Click on image
to order
ORTHODOX CHANTS FROM RUSSIA
Composer: Kiev Chant, Russian Orthodox Chant, Znamenny Chant, V.
Kurbator
Audio CD (January 1, 2003)
SPARS Code: DDD
Number of Discs: 1
Format: Import
Label: Arc
ASIN: B0001HM50U
Russian Orthodox liturgical music is arguably the most
sacred & mystical in the Christian tradition. In my opinion only the early
western composers such as Palestrina are on a level playing field. The Orthodox
mass is also the most compelling--particularly since the Roman Catholic service
was denuded of Latin & ritualistic trappings. There are even more ancient
differences between the RC faith and that of the Orthodox. An irreparable split
between Christianity's East and West occurred early on over the issue of Icons
(images considered to hold spiritual power & therefore worthy of
veneration.) The Western church dissented, but also continued the respect for
various holy artifacts. During the Reformation, Protestants went even further
in the demand to eradicate all "worldly" (i.e. artistic) depictions
of Christ, the Holy Mother, and the entire pantheon of saints.
So what does this have to do with the CD?
Just this: the Gregorian chant of Palestrina was composed before the final
split and, therefore in my opinion, matched the intensity of later Orthodox
composers. They remained closer to the spiritual source of the early Christian
faith. For example--and again this is my own opinion--there are rather
awesomely simple phrases in Palestrina's music that seem to musically evoke or
express the very moment of Christ's death on the Cross; when the Light of the
World (The Christ) is gone & all hope extinguished (prior to the
Resurrection, of course.)
Palestrina was a master of acoustics & his music was composed specifically
for playing in churches & cathedrals. There is a clear precision to his
music. Orthodox music is more emotional, closer to the mortal experience--and
yet still dedicated to God.
In general terms, I usually prefer the mixed male/female Russian Orthodox
liturgical music. Female choral pieces reflect the exceptional devotion the
Orthodox Church has traditionally given to The Holy Mother (Theotokos). This
CD, however, is the result of the all-male The Optina Pustyn Male Choir of St.
Petersburg.
They do a magnificent job.
This CD is equally engrossing in its highly contemplative sound. Just as you
don't need to know Hindi in order to appreciate Mantra, you don't need to know
Russian--or even be a "true believer"--in order to hear the rich
textures of Orthodox Chants from Russia.
Sacred
Treasures: Choral Masterworks From Russia
Russian
Orthodox Church Songs
Chants
de la Liturgie Slavonne
Allegri:
Miserere
The
Essential Tallis Scholars
Review: JEFarrow
Updated 03/08