Search - Marienhymnen Aus Russland :: Mariem Hymnen Aus Russland

A magnificent recording of rare beauty

N. E. Terry | Tustin, CA USA | 09/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is a proliferation of Russian liturgical music available on CD, and this trend has made many wonderful recordings available, particularly since the collapse of communism in Russia.Many Orthodox Christians, both musicians and nonmusicians, have remarked that the majority of the work becoming available on CD lacks the deep, prayerful beauty and what might be termed "the fragrance" of Orthodoxy. This is because these recordings are often produced to feature virtuoso performers and "solos", and thus they seem operatic, showcasing the "masterpieces" of Russian liturgical composers and the solo performers.This album, by contrast, preserves the deeply spiritual atmosphere of the music, focusing on the most lovely Russian hymns dedicated to the Mother of God, and sung by a wonderful choir. The CD has managed what few of these new recordings have: a superb performance that conveys the kind of sweetness and humility that one feels in church. It is my favorite CD of Orthodox music. Half of the music is performed by a combined choir of the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra and Moscow Religious Academy, and the other half by the Choir of the Church of the Dormition at the Monastery of the Virgin. Both are wonderful, but the last half of the CD is really heavenly, in my view.The music is among the very best of the Russian Church music available and truly honors the Mother of God. I highly recommend it to Orthodox Christians looking for good liturgical recordings and to anyone interested in hearing what Russian Orthodox music really is and should be--music suitable for worship and prayer."