Anonymous, Viktor Kalinnikov, Alexander Grechaninov Russian Easter Genres:Special Interest, Classical The St. Petersburg Chamber Choir and their director, Nikolai Korniev, show off subbasement basses, soaring sopranos and a rich, well-blended sound in "Russian Easter," a group of eleven settings for Easter worship by Alexa... more »nder Grechaninov, Dmitri Bortnyansky and other masters of Russian church music. The compositions were written variously from the 18th century through the present, but all stay true to the spirit and aesthetic of the Orthodox tradition. Those who find plainchant a little on the monotonous side but are still looking for a spiritual element in music will find much to admire and enjoy in these beautifully sung presentations. --Sarah Bryan Miller« less
The St. Petersburg Chamber Choir and their director, Nikolai Korniev, show off subbasement basses, soaring sopranos and a rich, well-blended sound in "Russian Easter," a group of eleven settings for Easter worship by Alexander Grechaninov, Dmitri Bortnyansky and other masters of Russian church music. The compositions were written variously from the 18th century through the present, but all stay true to the spirit and aesthetic of the Orthodox tradition. Those who find plainchant a little on the monotonous side but are still looking for a spiritual element in music will find much to admire and enjoy in these beautifully sung presentations. --Sarah Bryan Miller
Easter Choral music: Behold the Bridegroom is magnificent
R. Nicholson | 06/06/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Understanding the Mystery of Easter
Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 04/16/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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"
My favorite Russian Choral Music
Athenasculptress | Mountains | 01/02/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
True Easter
Baxter Sanderson | Portland, OR. USA | 11/21/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
