Sergey Rachmaninov: Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
You might not expect to find an outstandingly well-sung and idiomatic recording of so profoundly Russian a work as Sergey Vassilyevich Rachmaninoff's Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom emanating from the Heartland and a group called the Kansas City Chorale, but you would be limiting yourself and your expectations unnecessarily. This is a beautifully realized performance of a spiritually moving and harmonically lovely score. It is a more complete version than that recorded by the St. Petersburg Chamber Choir, and for that reason is the first choice in CDs of this music. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Tracks:

Russian Cathedral Bells
Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Great Ektenia
Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Hymn of Praise
Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Hymn of the Cherubim
Bortniansky / Hymn of the Cherubim (excerpt)
Kedrov / Our Father
Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Fervent Supplication
Rospev / The Noble Joseph
Tchaikovsky / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 41: Amen. And with Thy Spirit
Russian Monastic Vespers (excerpt)
Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Bless the Lord, O my Soul
Tchaikovsky / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 41: Hymn of the Cherubim (excerpt)
Christov / Hymn of the Cherubim (excerpts/edited)
Tchaikovsky / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 41: Our Father
Gretchaninov / I have Chosen the Blissful
Lvovski / Hymn of the Cherubim
Final Bells

Product Description

1. Russian Cathedral Bells
2. Great Ektenia
3. Hymn of Praise
4. Hymn of the Cherubim
5. Hymn of the Cherubim
6. Our Father
7. Fervent Supplication
8. The Noble Joseph
9. Amen. And with Thy Spirit
10. Russian Monastic Vespers
11. Bless the Lord, O My Soul
12. Hymn of the Cherubim
13. Hymn of the Cherubim
14. Our Father
15. I Have Chosen The Blissful
16. Hymn of the Cherubim
17. Final Bells

Format: CD

Amazon.com's Best of 1998

Although this collection intends to transport the soul, it has a tremendously potent low-end depth to it that earns high marks indeed in the worlds of vocal and liturgical music. Dmitri Bortniansky's "Hymn of the Cherubim" is performed with a gracefulness that gets a warming fatness from the production, as does Alexander Gretchaninov's "I Have Chosen the Blissful," which travels with a ringing resonance. In a year of fine choral works--check out Sequentia's Hildegard cycle box, 900 Years or Arvo Pärt's Kanon Pokajanen for a "something old, something new" mix--this collection is highly valued for its sonic integrity and its excellent anthological mix. --Andrew Bartlett

Amazon.com

Words cannot describe poignantly enough the exquisite, angelic voices that permeate the heart and exalt the soul on Sacred Treasures. The most highly regarded Russian and Bulgarian choirs sing the hymns of Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, Lvovski, and other composers in the Russian Orthodox Church's tradition of "Divine Worship" (worship through chant). From the first tolling bells that open the CD with a willowy, floating piece from Rachmaninov's Liturgy of St. John, to the final bells closing the door on "Hymn of the Cherubim" (Grigory Lvovski), this CD creates a gentle, distinctly Byzantine glory. The rhythms slowly wisp along while the choirs' baritones, tenors, and sopranos mesh into one expansive blessing. Meant to comprehensively gather not all Russian liturgical pieces but rather hymns that emote an inner tranquility and celestial grace, Sacred Treasures plays like a piece of heaven on Earth. --Karen Karleski

Customer Reviews:

Inner beauty.......2007-02-07

The sense of beauty emerge within us as these chorals fill the space of our head and heart. A music written by real masters and interpreted by voices rarely heard. Beautiful.

Music for the soul.......2007-01-10

One of the best renditions of the Orthodox Liturgy most famous hymns.

Hauntingly beautiful.......2006-12-28

A terrific production...a wonderful selection; great phrasing. See also "Holy Love" by 'Rossica Choir'

Divine Beauty and Peace! .......2006-12-03

I am the producer of this CD and also of "SACRED TREASURES III: Choral Masterworks From Russia and Beyond" as well as "SACRED TREASURES IV: Quiet Prayers" and "CELTIC TWILIGHT 7: Sacred Spirit". In each case, my intention was to bring together the very best performances of exceptionally beautiful, slow and peaceful sacred music. Most of the pieces on this compilation (as on the other compilations mentioned above) are filled with lush harmonies sung by large mixed choirs. All the selections are deeply nourishing to the soul.

In many cases, I chose to use excerpts from longer pieces, omitting the exultant huge crescendos and very fast sections that are typical of Russian sacred music, presenting only the slow and quiet verses. One reviewer complained about the omission of the final (loud and fast) part of the Cherubic hymns, saying this is the best part, but I completely disagree! I feel that the slow "adagio" sections are by far the most beautiful parts, and that is what you will hear on these CDs.

Different types of music serve different needs, and in today's stressful and fast-paced world, one of the most important and often neglected needs is for time out from that world--to "lay aside all earthly cares" (as the "Cherubic Hymns" on this CD prescribe) and to rest in a magical, quiet space of slow, peaceful, beauty. That peaceful beauty is available to you on all of these albums, including this one, "SACRED TREASURES: Choral Masterworks from Russia"!

A Soviet version of Russian music.......2006-05-29

I admit to some strong bias here, having sung on the recording of Tchaikovsky's Liturgy available here from the Russian Chamber Chorus of New York. I was in that choir for five years, and our conductor's view of how to properly interpret Russian music became my own.

Because of Stalin's efforts to cleanse the country of the influence of religion, many musicians and composers were sent to Siberia. They were replaced with those from peasant backgrounds. The result was a huge change in how classical Russian music was performed, becoming less subtle, more interested in brute power and flash.

This recording features a massive and powerful choir. But the listener mostly hears a series of vowel sounds, with the consonants lost in the shuffle. Dynamic range is not as large as it could be. Phrasing is largely absent and we hear a steady wall of sound instead. Precision of rhythm is spotty, what consonants we do hear are frequently smeared. Pitch and richness of tone are good, but on high notes, inevitably given the size of the choir, some members strain.

Having performed and recorded Tchaikovsky's Liturgy I am very familiar with the piece. But listening to this recording of excerpts from it I sometimes barely recognized it as the same work. Tchaikovsky gives us great artistry, frequently crecendos and decrecendos on a single phrase. Each choral voice comes and goes like a wave, not all together like a tsunami in all but a few places. The balance of voices is constantly moving.

I encourage you to listen to the samples available here of the Russian Chamber Chorus's recording of Tchaikovsky's Liturgy, compare the same pieces. This recording is more a Vegas neon version of this great artwork than the fine art it deserves to be shown as. James Oestreich, the New York Times critic, put the Russian Chamber Chorus recording at #4 on his top ten list of classical releases for 2001, and said that if you had not heard it "You only think you know Tchaikovsky."

I hope you give the real Russian classical tradition a listen. It deserves your time, and it will pay you back with a huge amount of pleasure.

Sacred Treasures III: Choral Masterworks from Russia

Average customer rating:

Absolutely FANTASTIC CD !!
Sacred and a treasure!
Absolutely wonderful
More Divine Beauty and Peace!
It Doesn't Get any Better!!!

Sacred Treasures III: Choral Masterworks from Russia

Manufacturer: Hearts of Space
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Russia | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Ancient Echoes
Russian Medieval Chant
Basso Profondo From Old Russia
Russian Divine Liturgy
Russian Easter

ASIN: B00003XB5E
Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

Alleluia, Behold The Bridegroom
Sourp Sourp (Holy Holy)
Lord Have Mercy
The Mercy Of Peace (Excerpts)
Komm Susser Tod (Bach)
Serenade
Grant Us This O Lord
Our Father
Gloria (Excerpt)
Peaceful Light (Kiev Chant)
Praise The Lord O My Soul (Greek Chant)
Blessed Art Thou O Lord (Kiev Chant)
Chorale
Amen Alleluia

Amazon.com

What could be more sublime than a wall of dark, rotund Russian voices shimmering against the rising, ornate walls of a great cathedral? Not much, and this compilation of absolutely magnificent music proves it. The label Hearts of Space returns on this third choral collection to the ominous Slavic chant of their first choral album, Sacred Treasures I, which gathered together recordings of stunning Bulgarian and Russian choirs portraying the sacred works of Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, and other composers. Whereas Treasures I pulled from varied sections of sacred liturgies, including solo passages, Treasures III most often stays in harmonic chant with select voices occasionally rising and rolling in polyphonic heavenly calls. The collective voice draws the emotive tension taut here, as on Rimsky-Korsakov's "Our Father," which uses the absence of darkness to later juxtapose bold, rising drama. The Kiev chant "Blessed Art Thou O Lord" sends chills down the spine as the whispering consonants of the Russian language skip across the ancient repetition like sand skitters over a stormy beach. This is a collection as breathtakingly beautiful as the Cathedral of the Dormition itself. Not to be missed. --Karen K. Hugg

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely FANTASTIC CD !!.......2007-06-28

I'll keep this short: I'm not new to chant or choral music but there are SO MANY options out here that it's hard to know which ones are worth buying. I've got a few titles in my budding collection but I have to say that this particular recording is FANTASTIC. It is at once awe inspiring, meditative, and peaceful. Simply wonderful...

Sacred and a treasure!.......2007-06-11

Wow! This is as good as the first Sacred Treasures if not better. These holy and divine works are truly "the speech of angels".

Absolutely wonderful.......2006-12-28

I've really become taken with Russian choral music as of late. I've tried to get my hands on every recording I can, and amongst them all this is one of the very best. The phrasing, tonality and selection is terrific.

More Divine Beauty and Peace!.......2006-12-03

I am the producer of this CD and also of the first CD in the Sacred Treasures series called "SACRED TREASURES: Choral Masterworks From Russia" as well as of "SACRED TREASURES IV: Quiet Prayers" and "CELTIC TWILIGHT 7: Sacred Spirit". In each case, my intention was to bring together the very best performances of exceptionally beautiful, slow and peaceful sacred music. Most of the pieces on this compilation (as on the other compilations mentioned above) are filled with lush harmonies sung by large mixed choirs. All the selections are deeply nourishing to the soul.

In many cases, I chose to use excerpts from longer pieces, omitting the exultant huge crescendos and very fast sections that are typical of Russian sacred music, presenting only the slow and quiet verses. Different types of music serve different needs, and in today's stressful and fast-paced world, one of the most important and often neglected needs is for time out from that world--to "lay aside all earthly cares" (as the text to a Russian "Cherubic Hymn" prescribes) and to rest in a magical, quiet space of slow, peaceful, beauty. That peaceful beauty is available to you on all of these compilations, including this one, "SACRED TREASURES III"...

It Doesn't Get any Better!!!.......2006-10-09

Having collected a decent library of sacred music over the years I can readily attest that this is the best sacred music CD that I own, my second favorite being a requiem chant by the monks of Solesmes. Further, upon listening to this CD everyone I know seems to respond to it with the same enthusiasm. Track 10 is my personal favorite, but there are no weak pieces here. The entire production hangs together well. Can't recommend it enough to novice or seasoned liturgical music listener.

Sergey Rachmaninov: Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31

Average customer rating:

Just wish I could hear it better
This sure doesn't [sound] like Kansas!
Not just beautiful but awesome...
Heavenly
Not just good, but THE BEST

Sergey Rachmaninov: Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Sergei Rachmaninoff: Vespers (Mass for Unaccompanied Chorus)
Rachmaninov: Vespers
Alleluia: An American Hymnal
Rachmaninov: Vespers
Russian Divine Liturgy

ASIN: B0000037H6
Release Date: 1996-10-15

Tracks:

Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 1, The Great Litany
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 2, Bless The Lord, O My Soul
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 2, The Little Litany
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 3, Glory To The Father...Only Begotten Son
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 3, The Little Litany
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 4, In Thy Kingdom
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 5, Come, Let Us Worship
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 6, O Lord, Save...Holy God
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 7, The Augmented Litany
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 8, The Cherubic Hymn

Tracks:

Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 9, The Litany Of Supplication And Father, Son...
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 10, The Creed
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 11, A Mercy Of Peace
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 12, We Hymn Thee
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 13, It Is Truly Fitting
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 13, The Litany Before The Lord's Prayer
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 14, Our Father
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 15, And To Your Spirit... Only One Is Holy
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 16, Praise The Lord From The Heavens
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 17, Blessed Is He And We Have Seen
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 18, Let Our Mouths Be Filled
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 18, The Little Litany
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 19, Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: No. 20, Glory To The Father And Many Years

Amazon.com

You might not expect to find an outstandingly well-sung and idiomatic recording of so profoundly Russian a work as Sergey Vassilyevich Rachmaninoff's Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom emanating from the Heartland and a group called the Kansas City Chorale, but you would be limiting yourself and your expectations unnecessarily. This is a beautifully realized performance of a spiritually moving and harmonically lovely score. It is a more complete version than that recorded by the St. Petersburg Chamber Choir, and for that reason is the first choice in CDs of this music. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews:

Just wish I could hear it better.......2005-02-24

I agree with all the reviews. The quality of the performers is just astounding. The one thing that I would add, which keeps me from giving this CD a 5 star rating, is that the level is so low that I have to turn up my CD player all the way to hear some of the softer sections, and even then I have to strain to hear it. I've tried it on several players, from a Car CD player to my huge home theater, and the result is the same. Other than that, it is a great piece.

This sure doesn't [sound] like Kansas!.......2002-01-16

Don't jump to conclusions and assume that a group that calls itself the "Kansas City Chorale" can't perform the Rachmaninov "t. John Chrysostom Liturgy" the way it should be. I nearly missed out on what is a truly amazing and gorgeous recording because of musical snobbery. 'What could people in Kansas possibly know about Russian?' Apparently, quite a lot. And with the aid of the sumptuous, golden voice of Father Andre Papkov, a singer from the New England Conservatory who has made it his business to become a definitive voice in Russian liturgical singing, you get the full sense of this most gorgeous mass. I actually preferred it over several Russian recordings, sad to say, because the Kansas City Chorale was better able to capture the idiomatic style that is central to this type of singing - seamless and blended, with huge architectural harmonies and extremely effective dynamics that bely their small size (only 30 singers although they sound like at least double that). Buy this one and you won't be sorry!

Not just beautiful but awesome..........2001-07-23

For all the years,I've been looking for some kind of inspirational music to help ease and soothe the tension and all the problems of the world that I have been having.I have collected many religious songs,choral work,instrumental and so on.This one I have found while browsing on the net and someone accidentally or maybe proposedly put it in my e-mail through "beliefnet.com".When I listened it,I said to my self this is what I have been looking for.The music and the choir is so beautiful,I wondered how the choir can make such a wonderful arrangement.Sometimes I wish I could bring this CD to the next world if I'm allow to.Try it,I'm sure you will love it....

Heavenly.......2001-06-01

This Protestant loves beautiful church music whereever he can find it. And Russian Orthodox church music is just about the most beautiful in the world. As a Protestant, I obviously do not how this SHOULD sound. I only know that some of this music is so hauntingly lovely it's scary. I also know that the choir is outstanding here and that the sound quality of the CD is extraordinary.

Buy this. You won't regret it.

Not just good, but THE BEST.......2000-01-19

How do you get an an American choir from the midwest to make a superior recording of the most recorded major work in Russian Church Music? First, they use an actual Protodeacon (Fr. Andre Papkov) for the exclamations. Most recordings don't even use a deacon (which during the litanies is like listening to half of a conversation), and those recordings that do have a deacon, usually have some non-Orthodox singer come in and sing the part. This makes for a superfluous and mediocre performance by the "deacon," who usually has absolutely no knowledge of how a deacon in the Russian Orthodox Church sould sound. Second, the choir is coached by experts who specialize in the field of Russian Liturgical Music. Other recordings don't even come close to what a Russian choir should sound like. This choir has REAL "Russian" basses who are mellow and the foundation of the choral sound, and not those loud, out-of-control baritones. The sound is beautifully blended and doesn't feature the sopranos screaming above the rest of the choir, like on other recordings. Their diction is perfect and crystal clear, which makes them sound like Russians. Thus, it is no wonder why Nos. 8 (Cherubic Hymn), 12 (We Hymn Thee), and 14 (Our Father) sound like you've entered the heavenly realm.

Tracks:

Overture
Russian National Anthem
Oh Fields My Fields, Song Of The Plains
The Sacred War
In The Sunny Clearing
Kalinka
We Sing To Thee
On The Road
Smuglianka
A Partisan's Song
Along The Peterskaya Road
Dark Eyes
Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves
Bandit's Chorus
Spanish Medley: Amapola/Valencia/Granada
Excerpt From 'Boris Godunov'
March Of The Toreadors
Nessun Dorma
Di Quella Pira
Katyusha
Moscow Nights

Customer Reviews:

"arguably the world's best in choral & dance".......2005-02-09

Silva Classics presents "Live in Paris", featuring The Red Army Choir, Orchestra and Dance Ensemble with some of the most impressive musicians and singers numbering over 400 members...when you listen to this album, voices ring true and clear with the gusto of "RUSSIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM" and "KALINKA" seem to jump out at you...these recordings are priceless and have brought the years to the forefront, when this male choir took first place at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1937.

Silva Classics has taken the reins to bring the "ultimate" of full choir sounds, including classical suites and traditional songs...if you love superb vocals with rich and vibrant styles...21 selections guaranteed to take your breath away...rich harmonies and the amalgamation of voices makes the music eternal...among the best choirs of the planet...this album has it all.

My highlight picks are the "CHORUS OF THE HEBREW SLAVES" (from "Nabucco"), "BANDIT'S CHORUS" (from "Ernant"), "SPANISH MEDLEY:AMAPOLA I VALENCIA I GRANADA", Excerpt from "BORIS GODUNOV", "MARCH OF THE TOREADORS" (from "Carmen")", "NESSUN DORMA" (from "Turandot"), "DE QUELLA PIRA" (from "Il Travatore"), outstanding arrangements and excellent performances within each members sections, a must have for your music collection...every performance is remarkable, completely above all expectations...if you love the classics, this will satisfy your cravings.

Total Time: 77:00 on 21 Tracks ~ Silva America 6038 ~ (2/08/2005)

Rachmaninov: Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Average customer rating:

a nice change from "gloria in excelsis deo" (... in infinitum :p )
exhale
Excellent "follow-up" to All-Night Vigil

Rachmaninov: Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Rachmaninoff: Vespers / Cleobury, King's College Choir
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Vespers (Mass for Unaccompanied Chorus)
Russian Divine Liturgy
Rachmaninov: Vespers
Rachmaninov: All-Night Vigil

ASIN: B0001E8C00
Release Date: 2004-03-08

Tracks:

Blessing/Great Litany
First Antiphon
Small Litany
Second Antiphon
Small Litany
Third Antiphon
Little Entrance
Trisagion
Cherubic Hymn
Litany Of Supplication
The Creed
'Mercy And Peace'
'We Praise You'
Hymn To The Mother Of God
'First Of All Remember, Lord'
The Lord's Prayer
'One Is Holy'
Communion Verse
Communion Of The Faithful
Let Our Mouths Be Filled'
Small Litany
'Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord'
Dismissal And Blessing/Many Years

Album Details

The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is a Service of the Orthodox Church. Written in 1910, the Work Consists of Twenty Settings for Unaccompanied Four-part Chorus. Rachmaninov Follows Very Strictly the Church Rules that Required Intelligibility of the Text and the Avoidance of Polyphony. Instruments were Forbidden, with Only Unaccompanied Voices Being Permitted. The Rhythm Throughout the Work Generally Closely Follows the Natural Rhythms of the Text. Rachmaninov's Setting is Designed Primarily for Liturgical Use, but also Works Very Well Outside this Context (Indeed the Premiere was a Secular Performance.) This Work was Recorded in July 2003 in Kings' Chapel. Using an All-male Choir with Boy's Voices for the Soprano Lines Inevitably Creates a Different Sound Than the Composer Would have Known - Mixed Choirs Had Been Normal in Russia at Least from the Eighteenth Century in Those Churches that Followed the Imperial Lead in Using Westernised Music.

Customer Reviews:

a nice change from "gloria in excelsis deo" (... in infinitum :p ).......2005-11-15

I must say this is a very welcome change from the usual "gloria in excelsis deo" etc that I hear all the time in (mostly early) choral/vocal music. Not that I'm really sick of it, that's just what I'm used to & it's where I'm coming from. So compared to those recordings this one is sounds 'less complicated' than other choral music I have, I assume because of the restrictions on the composer. Most of the words are intelligible which also sets this work apart from the old-school stuff I'm used to. That's where the differences end though; although Rachmaninoff is a modern composer especially compared with Victoria, Rore, Palestrina, Morales, etc this work sounds like it was composed hundreds of years ago. I go for that old-school stuff because modern music usually sounds too discordant & 'weird' to me, but I really like this album. It doesn't sound like 20th-century stuff.

exhale.......2005-07-08

This is a difficult set of music to review because it is profoundly spiritual in a way that can be off-putting for a Westerner not fluent in a Slavic language. I had this album for months before I really sat down and listened to the whole thing through, beginning to end. I sampled parts of the liturgy, finding the trisagion ("Thrice Holy") to be one I came back to frequently. For whatever reason, I found this "accessible", but it's likely that each listener will find some thing for his heart and mind to replay and relive after one or two listenings. Over time, I found the litanies to be especially profound. Normally, we think of a litany as a long list of whiny grievances. Many people who use the word in this way are unfamiliar with the sublime form it takes in Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic worship. The choir beautifully and faithfully recreates the meaning of a litany -- a profound supplication having its origin in the very core of human existence before the throne of God. If you turn up the volume up on the Litany of Supplication and listen to the phrasing of the breaths, you understand what Scripture means when it says that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. At least, this is what came to my mind as I listened. One senses in the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom that the Spirit is teaching us to pray more deeply. The choir masterfully expresses the beautiful synthesis of longing and hope that marks the life of every Christian during mortal existence. The baritones in the choir provide an earthly fortress from which the higher voices arc into heaven. The world is both body and soul, heaven and earth and the music reflects the essential sanctity of God's creation. Rachmaninov's interpretation of the liturgy is a profound repudiation of materialism and fleeting human whims and emotions, but it never strays into gnosticism. It refines the fleeting sentiments, elevating and anchoring them to eternity. It compels us to accept the burden of life with hope and joy so long as we ground ourselves firmly in prayer and devotion. God permeates our existence: the arrangement of voices tell us this emphatically and irresistibly. Another thing to look for -- and it helps to follow along in the libretto -- is the conversation between the priest, deacon and choir. There's a Trinitarian element present in the liturgy that demands our awareness and understanding.

Excellent "follow-up" to All-Night Vigil.......2004-05-24

Definitely for fans of Cleobury & King's interpretation of Vespers by the same composer, a recording that was not w/o some detractors ("English AND all-male tackling Russian Orthodox? What will they think of next...?"). Very heart-felt and dynamic vocal "shadings" in the Liturgy that are faithful to the authoritative (Russian) editions of Rachmaninov's score. Truly rewarding.

Rachmaninov: The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Average customer rating:

The Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom
Best's best - a very effective recording

Rachmaninov: The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000002ZTX
Release Date: 1994-10-25

Tracks:

The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: The Great Litany
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: The First Antiphon: Bless The Lord, O my soul
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: The Second Antiphon: Glory Be To The Father- Only - Begotten Son
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: The Third Antiphon: In Your Kingdom
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: The Little Entrance: Come, Let Us Worship
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Trisagion: Lord, We Pray That You May Be Mercifil - Holy God
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: The Augmented Litany
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Cherubic Hymn
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Litany Of Supplication
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: The Creed: I Believe
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: The Eucharistic Prayer: A Mercy Of Peace
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: We Praise You
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Hymn To The Mother Of God: It Is Truly Meet
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: The Lord's Prayer: Our Father
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: One Is Holy
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Communion Hymn: Praise The Lord From The Heavens
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Blessed Is He - We Have Seen The True Light
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Hymn Of Praise: Let Our Mouths Be Filled With Your Praise
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Dismissal

Customer Reviews:

The Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom.......2000-08-06

I happened upon this work purely by accident and bought it immediately. If I could choose the music I'd be hearing as I leave this earth, this would be it!

Russian choral music is decidedly an acquired taste; it's lugubrious to many but I find its sombre ecstasy and austere opulence uplifting. When you listen it to it you truly are hearing the innermost desire of the soul translated into musical form.

Best's best - a very effective recording.......2000-05-09

Having recorded his famous "All-Night Vigil" setting for Hyperion, the Corydon Singers have done a marvellous thing indeed by turning their attention to Rachmaninov's "Liturgy of St John Chrysostom." On first hearing, this was not perhaps as appealing to my ears as the Vespers, but the significance of this music should not be overlooked. It was written as a sort of prototype to the All-Night Vigil, and listeners familiar with any recording of that work will recognise various traits such as lush harmonies, the use of Russian chants, the overtly prayerful nature of the music and a descent to the infernal regions of the voice (there are actually more low B flats in this piece than there are in the All-Night Vigil!). This work is actually longer than the Vigil by over ten minutes, although a lot of this consists of chanting by a Priest (a role taken on by the outstanding bass Peter Scorer, who sounds almost incredibly Russian). Overall, the musical material (melodic and harmonic) is much simpler, not requiring the same virtuosity needed for the Vigil but still very much a test of stamina for the singers. Nonetheless, there are some particularly fine moments on this disc, including the Cherubic Hymn, the meltingly beautiful verse "Tyebye Poyem" ("We Praise You") and the eight-part Lord's Prayer which is frequently performed as a separate work on account of it's haunting and instantly memorable use of two choirs, texturally interwoven.

The Corydon Singers, recorded over several sessions in the Temple Church, London, create on this recording the most powerful, moving and stirring sound. Comparisons with actually attending a Russian service would not be out of place here. Plus, the singers have a very special flexibility and blend that does ample justice to the music (with which Rachmaninov was most satisfied).

Tracks:

Let all mortal flesh keep silence
Veni, Redemptor gentium
Hodie Christus natus est
Omnes de Saba venient
Ich bin ein rechter Weinstock
The crown of roses
Vo tsarvii Tvoyem (The Beatitudes)
Pater noster
Christus factus est
Good Friday Reproaches (Improperia)
Eram quasi agnus
O vos omnes
Crucifixus (for eight voices)
Surgens Jesus
Ascendo ad Patrem
Viri Galilaei
Jesu, dulcis memoria
Ave verum Corpus
Pange lingua
Agnus Dei
O sacrum convivium

Customer Reviews:

Christus factus est.......2005-09-23

This disc concentrates on images of Christ in a capella music over the centuries. According to Rutter, 'Around the figure of Christ there has grown up over the centuries a body of choral literature that can only be described as among the most remarkable in western civilisation.'

--Music--
Selections on this disc come from all over the Western world. They range from as early as eleventh-century France to twentieth-century Russia, a millennium in song and composition. Rutter has selected five major themes - the Coming of Christ (Advent and Christmas), the Words of Christ (lesson texts and prayers, such as the Lord's Prayer, by Stravinsky), the Passion of Christ (Holy Week and Good Friday), the Resurrection and Ascension (Easter), and Christ in the Eucharist (worship and ongoing presence).

Here is a mixture of sacred compositions ranging from standard Gregorian chant and Sarum chant to medieval compositions from Palestrina, de Victoria and Byrd, up to more modern composers such as Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Bruckner, Barber, and Messiaen. This being said, Rutter states, 'The aim [of this disc] is not a liturgical reconstruction, nor an historical survey, but rather a journey of the imagination.'

--Liner Notes--
The notes for this recording include the titles and words of each anthem or hymn, both in original language and English translation text. The notes for each piece also includes brief biographical information of the composer, and unique information about each work, when particular composers are represented more than once. One thing conspicuously missing is much biographical information about John Rutter, or any descriptive information about the Cambridge Singers. Happily, this disc does have a list of the singers.

--John Rutter--
Rutter was born in London and educated at Clare College, Cambridge. This was where his career as a composer, arranger and conductor began. His early work was with groups at King's College Chapel at Cambridge as well as the Bath Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked for the BBC providing music for educational series such as 'The Archaeology of the Bible Lands', until in 1979 he began forming the Cambridge Singers, and has continued a remarkable career of performance and recording as their director ever since.

--The Cambridge Singers--
The Cambridge Singers are a mixed choir of voices, many of whom were members of choir of Rutter's college, Clare College, Cambridge. While they specialise in English and Latin liturgical pieces, they have a wide range of recordings that span from modern compositions (including a remarkable requiem by Rutter) to English folk songs of the Middle Ages. Many are former members of the choir of Clare College and other Cambridge collegiate choirs (hence the name, Cambridge Singers). In the quarter-century since the founding, the Cambridge Singers have produced an impressive body of recordings.

A fantastic recording.......2000-06-06

This collection of music from the last thousand years is masterful from start to finish. From well-known mainstays of choral repertoire such as Lotti's "Crucifixus" and Casals' "O Vos Omnes" to the more seldom heard pieces, such as Rachmaninov's setting of the Beatitudes, the listener is treated to musically sympathetic and disciplined performances. Even if, like me, you're not of a religious persuasion, you'll love every minute of it.

There are so many highlights to this album it becomes cruel to say any piece was not among them. The Barber Adagio/Agnus Dei is a masterwork, and the Cambridge Singers' discipline and pathos make the arrangement come alive in ways the strings simply can't.. The Lotti "Crucifixus" (an enduring classic), Casals "O Vos Omnes" (a beautiful and moving work, conveying the suffering of the Passion without garishness) and Byrd's enchanting "Viri Gallilei" are fantastic and provide more than enough reason to buy the album. The Messaien "O Sacrum Convivium," with its subtly sensuous harmonies and the Bairstow "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" with its haunting melody and varied textures will silence any who say that church music has become a lost art in the 20th Century. Palestrina's phrases soar as though on the wings of angels (particularly in "Hodie Christus Natus Est.") And Bruckner, as always in his good moments, is as sexy as the Church would let him be.

While the inclusion of some Stanford or Tallis would have been fantastic, this album stands as one that should be in the library of anyone who loves choral music, along with "Hail Gladdening Light" and "Faire is the Heaven."

In short, BUY THIS ALBUM. You'll love it.

Exquisite!.......1999-03-08

The selections are gorgeously sung and spiritually moving beyond anything I can think of, right up there with Verdi's Requiem. My teen, who thinks rock music is the only music, was so moved by Samuel Barber's Agnus Dei, that she asked for her own copy of the CD. If you are already a believer, this music will remind you why you are. If not, it might just take you there.

Another sterling Cambridge Singers disc.......1998-09-10

This is a marvelous collection of choral music, notably Lotti's Crucifixus (in eight parts), and a stunning rendition of Barber's Agnus Dei (his choral arrangement of the Adagio for Strings, which was itself his arrangement for string orchestra of the Adagio from his String Quartet). Highly recommended!

Angels of Ecstasy / Heppner, Kasarova, Ozawa, Davis, Sweet

Average customer rating:

True Masterpiece
Angelic ecstasy

Angels of Ecstasy / Heppner, Kasarova, Ozawa, Davis, Sweet
Gustav Mahler , Gabriel Fauré , Pietro Mascagni , Johann Sebastian Bach , Johannes Brahms , Giuseppe Verdi , Gregorio Allegri , John Tavener , Arrigo Boito , Samuel Barber , Thomas Tallis , Hildegard of Bingen , Sergey Rachmaninov , National Philharmonic Orchestra , Freiburg Baroque Orchestra , Boston Symphony Orchestra , Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra , Bavarian Radio Orchestra , La Scala Theater Orchestra & Chorus , The New Company , Elizabeth Glen Sequentia , Richard Marlow , Vladimir Minin , James Levine , John McCarthy , Thomas Hengelbrock , Seiji Ozawa , Sir Colin Davis , Mykola Gobdych , Riccardo Muti , and Harry Bickett
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Angels of Ecstasy, Vol. 2

ASIN: B00002JXEF
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

Requiem In C Minor, Op. 48, No. 7 In Paradisum - Richard Marlow
Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, OP. 31. Bless the Lord, O My Soul - Moscow Chamber Choir
Cavelleria Rusticana Regina Coeli, Laetare-Alleluja! - John McCarthy
Mass In B Minor BWV 232 Kyrie Eleison - Freiburger Barockorchester
Requiem In C Minor, Op. 48, No. 4 Pie Jesu - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45, No. 4 Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen - Sir Colin Davis
Messa Da Requiem, No. 4 Sanctus - Sir Colin Davis
Miserere Mei, Deus - Richard Marlow
Svyati 'O Holy One' (Abridged) - Mykola Gobdych
Mefistofele Ave Signor, Degli Angeli - Riccardo Muti
Angus Dei - Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge
Spem In Alium - The New Company
O Pastor Animarum - Barbara Thornton
Symphony No. 8 In E-Flat Major 'symphonie der tausend' alles vergangliche ist nur ein gleichnis - Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks

Customer Reviews:

True Masterpiece.......2004-01-29

This CD is a jewel of the world of music. If you close your eyes, you can picture yourself in a European cathedral during Midieval times. This CD guarantees relaxation and comfort. It shall bring with it, elegance and class to any home. Buy this CD.

Angelic ecstasy.......1999-12-03

A splendid collection of orchestral religious music. Soothing, exquisite, and an excellent cross section. Brahms, Lloyd-Weber, Mascagni, Faure and many others with pieces selected for beautiful contemplative listening. A perfect musical elegy for rainy wintry days, lined with the glow of spiritual peace and hope. A gem of a CD - every friend of mine who has heard this CD wants it.

Mystery of the East: Music from Russian Churches and Monastaries

Average customer rating:

Mystery of the East: Music from Russian Churches and Monasteries

Mystery of the East: Music from Russian Churches and Monastaries

Manufacturer: Capriccio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Orthodox Chants from Russia
Basso Profondo From Old Russia
Music from Russian Monasteries & Churches
Russian Divine Liturgy
Bortnyansky: Sacred Concertos for Double Choir, Vol. 6

ASIN: B000001WSX
Release Date: 1995-11-08

Tracks:

Great Litany - Sofia Orthodox Ens/Miroslav Popsavov
Praise To The Lord - Bulgarian Nat Chor/Georgi Robev
Our Father - Rybin Choir, Moscow
We Praise Thee, We Sing Thee - Bulgarian Nat Chor/Georgi Robev
Cherubim Song No. 7 - Rybin Choir, Moscow
Psalms - Bulgarian Nat Chor/Georgi Robev
Holy Lord - Bulgarian Nat Chor/Georgi Robev
The Heavenly Powers - Rybin Choir, Moscow
Our Father - Sofia Orthodox Ens/Miroslav Popsavov
Recue Us, O Lord - Rybin Choir, Moscow
Cherubim Song - Sofia Orthodox Ens/Miroslav Popsavov
We Worship The Power Of Love - Rybin Choir, Moscow
Praise Be To God - Bulgarian Nat Chor/Georgi Robev
Of The Wonders Praised By All - Rybin Choir, Moscow
Our Father - Bulgarian Nat Chor/Georgi Robev

Customer Reviews:

Mystery of the East: Music from Russian Churches and Monasteries.......2007-04-10

An excellent recording-with exception of the engineering. Having attended a concert of choral music from the Ukraine, I find this recording faithfully follows all the whisper quiet to needing earplugs in your ears volume. The music is performed admirably, and the diction is good - I would be able to understand the words if I understood Russian. In the Russian tradition, the pieces are all acapella, and well done. In my humble opinion, this is a very good buy if you are interested in Russian choral music.

Average customer rating:

Excellent choir; excellent music

Arma Lucis
Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum , Conductor Almeda Berkey , Jackson Berkey , William Billings , Anton Bruckner , Maurice Durufle , Antonio Lotti , Knut Nystedt , Sergey Rachmaninov , American Traditional , Spiritual Traditional , Tomas Luis de Victoria , Beth Asbjörnson , Norman Luboff , Tomas Lodovico da Vittoria , Maurice Durufl , Phyllis Noble , Sid Davis , and Sergei Rachmaninoff
Manufacturer: Soli Dei Gloria Rec.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000E7S1
Release Date: 1989-10-01

Tracks:

Were You There?, Spiritual, arr. Norman Luboff
Crucifixus (8-part), Antonio Lotti
Christus Factus est, Anton Bruckner
Arma Lucis (Beth Asbjornson: Soprano solo), Jackson Berkey
O Vos Omnes, Tomas Lodovico da Vittoria
Kyrie ("Thanksgiving Mass", Julian Klaczynsky, Ron Noecker: Chant), Knut Nystedt
Ubi Caritas, Maurice Durufle
Cherubim Hymn, Sergei Rachmaninoff
Chester, A Song of the Revolution, William Billings
More Love, Shaker Hymn, setting by Sid Davis
Deep River, Fold Hymn (Phyllis Noble: Alto solo), arr. Norman Luboff
All my Trials, Bahamian Spiritual (Sara Brooks O'Neil: Alto solo), arr. Norman Luboff
Wearing of the Green, Irish Folk (Jackson Berkey: Field Snare), arr. Norman Luboff
Wade in the Water, Spiritual (Catherine Vouk: Soprano solo, Jackson Berkey: Tuned Drums), arr. Norman Luboff

Customer Reviews:

Excellent choir; excellent music.......2002-07-30

First, you probably haven't heard of this group, the Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum. Think of them as a midwestern "farm team" for Norman Luboff. The Berkeys, Almeda (the conductor), and her husband Jackson (composer of the title piece) were good friends of Luboff. They lived in Nebraska, and Luboff suggested they create their own choir to do the same kind of music (and have the fun) that Luboff did. The SDG Cantorum was the result.

"Arma Lucis", the title cut of the recording, is a modern, but quite accessible work. Other selections include 5 spirituals, all arranged by Luboff, and a wide variety of other styles, from Lotti's Crucifixus from the early 18th century to a Kyrie by Knut Nystedt (circa 1970), and some early American music thrown in as well ("Chester" from the time of the American Revolution). The selections show off the versatility of the choir. They are well trained, with a solid tone, and are up to the demands of the wide range of music. Bruckner's "Christus Factus Est" and the spiritual "Wade in the Water" are especially thrilling....

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Hippy Hippy Shake

Tomasson: Spírall; Concerto

Valentin Silvestrov: Dedication (Symphony for Violin & Orchestra) / Post Scriptum (Sonata for Violin & Piano) - Gidon Kremer / Munich Philharmonic

Odyssey

Their Most Beautiful Ballads [Original recording remastered] [Import]

The White Hole

V.2 Boleros Del Caribe

Tunesmith: The Songs of Jimmy Webb

Typical

Kaija Saariaho: Château de l'âme / Graal Théâtre / Amers

This Is Always

Sexteto Tipica De Cuba [Import]

The Best of Trini Lopez

Franco Alfano: Symphonies 1 & 2