Search - Alexander Tikhonovich Grechaninov, Valery Polyansky, Russian State Symphonic Choir :: Grechaninov: Liturgia Domestica (Complete)

An Absolutely Beautiful Recording

Walter Fekula | New York, NY USA | 12/24/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My late brother was a terrific conductor of Russian liturgical music When he was in his early 20s he had the privilege of studying under the great Russian composer Alexander T. Grechaninov (1864 - 1956) who is noted mostly for his wonderful compositions of liturgical music. The use of instruments in the Orthodox Church is not allowed and I purchased this recording with fear and trepidation that I would be banished to hell for ever for listening to it. I am familiar with most of this music a capella. The addition of the organ and other instruments results in a most beautiful recording and expands an already fantastic choir into a new dimension.The Russian bassos are there in full force. Polyansky takes his time and squeezes out every note out of this gorgeous religious music. If you are lover of Russian liturgical music this recording is a must. It is worth going to hell listening to it. I would rank it against any service from Bach to Messiaen. It was recorded live and I wish they cut the applause at the end."