that, it is a great piece.

This Protestant loves beautiful church music whereever he can find it. And Russian Orthodox church music is just about the most beautiful in the world. As a Protestant, I obviously do not how this SHOULD sound. I only know that some of this music is so hauntingly lovely it's scary. I also know that the choir is outstanding here and that the sound quality of the CD is extraordinary.

Buy this. You won't regret it.

For all the years,I've been looking for some kind of inspirational music to help ease and soothe the tension and all the problems of the world that I have been having.I have collected many religious songs,choral work,instrumental and so on.This one I have found while browsing on the net and someone accidentally or maybe proposedly put it in my e-mail through "beliefnet.com".When I listened it,I said to my self this is what I have been looking for.The music and the choir is so beautiful,I wondered how the choir can make such a wonderful arrangement.Sometimes I wish I could bring this CD to the next world if I'm allow to.Try it,I'm sure you will love it....

This is the definitive version of the definitive Russian liturgy. Sweeping, powerful chorals led by a booming bass make this exactly what one would expect from a Russian choir. Only, it is not a Russian choir; it is the Kansas City Chorale that has produced this stunning work of choral magic. You must have this version of St. John's glorious liturgy or you are missing the best. Too much praise for these heavenly voices would not be possible.