Search - Kiev Chant, Russian Orthodox Chant, Znamenny Chant :: Orthodox Chants from Russia

Beautiful!!!

benjamin | USA | 12/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Simply put, this is the most beautiful chant that I have ever heard in my life. Although I am a fan of Gregorian chant and later Western developments (Renaissance-era polyphony, etc.), I was surprised - but in the best of ways! - by some of the stylistic differences between the Optina Putsyn Male Choir or St. Petersburg and, for example, the Benedictine Monks of Santa Domingo (whose "Chant" CDs were quite the rave a number of years ago). In particular, there are several songs on here in which a type of lead vocal is sung by one of the members while the rest continue their chant in the background. It makes for an absolutely stunning combination of vocal styles, as the lead vocal is song monotone! It is beautiful enough to bring tears to your eyes.



As may be expected, the Psalms and elements of the Orthodox liturgy make up several of the 12 chants found on this CD. It should be noted that this CD is not a full liturgy, however, unlike a number of other Orthodox chant CDs, which have featured the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (for example).



The liner notes are helpful. When lyrics are available, they are translated (the entire CD is sung in Russian); when they are not given (for whatever reason), the song is explained. According to the notes, the Optina Putsyn Male Choir of St. Petersburg is composed of seven men whose musical efforts were blessed by the Orthodox Patriarch of Russian back in 1996. It appears that although they have been performing together for a number of years, this is their first CD this side of the Atlantic (or, depending on where you are at, this side of the Pacific).



If you are a fan of religious music, particularly chant or other forms of contemplative music, this is a great CD to add to your collection. It may be particularly conducive to meditation, prayer and other quiet times."

Windows of The Soul

Jeff Farrow | 03/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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 accoustics & his music was composed specifically for performance 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

"