Search - Russian Traditional, P. Goncharov, Alexei Fydorovich Lvov :: Basso Profondo From Old Russia

Unique and beautiful

127 | Michigan | 09/18/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"These voices have to be heard to be believed. Not only do they possess the lowest notes of any choral singer, but the soloists have such full voices that the effect is immediately striking. I've heard recordings in which basses reach low C's and Bb's, but the pitches can barely be heard above a whisper. These men have full command of those lowest notes. I would love to hear this group perform live in a cathedral setting.The quality of the recording is excellent and there is rather a variety of literature represented, as well. The music includes anonymous ancient liturgical chant, popular folk songs, and music by well known Russian choral composers (such as Tchesnokov and Gretchaninov). The notes are excellent and well researched. We learn, for instance, that God Save the Tsar, which figures prominently in the famous 1812 Overture, actually wasn't written until 1833. As the writer says, musical expression takes precedence of historical accuracy at times.This CD is of very high quality in a number of ways, but 65 minutes of it does get a little long. This CD is for anyone interested in choral music, but limited doses might be the way to enjoy it best."

Magnificent voices

Romeo's mom | Austin, TX United States | 12/08/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Basso Profondos (oktavists) are unique to Russian singing. Their vocal range is at least one octave below the normal bass range (think Paul Robeson or Tennessee Ernie Ford). This is a magnificent work and I highly recommend it to any classical music lover for the sheer pleasure of hearing such wondrous music. I have never heard anything like it."

Great CD

Romeo's mom | 03/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have done a good bit of research on basso profundo's, contrabasses, etc and these guys seem to be lower than any I've heard. The soloist on "Do Not Reject Me In My Old Age" has a full voiced G1, below low bass C which he hits a number of times on the CD. Very amazing recording... good musically, not the VERY best choir I've ever heard or anything, but definetly good. Russian music is great, many of the tracks are very dark musically, but there are some more majestic tracks, and a few tracks that sound kinda militaristic."